Comparison of the third-generation streamlined liner of the pharynx airway (SLIPA-3G) with the laryngeal mask airway supreme for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized prospective study

BACKGROUND: The third-generation streamlined liner of the pharynx airway (SLIPA-3G) is a new-generation supraglottic airway device (SAD) that is non-cuffed and disposable, with a sealing pressure that varies dynamically with the airway pressure. This study compared the SLIPA-3G with the laryngeal mask airway supreme (LMAS) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated to either the SLIPA-3G group or the LMAS group. Data were collected on the patients’ hemodynamic parameters at different time points, ease of insertion, fiberoptic view, oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP) at different time points and SAD-related complications. RESULTS: The mean OLP immediately after device placement in the LMAS group was significantly higher than that of the SLIPA-3G group (31.34 ± 6.99 cmH(2)O vs.28.94 ± 6.01 cmH(2)O, P = 0.008, 95% CI 0.62–4.17). The OLPs of the two groups were not significantly different after the induction of a pneumoperitoneum until the end of surgery. The OLP increased gradually through the course of the operation in the SLIPA-3G group (P value = 0.035) but not in the LMAS group (P value = 0.945). There was no significant difference between the two groups in hemodynamic parameters, insertion time and success rate, fiberoptic view and complication rate. CONCLUSIONS: The SLIPA-3G and LMAS were associated with comparable OLPs, hemodynamic parameters, ease of insertion, fiberoptic views and complication rates when used during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The SLIPA-3G can be used as an effective alternative to the LMAS in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries.