Sunitha Kuruvadi Sreeramalu1, J. Prashanth Prabhu2, Sadanand Gopal3
ABSTRACT: Two groups of 30 patients of ASA 1 and 2 were randomly selected to compare intubation success rates through intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) using conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) endotracheal (ET) tube (Group E) and the ET tube provided with ILMA set (Group I) in Mallampati (MP) 3 and 4 patients. Successful intubation in first attempt in Group E patients 15/30 (50%) was less compared to 21/30 (70%) in Group I patients. Incidence of sore throat was higher in Group E patients 12/30 (40%) compared to Group I patients 2/30 (6.67%). Time taken for intubation was longer with PVC tube compared to ILMA tube. Trauma and pilot balloon entanglement was observed with PVC tube. Incidence of esophageal intubation was high in patients intubated with ILMA tube. ILMA tube is economical than conventional PVC tube. ILMA is one of the techniques to manage difficult intubation and not a solution in all difficult intubations.
