Comparison of intubating LMA and I-gel for ease of insertion and as a conduit for endotracheal intubation

Background:  A recently introduced supraglottic airway device (SAD) has been claimed to be an efficient supraglottic airway. It can also be used as a conduit for endotracheal intubation. However, LMA frequently used for this purpose; hence in this randomized study, success rate of blind tracheal intubation through two different SADs i-gel and LMA was evaluated. Methods: This is a prospective study was conducted in the Department of Anesthesia at Tertiary Care Center Teaching among 180 patients fulfilling the criteria. Fasting patients with ages 20-50 years undergoing elective procedures under general anesthesia with ASA physical status 1 and 2 and Mallampatti class I and II were included in the study. Whereas patients with ASA physical status 3 or 4, and having contraindications to insertion of LMA or i-gel™ such as; mouth opening less than 2 cm, increased risk of aspiration, anticipated difficult intubation and facemask ventilation, with Mallampatti class III to IV were excluded. Results: The 180 patients selected for the study were randomized into two groups of 90 each.&nbsp