Abstract:
Objective:To explore the feasibility of placing a flexible laryngeal mask airway (fLMA) with the spatula-assisted technique. Methods:A total of 64 patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia with fLMA, aged 18-80 years old, with an ASA grade of Ⅰ-Ⅲwere selected. The patients were randomly divided into standard finger-guided group and spatula-assisted group using random envelope method, with 32 cases in each group. The insertion time of fLMA and oropharyngeal leak pressure were measured, and the fiberoptic view score, first insertion success rate, and sore throat rate were recorded in two groups. Results:Sixty-two patients were available for the final statistical analysis, with 31 cases in each group. Fiberoptic view score and oropharygeal leakage pressure were significantly higher in the spatula-assisted group than those in the standard finger-guided group (Z=-4.241,P<0.001; t=-4.474,P<0.001). The insertion time was significantly longer in the spatula-assisted group than that in the standard finger-guided group (t=-15.171,P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the first insertion success rate between the two groups (100% vs 93.55%). There was no sore throat within 24 hours in both groups. Conclusions:The spatula-assisted technique can significantly improve the efficiency of fLMA, and it can be further applied in clinical work.