Comparison between standard digital insertion and Macintosh direct laryngoscope guided technique of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway insertion in children: a double blind randomized study

ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway is commonly used for airway management during general anesthesia in children. However insertion using the standard digital blind technique may sometimes result in suboptimal positioning due to the bulky tip and soft cuff of the device. Direct visualization using a Macintosh laryngoscope may help improve placement of the device. This randomized double blind interventional study aims to compare the success rate of correct placement of ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway between the standard digital blind insertion technique and the Macintosh direct laryngoscope guided technique in pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia. Secondary outcomes include procedure time number of insertion attempts oropharyngeal leak pressure ease of gastric tube placement and adverse events in the postoperative period. The study hypothesizes that the laryngoscope guided technique will result in a higher proportion of correct placement compared with the standard digital insertion technique.