A prospective observational study of I-gel supraglottic airway in short gynaecological laparoscopic surgeries

Increase use of laryngeal masks like I-gel in recent years is growing because of its single use, non-inflatable and other advantages.

This prospective observational study was conducted in female patients who came for laparoscopic surgeries in IVF unit of a tertiary care teaching institute during study period of 6 months in whom I-gel supraglottic airway device was used. Age, weight, type of surgery, I-gel size, number of insertion attempts ease of insertion, oropharyngeal leak pressure were recored. Any complications occurring during insertion and adverse events in post-operative period were noted.

A total of sixty women were included with in a study period of six month. Mean age of the patients were 30.55 years. Duration of anaesthesia ranged from 25 to 50 min. Most of the surgeries (60%) were performed as diagnostic laparoscopy. The overall insertion success rate was 96.67%. Size 3 was used comfortably in every case and it was judged as easy in every case. Mean insertion time of I-gel was 6.5 seconds (range 4–8 seconds). Oropharyngeal leak pressure was 26 cm of water (range 23–40). No complication or adverse event was noted during peri and post-operative period.

I-gel is a simple, reliable, fast, effective and easy to use supraglottic airway device with high leak pressure and without significant complications in patients requiring shorter duration surgery like gynaecological laparoscopic surgeries.