Proseal laryngeal mask airway and endotracheal intubation in lower abdominal gynecological surgeries for perioperative gastric volume assessment and assessing postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal functions: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Background: In the context of perioperative care, the concern of gastric content aspiration during surgical procedures is crucial, though relatively rare. Supraglottic devices after the creation of pneumoperitoneum and positive pressure ventilation may cause gastric insufflation. This study explores the unique aspects of antral cross-sectional area (CSA) measurement as a novel indicator in comparing the use of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and endotracheal intubation in airway management during lower abdominal surgeries and assessing postoperative recovery in both the groups.

Methods: The study commenced after obtaining approval from Institutional Ethical Committee (IEC number-AIIMS/IEC/22/251 Date: 27/05/2022) and after registration in Clinical Trials Registry - India (CTRI) (CTRI/2022/07/044102 Registered on: 18/07/2022) and was conducted from August 2022 to August 2023. A total of 72 ASA I and II participants were included in two groups: endotracheal tube (ETT) (Group E) and PLMA (Group P). The primary outcome was the antral CSA, and secondary outcomes included hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, time to start clear fluid, light diet, and length of stay.

Results: Our results showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in antral CSA at various time intervals. The hemodynamic variables were significantly higher in the endotracheal tube group (P < 0.0001). The absence of significant differences in time to start clear liquids, time to start a light diet, and time to achieve bowel movements between the ETT and PLMA groups suggested that both airway management techniques are equally safe in facilitating postoperative recovery concerning gastrointestinal functions.

Conclusions: Patients who underwent minimally invasive lower abdominal surgeries, choice of airway management technique, whether ETT or PLMA, did not substantially impact antral CSA, vital parameters, respiratory parameters, or postoperative recovery.