Intubating laryngeal mask for airway management in lateral decubitus state: comparative study of right and left lateral positions.

BACKGROUND The intubating laryngeal mask has been used for the emergency management of the airway in patients placed in the lateral decubitus position. We have conducted this prospective study to compare the feasibility of placement of an intubating laryngeal mask and blind tracheal intubation guided by the intubating laryngeal mask in patients placed in the right and the left lateral positions. METHODS A total of 82 adults of both sexes with normal airways, scheduled for cholecystectomy, were allocated randomly to be placed in either the right (n=41) or left (n=41) lateral position for the insertion of an intubating laryngeal mask and blind tracheal intubation guided by the intubating laryngeal mask under balanced general anaesthesia. A sequence of standard manoeuvres was performed after each failed attempt at intubating laryngeal mask placement and intubation. RESULTS The intubating laryngeal mask was placed in all patients at the first attempt. Ventilation of the lungs through the intubating laryngeal mask was possible in 40 patients (97.5%) from each group after the first attempt at insertion (P=1). Following adjustments, adequate ventilation could be achieved in all patients. The first attempt success rates of blind tracheal intubation were 85.3% (35/41) and 87.8% (36/41) in the right and left lateral groups, respectively (P=1). The remaining patients from both groups (except for one patient in the left lateral group who had a failed intubation) were intubated at the second attempt. CONCLUSION Insertion of the intubating laryngeal mask and blind tracheal intubation through it in the lateral position is feasible in patients with normal airways. These procedures have a high and comparable success rate when patients are placed in the right and left lateral positions.