Laryngeal mask airway in laryngoscopies: a safer alternative for the difficult airway.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This study was undertaken to highlight the method, usefulness and postoperative morbidity of using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) to ventilate patients with difficult airways undergoing laryngeal procedures. PROCEDURES Retrospective chart review where we identified patients deemed to have a difficult airway who underwent laryngeal and upper tracheal procedures, and were electively ventilated using an LMA. The pertinent clinical history, indications for the procedure and postoperative course were discussed. RESULTS Airway procedures were performed on 6 patients. Airway visualization was excellent, and there were no intraoperative or postoperative complications in any patient. CONCLUSIONS Insertion of an LMA and maintenance of airway and ventilation were performed with ease in all patients. The airway lesions were easy to visualize, there was minimal vocal cord trauma, and it served as a wide conduit for therapeutic bronchoscopes and laryngoscopes. Therefore, we recommend preoperative identification of difficult airways and consideration of elective LMA use with a flexible endoscope during laryngeal and upper tracheal procedures.