The Effectiveness of the Supreme Laryngeal Mask Compared with the Conventional Laryngeal Mask Airway in Orthopedic Surgery

The laryngeal mask airway supreme (LMA-S) is a new airway device designed to minimize the risk of aspiration. We studied the success rates of the LMA-S insertion and the incidence of any complications compared with the conventional LMA in orthopedic surgery patients with normal airways.

In a randomized clinical trial, 122 patients undergoing elective lower limb orthopedic surgery were studied in two study and control groups. Airway management in the study and control groups was with LMA-S and conventional LMA, respectively. The collected data including the success rate of insertion and ventilation, and the incidence of any complications associated with the use of the device were analyzed between two groups.

The LMA-S was easily inserted in 96.8% of 62 patients in the study group and in 81.7% of 60 patients in the control group (P=0.02). Nausea was observed in 6.5% of the study group and 20% in the control group (P=0.02). There was no difference in incidence of postoperative sore throat and abdominal pain between the two studied groups (P>0.05). The mean sealing pressure significantly differed between two groups (P=0.04).

Our report indicates that the LMA-S is a valuable addition to airway devices for patients with normal airways.