Background
I-gel supraglottic airway device has been widely used recently in anesthesia practice as an alternative to endotracheal intubation. However, its safety and feasibility in obese patients are still under investigations. was to evaluate the efficiency of I-gel in supine and lateral position in adult obese (BMI 30–40) mechanically ventilated patients undergoing short surgical procedures (60 − 120 min).
Methods
Prospective observational study was conducted at Kasr Alainy Hospital. A total of 40 obese patients with body mass index 30–40 aged between 20 and 60 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists class II & III scheduled for elective surgeries were enrolled in one group. We used the I-gel in supine position and lateral position in the same patient.
Results
The leakage pressure required for I-gel did not show statistically significant difference between both supine and lateral positions (33.88 ± 7.34 cmHO versus 33.10 ± 7.58 cmHO) respectively. Fiberoptic view ranged between score 2 (8 patients) and score 3 (32 patients) in both supine and lateral position. I-gel was inserted in the first trial in 37 patients, the second trial in two patients and the third trial in one patient. None of the patients experienced postoperative swallowing difficulties, throat pain, hoarseness or postoperative nausea and vomiting. Only two patients (5%) showed blood on I-gel after removal.
Conclusion
The use of I-gel supraglottic airway device is safe and effective in both supine and lateral position in obese patients under mechanical ventilation with reliable ventilation and no postoperative airway complications.
Clinical trial registration
clinicaltrial.gov. ID: NCT04119245