LMA ® Protector™ In Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgeries: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study

Background: ː Laryngeal masks airway (LMA) has been increasingly used in surgical patients. However, the use of LMA in laparoscopic surgeries remains controversial. The major concerns include the potential risk of esophageal regurgitation, aspiration, and difficulties to achieve effective ventilation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the LMA ® Protector™ in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Methods: ː Patients aged 18 to 70 years, scheduled for laparoscopic surgeries were included. The insertion time, successful insertion rate, and oropharyngeal leak pressure were measured. Airway complications and airway manipulations during the procedure were documented. Effective ventilation rate was calculated. Visible bloodstains and reflux content in the drainage channel were documented after the removal of LMA ® Protector™. Results: ː A total of 300 patients were enrolled. The insertion of LMA ® Protector™ failed in seven patients resulting with a successful insertion rate of 97.7%. During the maintenance of anesthesia, airway manipulation was required in 19 patients (19/293, 6.48%), in three of whom the LMA was replaced with endotracheal intubation resulting with an effective ventilation rate of 96.7% (290/300). The oropharyngeal leak pressure was 30.18±5.88 cmH 2 O. 75 patients (25.86%) reported mild sore throat on the first day after surgery. No signs of aspiration were noticed in any of those patients. Conclusions: ː The LMA ® Protector™ was shown to be safe and effective in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries. Although minor complications that requiring no further treatment, no clinically diagnosed aspiration was noticed in our study. Trial registration: The trail was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800018300, data of registration, September 2018).