A comparison of the clinical use of the Laryngeal Tube S (TM) and the ProSeal (R) Laryngeal Mask Airway by first-month anaesthesia residents in anaesthetised patients

The Laryngeal Tube S-(TM) and the LMA-ProSeal((R)) are supraglottic instruments with an improved airway seal and a drainage tube to protect against regurgitation and to facilitate passage of a gastric tube. We compared the feasibility of these two instruments in a randomised, controlled clinical trial. One hundred and sixty patients were randomly allocated to undergo insertion of a Laryngeal Tube S (n = 82) or an LMA-ProSeal (n = 78). All insertions were carried out by first-month anaesthesia residents. Success rates were not significantly different: Laryngeal Tube S 89%, LMA-ProSeal 95%. There was also no significant difference in leak pressure or insertion time. Insertion time decreased significantly when we compared the first with the last 10 insertions. Gastric tube placement was successful in all patients in the Laryngeal Tube S group, but failed in 12 patients in the LMA-ProSeal group (p <0.001). Dysphagia was reported by 22% of Laryngeal Tube S group and 3% of LMA-ProSeal group (p = 0.001). These findings demonstrate the applicability of the devices and a learning effect in the hands of anaesthesia residents with limited experience.