LARYNGEAL MASK AIRWAY CUFF PRESSURE APPLICATION DURING GENERAL ANAESTHESIA - INSTRUMENTAL VERSUS CONVENTIONAL METHOD- A COMPARATIVE STUDY.

Objective: To evaluate the conventional practice ofLaryngeal Mask Airway  (LMA) cuff inflation and pressure measurement as compared to the instrumental method. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Aakash Fertility Centre, 10, Jawaharlal Nehru Road , Vadapalani , Chennai, during the period of  August 2016 – July 2017 Methods: A total of 200 adult female patients  posted for hysteroscopic surgery under General Anaesthesia for infertility treatment were selected for this study. Patients with anticipated difficult intubation, risk for aspiration, known anatomical laryngotracheal abnormalities, and emergency cases were excluded. Allselected patients were inserted  with size 4. The LMA cuff inflated with25 ml by a qualified anaesthesia technician. Cuff pressures were measured using aneroid manometer. LMA cuff pressure of 50–60 cm of water was considered as standard. Results: In 85% of the patients, the cuff pressure measurements were above the standard. The mean cuff pressure was 88 cm of water. Conclusion: The conventional method for LMA cuff inflation and pressure measuring is unreliable. A routine instrumental cuff pressure, monitoring is suggested.