A comparative study of sevoflurane and propofol for laryngeal mask airway insertion

Background: Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) is a useful advent in the airway management, filling a niche between the face mask and the tracheal tube in terms of both the anatomical position and the degree of invasiveness. Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic agent which depresses both laryngeal and pharyngeal reflexes and provides profound relaxation of pharyngeal muscles. Incidences of gagging coughing, laryngospasm are less while using propofol than thiopentone. Sevoflurane is pleasant smelling, non-irritating to the airway, has a low blood gas solubility coefficient, good muscle relaxant effect, and high inspired concentration can be given without side effects or discomfort. It allows rapid smooth inhalation induction with excellent recovery characteristics.