Comparison of Sevoflurane and Propofol for Laryngeal Mask Airway Insertion in Children

Background: Laryngeal mask airway(LMA) is a supraglottic airway device extensively used in children for day care surgeries. Propofol is the gold standard drug for LMA insertion, but Sevoflurane is a recent volatile agent emerging as an effective alternative. Objective: The objective of this study is to compare Sevoflurane and Propofol for insertion of Laryngeal mask airway in children. Methods: We conducted a prospective randomized study involving 60 paediatric patients posted for below umbilicus surgeries aged between 4 and 12 years of ASA physical status 1&2. 30 patients in group S were induced with sevoflurane 7% and 30 patients in group P were induced with propofol 3mg/kg i.v. The time to induction, time to jaw relaxation, time to LMA insertion were recorded. The hemodynamic parameters and any complications associated during the procedure were recorded. Results: Patients in group S had shorter induction time(39.1±6.30 s Vs 41.4±4.17 s in group P) whereas time to jaw relaxation(107.3±17.51 s in group S Vs 49.4±5.69 s in group P) and time to LMA insertion(117.9±19.2 s in group S Vs 59.3±6.8 s in group P) were shorter in group P. Both the groups were comparable in successful insertion in the first attempt as well as hemodynamic stability. Conclusion: Propofol and Sevoflurane are equally effective for LMA insertion in children.