A case series of the use of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in emergency lower abdominal surgery.

The ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) has been used routinely for anaesthesia and for difficult airway management including airway rescue in non-fasted patients. Compared with the classic laryngeal mask airway the PLMA increases protection against gastric inflation and pulmonary aspiration, by separating the respiratory and gastro-intestinal tracts. The PLMA has potential advantages over use of the tracheal tube including smoother recovery, reduced pharyngolaryngeal morbidity and even reduced postoperative pain. We report a series of patients scheduled for emergency appendicectomy, without other risk factors for regurgitation, managed with the PLMA. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with remifentanil, target controlled propofol and rocuronium. A series of 102 cases were managed without complications and high rates of first time placement of the PLMA (inserted over a suction tube placed in the oesophagus). With careful patient selection the PLMA may offer an alternative airway for use by experienced anaesthetists in patients undergoing minor lower abdominal surgery.