Effect of cricoid pressure on ease of insertion of the laryngeal mask airway.

We have evaluated the effects of cricoid pressure on laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion after an elective rapid sequence induction in 100 patients allocated randomly to two groups. An attempt was made to insert the LMA after application of cricoid pressure in one group and with no pressure in the other. The anaesthetist was blinded to the application of cricoid pressure. Insertion was successful in 45 of 50 patients in the cricoid pressure group and in 49 of 50 patients in the non-cricoid group (P < 0.1) We discuss the implications of these findings for failed intubation in the nonfasted patient.