The use of the laryngeal mask airway in ENT surgery: Facts and fiction

SummaryThe use of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) for many forms of ENT surgery is well established across Europe and the UK. However, its uptake in America has been much slower and has recently come up for renewed debate. In particular, its safety and reliability for adenotonsillectomy has been questioned. Indeed the endotracheal tube (ETT) remains the preferred airway device for adenotonsillectomy on both sides of the Atlantic. However, there is good evidence, both recent and established, that the LMA is a safe and effective alternative to the ETT in the majority of ENT operations, including adenotonsillectomy. Of crucial importance is experience, both on the part of the anaesthesiologist and surgeon.