An evaluation of the I-gel supraglottic airway in 70 pediatric patients

The I-gel is a supraglottic airway device which is commonly used in adult patients undergoing general anesthesia. In this study, we evaluated the speed of insertion, adequacy of ventilation, leak pressure, gastric tube insertion, and problems when using the I-gel in children. We included 70 patients aged between 1 and 16 years old with ASA physical status classification I or II, undergoing elective surgery requiring general anesthesia, for which use of a supraglottic airway would be appropriate. The overall insertion success rate was 96 % with a median insertion time of 25 (18–34) [7–100] s. Seventeen patients (24.3 %) experienced problems including the need for change of airway device, laryngospasm, device displacement, blood on device after removal, and postoperative sore throat. In conclusion, there was a moderate rate of problems when using the I-gel in children, and it was necessary to change the airway in a few patients to optimize ventilation.