Pressor responses and intraocular pressure changes following insertion of laryngeal mask airway : Comparison with tracheal tube insertion.

SUMMARY In a prospective randomized study pressor responses and intraocular pressure changes following insertion of laryngeal mask airway and endotracheal tube were compared in two groups of twenty five patients each undergoing elective non-ophthalmic surgical procedures. In group I, laryngeal mask airway was used whereas in group II endotracheal tube was inserted. Baseline and pre-insertion values of heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and intraocular pressure were recorded and repeated at one, two and three minutes after insertion of laryngeal mask airway or endotracheal tube. Our results showed a significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as in intraocular pressure in endotracheal tube group as compared to laryngeal mask airway group (p<0.01). Heart rate showed an increase in both the groups but the difference was statistically insignificant. It was concluded from the study that the use of laryngeal mask airway might offer some advantages in patients where minimal changes in hemodynamics and intraocular pressure are desirable.