[The effect of the laryngeal mask airway on the postoperative incidence of vomiting and sore throat in children].

100 ASA I and II children, aged 4 to 14 years, and scheduled for strabismus surgery, were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: group 1 (n = 50): endotracheal tube, group 2 (n = 50): laryngeal mask airway. Apart from airway management, the anaesthesiological procedures were identical in both groups: induction with 2-3 mg/kg propofol, 0.02 mg/kg alfentanil, 0.05 mg/kg vecuronium, and 0.01 mg/kg atropine. After endotracheal intubation or insertion of the laryngeal mask, anaesthesia was continued with 6-15 mg/kg.h propofol and 10-30 micrograms/kg.h alfentanil. All patients were ventilated with N2O/O2 (2:1). No antiemetics were given, gastric contents were not aspirated. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were recorded by 24 h, the incidence of sore throats was recorded 8, 12, and 24 h post-operatively.

RESULTS

The incidence of PONV was higher in group 1 (vomiting 48% vs 32%), nausea 28% vs 16% n.s.). Group 1 children had a higher incidence of sore throats (20% vs. 12%, n.s.), of a "lump in the throat" (10% vs 4%, n.s.), hoarseness (24% vs 0%, p < 0.001) and dysarthria (10% vs 4%, n.s.).

CONCLUSIONS

In children undergoing strabismus surgery, the laryngeal mask airway was superior to the endotracheal tube in terms of PONV and was associated with fewer local complications such as sore throat.