DIPRIVAN(R) AND VENTILATION - THE LARYNGEAL MASK AIRWAY

The laryngeal mask ensures a better control of the airway than the face mask, without the disadvantages of an endotracheal tube. Moreover, it provides an effective and simple solution to many problems of difficult intubation and therefore it has a place amongst the equipment required for difficult intubations. The laryngeal mask will most probably become more widely used, provided that its contra-indications are taked into account. These are dominated by its inability to protect the airway from inhalation of gastric contents in patients with a full stomach. Many studies have shown that propofol is suitable for use with the laryngeal mask. However, it should be noted, that there is, as yet, no conclusive evidence of the superiority of propofol over other induction agents. In anaesthesia for day-case surgery, the combination of the laryngeal mask and propofol could prove beneficial.