Prospective Audit on the Use of the LMA-Supreme for Airway Management of Adult Patients Undergoing Elective Orthopaedic Surgery in Prone Position

Background: The LMA-Supreme (SLMA) is a single-use, latex-free, supraglottic airway device with a drain tube which allows immediate assessment of correct positioning of the device at insertion and throughout the procedure and provides access to gastric contents. The anatomically shaped airway tube facilitates easy insertion in anaesthetized patients in the supine, lateral, and prone positions. We present a prospective audit in 205 consecutive adult patients presenting for elective spine surgery in the prone position. Patients positioned themselves in the prone position, on a Montreal or Wilson mattress to optimize patient comfort in this position. Anaesthesia was then induced, and an appropriate-sized SLMA was inserted.

Methods: Prospective, descriptive audit of SLMA insertion in 205 consecutive adult patients, anaesthetized in the prone position for elective orthopaedic surgery with spontaneous (n=6) or positive pressure ventilation (PPV) (n=199).

Results: First-pass success was achieved in 184 insertions. Forty-two SLMA insertions were performed by anaesthesia trainees with first-pass success achieved in 38 insertions. All problems encountered during insertion were minor, and no patient had to be turned to the supine position for an airway problem. Problems during insertion were independent of patients' BMI. There were no failures of SLMA insertion or of maintenance of PPV during surgery.

Conclusions: The results suggest that the SLMA is a useful device for airway management in patients anaesthetized in the prone position and for subsequent airway management with PPV, with or without neuromuscular block.