Research

The Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) as an alternative to airway management in mentally retarded patients during dental procedures

Published in: Southern African Journal of Anaesthesia and Analgesia
Volume 10 , issue 4 , 2004 , pages: 15–17

DOI: 10.1080/22201173.2004.10872371

Author(s): P Michalek Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Czech Republic , V Scigel Dental Outpatient Care for At-Risk Patients, Czech Republic , E Kieslichova Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Czech Republic , M Rocen Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Czech Republic

Keywords: dental care , mentally disabled persons , genetic diseases , laryngeal mask airway

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Abstract

Background: To evaluate the possibility of airway management using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) during dental procedures on mentally retarded (MR) patients and patients with genetic diseases. Design: A prospective pilot study. Setting: University Hospital. Methods: A pilot study was designed to induce general anaesthesia for dental procedures in 15 mentally retarded patients, with airway management using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA). The parameters assessed during the pilot study included ease of LMA insertion and its seal, inspiratory pressures with controlled ventilation, visibility of the operating field and surgical comfort, recovery from anaesthesia, LMA tolerability and postoperative complications. Results: LMA insertion was successful in all of the patients, operating field visibility was good in most patients, as was tolerability, and awakening was uneventful. Serious postoperative complicationsæbleeding, prolonged coughing and eating disordersæwere not observed. Conclusions: In this pilot study, the LMA was a suitable tool for airway management during dental procedures on the mentally retarded and on patients with genetic diseases.

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