Brief review: Airway rescue with insertion of laryngeal mask airway devices with patients in the prone position

PurposeUnintentional extubation of the trachea while the anesthetized patient is in the prone position is a potentially life-threatening situation that is usually managed by turning the patient supine for emergent re-intubation. However, this approach may delay definitive airway management and lead to irreversible complications. This review evaluates the efficacy of insertion of a laryngeal mask airway device (LMAD) with the patient in the prone position as a rescue method in airway management for unintentional tracheal extubation.Principal findingsWe searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases in the English language for the period 1980 to October 2009 in order to identify observational studies and case reports describing insertion of the LMAD with the patient in the prone position. We found 12 such articles (n = 526 patients) consisting of four retrospective studies, one prospective cohort with a control group, one non-controlled prospective study, and six case reports. On the first attempt, the LMAD was inserted successfully in 87.5-100% of the patients involved in the included reports. On the second attempt, the LMAD was inserted successfully in all patients, with or without laryngoscopy. Ventilation was maintained successfully in the lungs of 83.3-100% of the patients involved in the reported articles. Following insertion of the LMAD with patients in the prone position, the most common complications reported were sore throat, bleeding, bradycardia, and laryngospasm.ConclusionsCumulative experience from published reports suggests the feasibility of placing the LMAD with the patient in the prone position in the elective setting; however, the evidence is lacking regarding the use of this method for emergency management of unintended tracheal extubation with the patient in the prone position.