Laryngeal mask airway in pediatric tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy: a large cohort analysis

Tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy are often performed with endotracheal intubation (ETT), however use of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) may offer decreased airway irritation. We investigated the laryngospasm rate and conversion rate of LMA use in a total of 1585 retrospective cases of tonsillectomies and/or adenoidectomies, the largest single center cohort to date. We found a low complication rate of 0.19 % and no significant clinical complications. Our study provides data on the safety and efficacy of LMA use in these surgeries and supports the potential use of LMA in cases without significant blood loss.