To Evaluate the Efficacy of Baska Mask and LMA Protector in Anaesthetised Paralysed Patients - A Randomised Comparative Study

Background and Aim: Supraglottic airway devices (SGADs) are commonly used during general anaesthesia, with newer devices offering improved sealing and ease of insertion. This study aimed to compare the clinical performance of the Baska Mask (BM) and LMA Protector ™ (LMAP) in adult patients undergoing elective cancer surgery. Methods: In this single-blinded, randomised trial, 70 adult patients undergoing elective cancer surgeries were allocated to receive either the BM or LMAP. Primary outcome measure assessed was oropharyngeal seal pressure, while insertion time, ease and accuracy of SGAD placement, gastric tube placement, presence of blood or gastric contents on the device and incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat (POST) were secondary outcomes assessed. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and qualitative variables as frequency. Group comparisons were performed using the Student’s t -test and Chi-square test, with P ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: BM showed slightly higher oropharyngeal leak pressure (31.26 ± 10.04 cmH₂O) than LMAP (27.34 ± 12.09 cmH₂O), though not statistically significant ( P = 0.276). Gastric tube insertion was successful in all BM cases but failed in six LMAP cases ( P = 0.036). Blood or mucosal injury was more frequent in failed LMAP insertions. BM provided better fibreoptic views, though not significant ( P = 0.146). Incidence and severity of POST were similar ( P = 0.923), with no major complications observed. Conclusion: Both the BM and LMAP demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety for airway management under general anaesthesia. While overall airway sealing and postoperative airway morbidity were similar, the BM facilitated easier gastric tube placement and offered better fibre-optic airway views, which may provide practical advantages for airway management in selected cancer surgeries.