Laryngeal mask airway devices are a safe and effective method for anesthesia of laparoscopic extraperitoneal hernia repair surgery. A double blinded randomized prospective study.

Abstract Background: Laparoscopic Total extraperitoneal hernia repair is widely used for the treatment of inguinal hernias all over the world. There are many studies in the literature showing advantages of the TEP method compared to open repair. Endotracheal intubation with general anesthesia is preferred in the TEP method. Sore throat, hoarseness, and pain in the early postoperative period may occur due to strain during removal of the endotracheal tube. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using a laryngeal mask airway device (LMA) for general anesthesia in TEP surgery. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the operative outcomes of 130 patients with inguinal hernias repaired by TEP in our hospital between May 2021 and October 2021. A total of 130 adult patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I, II, and II who underwent TEP surgery were randomly allocated to one of two groups: group A (LMA-TEP), in which the patient’s airway was secured with an appropriately sized LMA, and group B (ETT-TEP), in which the ETT was secured under laryngoscopy. Results: There was no difference between the two groups in patient background, anatomical delineation satisfaction, surgery complications, hospital stay, or surgery time. The duration of anesthesia was significantly lower in the LMA group (p = 0.001). Although sore throats and dysphonia were less common in the LMA group, there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.068 and p = 0.077, respectively). The 1st hour pain score was significantly lower in the LMA group (p = 0.019). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the postoperative 4th hour, 8th hour, 12th hour, and 24th hour pain scores. Conclusion: The results of this study are the first to show that an LMA device can reduce postoperative complications associated with endotracheal intubation during general anesthesia in TEP surgery.