Abstract

A laryngeal mask airway (LMA) has many advantages in the management of airway emergencies or the treatment of patients in whom intubation is difficult, but the use of LMA during positive ventilation may seem inappropriate to protect the airway because of the risk of pulmonary aspiration of regurgitated gastric contents. We experienced aspiration pneumonia after general anesthesia using LMA in patient who suffered from panperitonitis. It is considered that the main reason for aspiration pneumonia was a leakage of gastric content through the space surrounding the nasogastric tube while under high airway inflation pressure. We concluded that when LMA or the Proseal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) is chosen for the use in difficult intubations, careful patient-suitability selection and the correct knowledge of LMA and PLMA are needed to protect the airway against aspiration.

• Keywords: Aspiration;Difficult intubation;Laryngeal mask airway;