Simple method for determining the size of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in children: a prospective observational study

The size of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in children is determined by the patient's weight. However, in some instances, an alternative method may be required. This study aimed to compare sizing by the auricle with conventional ProSeal laryngeal mask airway sizing by weight in children. After approval by the institutional ethics board and written informed consent from parents, 197 children with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I–II who were scheduled for a routine genitourinary operation were included in the study. The correct ProSeal laryngeal mask airway size was determined according to the size of the auricle in children. The results were compared with the standard weight-based method recommended by the manufacturer's guidelines. The patients were classified into different groups depending on the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway sizes as determined by both methods. Agreement between both techniques was evaluated with κ coefficient statistics. Insertion and adequate ventilation were achieved in 185 patients at the first attempt, and 12 patients required a second attempt. Three patients had to be intubated. Agreement between the two methods of size selection of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway was moderate using κ statistics. Choosing the size of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in children according to the auricle of the child is valid and practical. In particular, this is an alternative method in situations where the patient's weight is unknown, such as in emergency situations. O tamanho da máscara laríngea ProSeal (MLPS) em crianças é determinado com base no peso do paciente. No entanto, em alguns casos, pode ser necessário um método alternativo. Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar o tamanho da MLPS convencional pela orelha e pelo peso em crianças. Após aprovação do Comitê de Ética institucional e receber o consentimento informado assinado pelos pais, 197 crianças com estado físico ASA I-II (de acordo com a classificação da Sociedade Americana de Anestesiologistas), programadas para uma operação geniturinária de rotina, foram incluídas no estudo. O tamanho correto da MLPS foi determinado de acordo com o tamanho da orelha em crianças. Os resultados foram comparados com os do método padrão, baseado no peso, recomendado pelas diretrizes do fabricante. Os pacientes foram classificados em diferentes grupos, dependendo dos tamanhos das MLPS conforme determinado por ambos os métodos. A concordância entre as duas técnicas foi avalia