Intubation Success through I-Gel^® and Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway^® Using Flexible Silicone Tubes: A Randomised Noninferiority Trial

Introduction. The study aims to test whether flexible silicone tubes (FST) improve performance and provide similar intubation success through I-Gel as compared to ILMA. Our trial is registered in CTRI and the registration number is “CTRI/2016/06/006997.” Methods. One hundred and twenty ASA status I-II patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures needing tracheal intubation were randomised to endotracheal intubation using FST through either I-Gel or ILMA. In the ILMA group ( n = 60 ), intubation was attempted through ILMA using FST and, in the I-Gel group ( n = 60 ), FST was inserted through I-Gel airway. Results. Successful intubation was achieved in 36.67% (95% CI 24.48%–48.86%) on first attempt through I-Gel ( n = 22 / 60 ) compared to 68.33% (95% CI 56.56%–80.1%) in ILMA ( n = 41 / 60 ) ( p = 0.001 ). The overall intubation success rate was also lower with I-Gel group [58.3% (95% CI 45.82%–70.78%); n = 35 ] compared to ILMA [90% (95% CI 82.41%–97.59%); n = 54 ] ( p < 0.001 ). The number of attempts, ease of intubation, and time to intubation were longer with I-Gel compared to ILMA. There were no differences in the other secondary outcomes. Conclusion. The first pass success rate and overall success of FST through an I-Gel airway were inferior to those of ILMA.