I-gel in Elective Surgical Procedures

Abstract

Introduction: Since the appearance of supraglottic airways devices –40 years ago–-, different models have been developed, such as the I-gel, composed of a noninflatable cuff made of a thermoplastic elastomer, with an anatomical design that facilitates its insertion and guarantees adequate sealing of the airway.

Objectives: To describe the use of I-gel in patients who received general anesthesia for elective surgical procedures.

Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on the use of I-gel in electively operated patients under general anesthesia at Mahalapye District Hospital, in Botswana, from January to June 2023. The universe was 89 patients who received general anesthesia and a sample of 76 patients was taken.

Results: The mean age was 36.5 years. The male sex predominated (60.5 %) and the ASA 2 physical status prevailed (55.3 % of cases). I-gel insertion was easy in 84.2 % of patients and so it was at the first attempt in 88.2 %, with a mean placement time of 14.9 seconds and a sealing pressure of 27.2 cmH2O. The most frequent complications were sore throat and blood retention in the I-gel, accounting for 23.7 % and 18.7 %, respectively. It must be highlighted that, in cases of easy placement and at the first attempt, the occurrence of complications was statistically lower.

Conclusions: I-gel could be suitable for airway approach in elective surgical procedures.