Complications Associated with the Use of Supraglottic Airway Devices in Perioperative Medicine

Table 2

Sites, types, and mechanisms of traumatic injuries caused by SGAs (modified from Michalek and Donaldson [13]).

Site of injury	Type(s) of injury	Mechanism(s) of injury
Pharyngeal mucosa	Laceration; Bruising	Forceful insertion, inadequate lubrication; Prolonged insertion, too high cuff pressures
Laryngeal apparatus	Arytenoid dislocation; Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury	Direct trauma; Compression of the nerve in piriform fossa
Uvula	Trauma leading to ischemia and necrosis	Direct trauma; Prolonged compression
Epiglottis	Bruising; Laceration	Incorrect or forceful insertion, anatomical abnormalities
Tongue	Frenular injury; Lingual nerve injury	Incorrect or forceful insertion; Compression of inferior or lateral surface of the tongue by cuff or tube of SGA
Teeth	Displacement; Fracture of roots	Direct trauma; Biting on SGA/bite block
Lips	Laceration; Nerve injury	Direct trauma; Compression by device, taping to device