Complications Associated with the Use of Supraglottic Airway Devices in Perioperative Medicine
Table 3
Possible factors implicated in the development of postoperative sore throat with SGAs.
Factor
Mechanism
Insertion technique
Leading edge of deflated cuff may cause trauma Inflated cuff causes more epiglottic downfolding, which increases POST Repeated attempts are associated with increased POST
Size of device
Smaller sizes of SGAs are associated with less POST
Use of lubricants
Adequate lubrication is essential Lidocaine gel is associated with an increase in POST
Overinflation of the cuff
Some studies have shown decreased POST with intracuff pressure monitoring
Duration of surgery
Increased POST in operations of over 60 min duration
Airway gases
Lack of humidification can dry mucosal surfaces and increase POST