Articles: intubation.
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The passage of a nasogastric tube may be met with some difficulty. The indications and contraindications for, and the method of insertion of, the tube are described, as are the difficulties that may be encountered, their solutions, and the complications that may result from the procedure.
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The laryngeal mask (LM), a recently commercialized device, provides a totally patent airway when positioned in the hypopharynx. The major advantages of the LM are its ease of insertion, the absence of contact with the vocal cords, and the fact that if frees the hands of the anesthesiologist. Contraindications to its use result from its failure to seal the airway against regurgitation of gastric content. ⋯ Only 13% of patients complained of mild pharyngeal discomfort postoperatively. We conclude that this device is reliable, easy to use, and causes minimal postoperative problems. Its use, for both spontaneous and controlled ventilation, is increasing in our hospital.
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Eur J Anaesthesiol Suppl · Jan 1991
Endotracheal intubation through the Laryngeal Mask--helpful when laryngoscopy is difficult or dangerous.
The correctly placed Laryngeal Mask will act as a guide to endotracheal intubation in over 90% of adult patients. Although the size of tube is limited to a 6-mm-internal-diameter cuffed oral or nasal pattern tube the technique is easy to learn and can provide a rapid solution when endotracheal intubation is necessary but conventional laryngoscopy is unexpectedly difficult or dental restorations are at risk. Application of cricoid pressure reduces the success rate of the technique; therefore, if this manoeuvre is indicated to reduce the risks of regurgitation, anaesthetists are advised to arrange for its momentary relaxation during the final stages of placement of the Laryngeal Mask and of the endotracheal tube.