Comparison of Endotracheal Tube (ETT) and Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) in Pediatric Anesthesia: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The present systematic review compares the effects of
the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and the endotracheal
tube (ETT) on hemodynamic response and airway
difficulties in pediatric anesthesia patients. The terms
"children," "postoperative," "pediatrics," "laryngeal
mask airway," "endotracheal tube," and "subglottic"
were utilized. The scope of the literature review was
limited to randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and
PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library were
among the databases searched. Two reviewers used the
Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool to assess quality. Eight RCTs
in total were included. When compared to the ETT,
results showed that the number of attempts for
endotracheal intubation was fewer than for the
placement of the LMA. Additionally, there was an
increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and mean arterial
pressure with the use of the ETT. The incidence of
postoperative respiratory complications, including
laryngospasm, bronchospasm, and sore throat, was
higher with the use of the ETT. We conclude that the use
of the LMA can be a safe alternative to the ETT in
pediatric patients, producing fewer hemodynamic
changes and postoperative complications.