The Gastro-Laryngeal Tube for interventional endoscopic biliopancreatic procedures in anesthetized patients

The Gastro-Laryngeal Tube (G-LT) is a modification of the laryngeal tube which provides a dedicated channel for the insertion of an endoscope while acting as a supraglottic airway for ventilation. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of this device in patients undergoing anesthesia for interventional endoscopic biliopancreatic procedures (IEBPPs).

A total of 22 patients were included in the study. The G-LT was inserted successfully in all patients. Arterial oxygen saturation was stable; the mean value was 97.9 %. The IEBPPs were performed successfully in all patients through the endoscopic channel, with a mean duration of 99 minutes. The maneuverability of the endoscope was considered good in all patients. There were two cases of sore throat after the procedures, two cases of asymptomatic erosion of the upper esophageal mucosa, one case of Mallory–Weiss syndrome, and one case of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Our results suggest that the G-LT is an effective and secure device for airway management and for use during IEBPPs.

• References

• 1 Gaitini LA, Lavi A, Stermer E et al. Gastro-Laryngeal Tube for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a preliminary report. Anaesthesia 2010; 65: 1114-1118
• 2 Riphaus A, Wehrmann T, Weber B et al. S3 guidelines – Sedation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Endoscopy 2009; 41: 787-815
• 3 Etzkorn KP, Diab F, Brown R et al. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography under general anesthesia: indications and results. Gastrointest Endosc 1998; 47: 363-367
• 4 Raymondos K, Panning B, Bachem I et al. Evaluation of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography under conscious sedation and general anesthesia. Endoscopy 2002; 34: 721-726
• 5 Osborn IP, Cohen J, Soper RJ et al. Laryngeal mask airway – a novel method of airway protection during ERCP: comparison with endotracheal intubation. Gastrointest Endosc 2002; 56: 122-128
• 6 Shribman AJ, Smith G, Achola KJ. Cardiovascular and catecholamine responses to laryngoscopy with and without tracheal intubation. Br J Anaesth 1987; 59: 295-299
• 7 Gaitini L, Vaida S, Somri M et al. A randomized controlled trial comparing the ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway with the Sonda Laryngeal Tube in mechanically ventilated patients. Anesthesiology 2004; 101: 316-320