Oropharyngeal complications of using laryngeal mask airway-case series

Postoperatively the patients complained of a severe sore throat with evidence of significant palatal abrasions and uvular swelling on examination. On later review the sore throat was reported to have lasted around 5–10 days. At the six week outpatient review, all patients reported full recovery with no visible evidence of residual palatal or uvular scarring or other anaesthetic sequelae. Conclusion LMAs are useful and occasionally life saving airways adjuncts but are not without complications. Both the surgeon and anaesthetist should recognise and ensure trauma is minimised to the oropharynx during all stages of surgery. from 1st Scientific Meeting of the Head and Neck Optical Diagnostics Society London, UK. 14 March 2009