Comparison of Low Dose Succinyl Choline and Atracurium with Thiopentone Induction for Insertion of Supraglottic Airway Device

Aim: The present study highlights a comparative overview of Low Dose Succinyl Choline and Atracurium with Thiopentone induction for Insertion of Supraglottic airway device.

Background: For the past few decades, laryngeal mask airway is being widely used to provide spontaneous as well as controlled ventilation in patients. Hemodynamic disturbances are a part of LMA insertion However, the insertion of LMA needs to be smooth and free from major problems and hence various methods including low dose of succinylcholine and atracurium have been used.

Patients and Methods: It was a prospective randomized study conducted on 60 patients of ASA physical status I or II divided in two groups of 30 each. Group I patients were given thiopentone 5 mg kg-1 plus succinylcholine 0.35 mg kg-1, while group II patients were given thiopentone 5 mg kg-1 plus atracurium 0.08 mg kg-1. Jaw relaxation, insertion conditions and adverse effects were observed.

Results: Jaw relaxation and ease of insertion was slightly better in the succinyl choline group than in the atracurium group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. In our study, the inserting conditions and the ease of insertion were similar in both the groups. But succinyl choline seems to provide better insertion conditions as there was no coughing or gagging, and minimal patient movement in this group.

Conclusion: We conclude that both atracurium 0.08 mg kg-1 and succinylcholine 0.35 mg kg-1 provide good insertion conditions for the laryngeal mask airway. laryngospasm or significant hypotension in our study. There was no incidence of hypoxemia also. So both low dose of succinylcholine and low dose of atracurium can be easily used for LMA insertion.