title: A modified laryngeal mask in the endoscopic management of an esophageal tumor.
abstract: The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) can be used for gastroscopy, but its use can result in loss of the seal and/or displacement of the cuff. We describe an LMA that was specifically modified for gastroscopy and report its use in a patient with an esophageal tumor. The modified LMA has (a) a second tube that allows instruments to be directed toward the esophagus and (b) a second cuff mounted on the dorsal surface that increases the efficacy of the seal with the larynx. A 78-year-old man weighing 65 kg presented with a large mediastinal adenocarcinoma that was infiltrating the lateral wall of the thoracic esophagus. An esophagoscopy under anesthesia was planned to debulk the tumor. The modified LMA was inserted easily following induction with propofol. Anesthesia was maintained with propofol and 50% O2 in air and spontaneous ventilation. A lubricated 10.5-mm external diameter gastroscope was inserted into the second tube and passed easily into the esophagus. The tumor was successfully debulked using a polypectomy snare and an argon plasma coagulator. There was no loss of seal or displacement of the cuff, and the patient was stable throughout the procedure. We conclude that gastroscopy is feasible with the modified LMA. The device has a potential application in patients who require ventilatory support during gastroscopy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia, University School of Medicine Campus Bio-Medico, via longon: 69-83, 00155, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Agrò
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brimacombe
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cataldo
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carassiti
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Barzoi
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Petruzziello
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D020699:Gastroscopes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D017214:Laryngeal Masks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome