[Use of the laryngeal mask airway at german university and university-affiliated hospitals -- results of a nationwide survey].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to collect comprehensive data on the use of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) under general anaesthesia at German university and university-affiliated hospitals.


METHODS
Questionnaires were mailed to the directors of 452 German university and university-affiliated anaesthesia departments. Twenty-three questions related to the way and frequency of use of the LMA were asked.


RESULTS
Data from 212 departments (47 %) could be included into the analysis. The LMA is used in all departments. Depending on the size of the department the LMA is used in 1 - 60 % of all anaesthetics. The LMA is used significantly more often (p > 0.001) in smaller departments providing up to 10 000 anaesthetics per year compared to larger departments providing up to, or more than, 20 000 anaesthetics per year. Controlled ventilation is the preferred mode of ventilation in more than 75 % of all departments. The LMA is used "routinely" or "always" for operations lasting more than 1 hour in more than 75 % of all departments. The LMA is used in the areas of ear, nose, and throat, maxillofacial, and eye surgery "routinely" or "always" only in 11 - 26 % of all departments.


CONCLUSIONS
The role of the LMA in routine anaesthesia practice has clearly increased. Controversial aspects of use are reflected in the practice patterns of LMA use in different departments. The LMA has not been disseminated widely in the areas of ear, nose and throat-, maxillofacial- and eye surgery.
Goldmann
K
K
Klinik für Anästhesie und Intensivtherapie, Philipps-Universität Marburg. Kaigoldmann1@aol.com
Braun
U
U
D003625:Data Collection; D005858:Germany; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017214:Laryngeal Masks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires