Laryngeal Mask Airway as an Appropriate Option in Pediatric Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: To elucidate the safety and effectiveness of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) use in pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Methods: Studies were searched on the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Primary outcomes were major perioperative respiratory adverse events (PRAEs), namely laryngospasm, bronchospasm, desaturation, and aspiration. Secondary outcomes were minor PRAEs, anesthesia time, and recovery time. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate risk ratios (RR), weighted mean difference (WMD), and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) by using random effects models. Results: In total, 5 RCTs comprising 402 patients were included. Regarding major PRAEs, laryngospasm (RR: 0.43, 95 % CI: 0.12 to 1.47; p = 0.18), bronchospasm, and aspiration all demonstrated no difference between the laryngeal and endotracheal groups. Desaturation exhibited a trend, but this trend was not sufficiently supported with statistical evidence (p = 0.09). For minor PRAEs, fewer patients experienced incidence of cough after laryngeal mask use (RR: 0.27, 95 % CI: 0.11 to 0.67; p = 0.005). Other PRAE, namely hoarseness (p = 0.06), sore throat (RR: 1.88, 95 % CI: 0.76 to 4.66; p = 0.18), and stridor, did not differ between the 2 groups. Additionally, both anesthesia time (WMD: −6.88 min, 95 % CI: −11.88 to −1.89; p < 0.00001) and recovery time (WMD: −4.85 min, 95 % CI: −6.51 to −3.19; p < 0.00001) were shortened in the LMA group. Conclusion: LMA used in pediatric laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair demonstrated no greater safety risks than endotracheal tube intubation did. Thus, anesthesiologists may shift from conventional endotracheal tube use to LMA use. Moreover, anesthesia and recovery times were shortened in the LMA group, which resulted in more efficient use of the operating room. Because of these benefits, LMA could be an appropriate option for pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.