A Comparative Analysis of Supraglottic Airway Devices, Baska Mask versus I-gel, for Airway Management under General Anaesthesia during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Abstract

Securing the airway is crucial during general anaesthesia. Endotracheal intubation, although standard, may cause complications such as sore throat, cough and laryngospasm. Supraglottic airway devices (SADs) offer less invasive alternatives. This study compares the clinical efficacy of a third-generation SAD (Baska Mask) with a second-generation SAD (I-gel) in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A prospective randomised study was conducted on 70 adult patients belonging to American Society of Anaesthesiologist class I and II undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Participants were randomly assigned to either the Baska mask group ( n = 35) or the I-gel group ( n = 35). The primary outcomes were ease of insertion, number of attempts and insertion time. The secondary outcomes included haemodynamic parameters, ventilatory variables (peak airway pressure and leak volume) and perioperative complications. Both groups were comparable regarding demographic data and baseline parameters. Successful insertion was achieved in all cases. Mean insertion time (Baska 14.51 ± 5.79 s; I-gel 13.77 ± 4.58 s) and ease of insertion showed no significant difference. Haemodynamic parameters, peak airway pressures and leak volumes were comparable at all observation times. Postoperative complications, including cough and nausea, were slightly higher in the I-gel group but not statistically significant. The Baska Mask and I-gel devices are comparable in terms of ease of insertion, good airway pressure and sealing, intraoperative haemodynamics and low postoperative side effects.