Intensive care world
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The laryngeal mask, provides a totally patent airway when positioned in the hypopharynx with remarkable patient tolerance, even at very light planes of sedation. The major advantages of the laryngeal mask are its ease of insertion, the absence of contact with the vocal cards, and the fact that it frees the hands of the anesthesiologist. Contraindications to its use result from its failure to seal the airway against regurgitation of gastric content. ⋯ In the operating room few complications have been described, and postoperative discomfort is minimal. The laryngeal mask is a device positioned in the hypopharynx which allows separation of the digestive tract from the airway, without violation of either the larynx or the upper oesophageal sphincter. An endotracheal tube, because of its positioning, hinders normal glottic movement and narrows the airway.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)