BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of succinylcholine(Sch) for insertion of laryngeal mask airway(LMA) during general anesthesia. We compare the bronchoscopic grade, incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat. METHODS: Seventy patients were randomly divided into two groups. The succinylcholine(Sch) group received Sch 1.0 mg/kg, saline group received the same volume of saline 1 minute before the insertion of LMA. Anesthesia was induced with fentanyl 2 g/kg and propofol 2.5 mg/kg. Once the LMA was in the hypopharynx and the cuff inflated, a fiberoptic bronchoscope was immediately passed down through the LMA, and its position was graded from the mask aperture bars. No. of attempts, postoperative sore throat and other complications were also noted. RESULTS: The bronchoscopic grade were aggravated in the Sch group(grade I, n=12; grade II, n=13; grade III, n=10), compared with saline group(22;9;4). The incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat in the recovery room were reduced in the Sch group. No. of attempts were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: The use of Sch for insertion of LMA during general anesthesia aggravated the bronchoscopic grade. However, the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat could be reduced in the Sch group.