This study was performed to evaluate the effects of a ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) on intraoperative ventilation and blood pressure, and postoperative sore throat in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Sixty, ASA 1 or 2 adults scheduled for elective LC were randomly allocated into two groups; i.e., endotracheal tube (ETT) or PLMA groups. General anesthesia was administered in the usual fashion. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and after the induction of anesthesia. Blood pressure, heart rate, peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) and end-tidal CO₂ (ETCO₂) also were measured before and after intraabdominal CO₂ insufflation (pneumoperitoneum) at 5 minutes intervals over 30 minutes. Sore throat, nausea and vomiting were evaluated at 6 and 24 hours postoperatively.

Blood pressure and heart rate were higher in the ETT group than in the PLMA group after induction (P < 0.05), however, no differences were observed during pneumoperitoneum. Following the induction of pneumoperitoneum, ETCO₂ increased significantly, but without the group differences. PIP was less increased in the PLMA group. No significant differences were observed in incidences of postoperative sore throat, nausea or vomiting in the two groups.

We conclude that PLMA is a useful alternative to ETT in LC. Furthermore, PLMA seems to be more useful for hypertensive patients.