Early versus late removal of the I-Gel in paediatric patients with mild upper respiratory tract symptoms undergoing ambulatory ilioinguinal surgery: A prospective observational study

J Perioper Pract. 2024 Nov;34(11):357-362. doi: 10.1177/17504589231211445. Epub 2023 Dec 19.

Abstract

The optimal timing of I-Gel removal in children with mild respiratory symptoms remains controversial. Consequently, we tried to assess the impact of early versus late I-Gel removal on the incidence of perioperative respiratory adverse events among children aged one to five years undergoing ambulatory surgery under general anaesthesia with I-Gel airway ventilation. The anaesthesia protocol was the same for all patients. Children were divided into two groups according to the approach of I-Gel removal (early versus late). The incidence of perioperative respiratory adverse events after the I-Gel removal was the main outcome, and a multivariable regression was performed to investigate the implication of the I-Gel removal in perioperative respiratory adverse events. According to our study, the incidence of perioperative respiratory adverse events was not correlated to the timing of I-Gel removal. However, prolonged postoperative oxygen support can be seen when the I-Gel is removed in anaesthetized children.

Keywords: Ambulatory; I-Gel removal; Paediatric; Respiratory adverse events; Respiratory symptoms; Upper respiratory tract infection.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Surgical Procedures* / methods
  • Anesthesia, General / methods
  • Child, Preschool
  • Device Removal
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Prospective Studies
  • Time Factors