Video Laryngeal Mask vs. Endotracheal Tube in Septoplasty

Brief Summary

This single-center, prospective, observational, comparative study evaluated airway management using the SaCoVLM™ video laryngeal mask airway (VLMA) and a conventional endotracheal tube (ETT) in adult patients undergoing elective septoplasty under general anesthesia. The airway device was selected by the responsible anesthesiologist as part of routine clinical practice, without randomization. The primary outcome was airway blood contamination assessed at the end of surgery. Secondary outcomes included hemodynamic responses, ventilation parameters, airway device placement characteristics, recovery time, surgeon satisfaction, and postoperative airway-related symptoms. Distal tracheal blood contamination was assessed using flexible bronchoscopy in both groups. Postoperative sore throat, dysphagia, cough, and hoarseness were evaluated during recovery and at predetermined postoperative intervals. Comparative analyses of postoperative symptoms were limited to the first 12 hours because 24-hour follow-up data were incomplete.