WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Dr. Zakariya Sami Mustafa Hussein*

ABSTRACT

Background: Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a substitute for intubation in general anesthesia patients, allowing air exchange through a specially designed mask. It has been commercially used since 1988 for pediatric anesthesia, difficult pediatric airway management, and diagnostic procedures. Risks of adverse events are lower in LMA. Aim: The current study aimed to evaluate the safety of laryngeal mask airway in newborn age group of pediatric patients and to study the rate of conversion of laryngeal mask airway to endotracheal tube. Methodology: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted at Ibn Al-Atheer Teaching Hospital in Mosul, Iraq, from February to October 2025. The study included 30 newborn babies aged 1 hour to 3 months who were admitted for groin surgeries. Data collection tools included non-probability sampling and non-blinding techniques. Outcomes included heart rate, blood pressure measurement, SPO2 in blood, and ECG leads. The data was analyzed using IBM-SPSS 26 with uses of one-way ANOVA. Results: A study of 30 pediatric surgery patients found a significant decline in heart rate and systolic blood pressure from pre-induction to post-operation. Most patients continued with pink peripheral circulation, with only two developing cyanosis. The mean duration of anesthesia and operation was 34.22±4.918 min. All patients continued safely with LMA, with one requiring ETT change. Conclusions: LMA is a safe pediatric anesthesia option for elective groin surgery, especially for newborns. Both LMA and ETT are considered, with LMA offering ease of insertion and less cardiovascular stimulation.