Efficacy of I- Gel™ for Airway Management of Neonates with Pierre Robin Sequence Undergoing Glossopexy: A Prospective Study

This paper aims to review the utility of I- gel as a successful airway management device for infants with Pierre robin sequence (PRS) undergoing glossopexy. A prospective study was conducted on PRS neonates. The algorithm followed was putting a ‘Tongue traction stitch’ followed by the following sequence – two trials with direct laryngoscope intubation, two attempts with fiberoptic endoscope intubation followed by insertion of I-gel™ to manage difficult airway during glossopexy procedure. 6 patients were intubated with direct laryngoscope, 12 patients were intubated with fibreoptic endoscope and the rest 13 patients were intubated using I-gel™. Successful management of difficult airway was achieved with this airway management protocol during glossopexy and nil postoperative complications were encountered. Within the limitations of the study it seems that, I-gel™ is a relevant alternative toprovide a reliable and secure airway access to carry out glossopexy procedure in such patients.