ABSTRACT : To compare insertion conditions, cost effectiveness, hemodynamic changes to laryngeal mask airway insertion with most commonly used induction agents a) propofol b) thiopentone along with lignocaine spray to the oropharynx.

METHODS : A prospective randomised double blind study was conducted on 80 patients of ASA I and ll between age group 18 -50 years undergoing various minor surgical procedures under general anaesthesia. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 40 each. In thiopentone group the patients were given 3 sprays of 10% lignocaine to the oropharynx prior to preoxygenation and anaesthesia was induced with 5mg/kg thiopentone. In the propofol group induction was done with 2.5m/kg propofol alone.The insertion conditions were rated using six variables -mouth opening, coughing, gasping, laryngospasm, limb movement, and ease of insertion.Pulse rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, SpO2 were also monitored at baseline, 30sec after induction and 1, 2, 5, 10 and 15 minutes after insertion of LMA and data were analysed.

RESULTS : The conditions for insertion of LMA were equal in both groups but it was associated with greater hemodynamic stability and significantly less respiratory depression and less cost in thiopentone group with 10% lignocaine spray than propofol group.