We systematically reviewed 31 adult randomised clinical trials of the i-gel(®) vs laryngeal mask airway. The mean (95% CI) leak pressure difference and relative risk (95% CI) of insertion on the first attempt were similar: 0.40 (-1.23 to 2.02) cmH2 O and 0.98 (0.95-1.01), respectively. The mean (95% CI) insertion time and the relative risk (95% CI) of sore throat were less with the i-gel: by 1.46 (0.33-2.60) s, p = 0.01, and 0.59 (0.38-0.90), p = 0.02, respectively. The relative risk of poor fibreoptic view through the i-gel was 0.29 (0.16-0.54), p < 0.0001. All outcomes displayed substantial heterogeneity, I(2) ≥ 75%. Subgroup analyses did not decrease heterogeneity, but suggested that insertion of the i-gel was faster than for first-generation laryngeal mask airways and that the i-gel leak pressure was higher than first generation, but lower than second-generation, laryngeal mask airways. A less frequent sore throat was the main clinical advantage of the i-gel.
© 2014 The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland.