Postal survey of the anaesthetic techniques used for paediatric tonsillectomy surgery

A postal survey of anaesthetic techniques used for tonsillectomy surgery in children (age 3-16 years) was performed with particular reference to the use of the reinforced laryngeal mask airway and the use of suxamethonium. From 110 questionnaires despatched, replies were obtained from 88 consultant anaesthetists with commitments to otolaryngologic (ENT) anaesthesia (response rate 80%). In paediatric practice, the reinforced laryngeal mask airway was routinely used by 14 (16%) respondents from the 88 who replied. Thirteen (33%) respondents out of 39 respondents who replied saying that they had used the reinforced laryngeal mask airway at some point, reported problems with its use. Suxamethonium was used routinely by 40 consultants (45%) for tonsillectomy surgery. Severe problems with its use had been encountered by 26 (30%) respondents.