A supraglottic airway device (LMA Classic) is inserted successfully. The device does NOT reliably protect against which of the following?
- A Airway obstruction from the tongue falling back
- B Hypoxia during upper airway surgery
- C Aspiration of gastric contents ✓
- D Laryngospasm from light anaesthesia
Correct answer: C. Aspiration of gastric contents
Explanation
The laryngeal mask airway sits in the hypopharynx and forms a low-pressure seal around the laryngeal inlet; it does not pass through the vocal cords and therefore provides no reliable protection against pulmonary aspiration of regurgitated gastric contents. This is its primary limitation compared to a cuffed endotracheal tube. It is contraindicated in patients at high risk of aspiration (full stomach, obesity, hiatus hernia) unless a second-generation device with a gastric drain channel (LMA ProSeal, LMA Supreme) is used.
Reference: Morgan & Mikhail's Clinical Anesthesiology, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.