A controlled, double blind, study of adding Nalbuphine to Propofol for laryngeal mask insertion conditions and hemodynamics in adults

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate laryngeal mask airway placement conditions achieved with Nalbuphine/Propofol combination when given intravenously as well as hemodynamic changes if any.
Methods
60 ASA grade 1 and 11 patients of age group 20–60 years, scheduled for general anesthesia with spontaneous breathing were randomly allocated to receive intravenously either Fentanyl 2 μg/kg, controlled group (Group F,  = 30) or Nalbuphine 0.2 mg/kg (Group N,  = 30), before induction of anesthesia with Propofol 2–2.5 mg/kg. Heart rate and arterial blood pressure were measured before induction of anesthesia and at 1, 3, and 5 min after LMA insertion. Assessment of LMA insertion was done using 6 variables: mouth opening, gagging, swallowing, head and limb movements, laryngospasm and resistance to insertion. Incidence and duration of apnea were recorded.
Results
The incidence of coughing/gagging was higher in the F group (50%) compared to the N group (30%), ( = 0.019). Swallowing was also statistically significant ( = 0.017), being higher in F group (50%), compared to N group (16.6%). Limb moving followed the same pattern being higher in the F group (40%) compared to (13.3%) in the N group, ( = 0.008). Laryngospasm was seen in neither group. There was also statistically significant difference ( = 0.007) in the incidence of apnea between the control group (F) 86.6% and (N) group. Heart rate variation and MAP changes were not statistically significant in either F or N groups.
Conclusion
The addition of Nalbuphine to Propofol for LMA insertion provides excellent insertion conditions with stable hemodynamics in adults.