Comparison of Laryngeal Mask Airway and Endotracheal Intubation on Mechanical Power in Pediatric Patients

This prospective observational study aims to compare two commonly used airway management methods-Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) and Endotracheal Intubation (ETT)-in pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia. The primary objective is to evaluate the impact of LMA and ETT on intraoperative mechanical power, an emerging indicator of ventilator-induced lung stress. Secondary objectives include assessing postoperative respiratory complications such as cough, hypoxemia, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, increased secretions, and breath-holding episodes. No interventions will be assigned based on a study protocol; airway management will be determined solely by clinical requirements. Routine ventilator parameters will be recorded, and mechanical power will be calculated using a validated simplified formula.

Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged 2-5 years * Body weight between 10-20 kg * Patients classified as ASA physical status I-III * Elective surgery planned under general anesthesia Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of severe chronic lung disease (e.g., advanced bronchopulmonary dysplasia) * Uncontrolled or severe bronchial asthma * Severe cardiac failure (NYHA Class III-IV) * Diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension * History of major lung surgery * Severe obesity (BMI \> 95th percentile) * Children scheduled for abdominal or thoracic surgery * Procedures expected to last longer than two hours * Emergency surgeries * Children and/or parents who decline participation in the study