Ultrasonographic Subglottic Airway Measurements and Postoperative Respiratory Events in Young Children

This study aims to better understand airway-related respiratory events that may occur in children under three years of age undergoing general anesthesia with a laryngeal mask airway (LMA). As part of the study, ultrasonographic measurements of the subglottic airway will be performed at different time points during anesthesia using a non-invasive ultrasound device. Changes in these measurements will be evaluated in relation to intervention-requiring upper-airway events occurring during anesthesia, LMA removal, or early recovery. The results may contribute to a better understanding of airway-related factors associated with respiratory events in young children undergoing anesthesia with an LMA.

Inclusion Criteria: Children aged 0 to 35 months Scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia Planned airway management with a laryngeal mask airway Written informed consent obtained from a parent or legal guardian Exclusion Criteria: Known congenital or acquired airway anomalies Craniofacial anomalies Emergency surgical procedures Planned tracheal intubation instead of laryngeal mask airway