Yavuz ORAK, Fatma Bilgen BEKERECIOGLU, Harun KARADUMAN, Melih CAKAROGLU
Çukurova Anestezi ve Cerrahi Bilimler Dergisi - 2026;9(3):685-694
Objective/Background: This study aimed to compare the direct costs and clinical outcomes of endotracheal tube (ET) and laryngeal mask (LM) applications, which are widely preferred for airway management during short-term plastic surgery operations lasting up to two hours. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study, conducted between 2018 and 2019, included 80 patients aged 18-65 years undergoing elective plastic surgery. Participants were assigned to either the endotracheal tube (Group ET, n=40) or laryngeal mask group (Group LM, n=40; LMA ProSeal(TM)). Demographic characteristics, procedure times (intubation, extubation, operation), and precise doses of all anesthesia drugs were recorded. Direct medication and medical supply costs for both methods were calculated and statistically compared. Results: Intubation (p<0.001), extubation (p=0.029), and operation (p<0.001) times were significantly longer in Group ET. Regarding drug consumption, the doses of remifentanil, rocuronium, atropine, neostigmine, and the number of airways used were higher in Group ET, whereas only propofol was higher in Group LM. Despite prolonged procedure times and increased drug consumption in Group ET, the mean total cost was significantly higher in Group LM (LM: 173.59 TL vs. ET: 159.08 TL; p<0.001). Conclusion: Based on direct material and medication costs, the endotracheal tube was found to be a more cost-effective alternative than the laryngeal mask. However, when selecting medical supplies, clinicians must not rely solely on costs but should holistically evaluate patient comfort, hemodynamic stability, and postoperative clinical outcomes.
