AbstractIntroduction: Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion has emerged as an alternative to endotracheal (ET) intubation for maintaining airway and anaesthesia.This study was done to compare the haemodynamic responses associated with LMA and endotracheal intubation in ASA Grade I and II patients undergoing elective surgeries. Aim: To compare the heamodynamic responses associated with laryngeal mask airway insertion and endotracheal intubation. Methods: Informed consent was taken for the study. The patient was examined and evaluated on the day before surgery. They were explained the procedure of anaesthesia to allay anxiety and apprehension. In this randomized prospective study 50 ASA Grade I and Grade II patients posted for elective surgery under general anaesthesia was entered. The patients were allocated by computer-generated random numbers into two groups of 25 patients each: Group-I (ET group) and Group- II (LMA group). All the patients were given anaesthesia in a standardized manner. Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and ECG monitored during intubation and insertion of laryngeal mask airway at an interval of 1, 3, 5 & 10 minutes. After adequate recovery patients was extubated. Observations: The Parametes observed are- Mean arterial pressure (MAP), Heart rate (H.R), Oxygen saturation (SPO2), Electrocardiogram (ECG) at 10min, 1min before intubation, 1min after induction, just after insertion of ET tube/LMA, 3min, 5min, 10min after intubation/LMA insertion. Data observed and analysed. Test of significance were carried out by student t-test or modified t-test. Results: The heart rate, systolic, diastolic blood pressure was found to be increased at laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation or laryngeal mask insertion.But the increase in HR, SBP and DBP in the laryngeal mask airway group was not as much as in the endotracheal tube group. There was a significant difference in these haemodynamic parameters between the two groups at the end of 5 minutes. Conclusion: The haemodynamic responses are attenuated and short lived with laryngeal mask airway insertion as compared to laryngoscopy and endotracheal tube insertion. Laryngeal mask airway insertion is advantageous where ever there is a concern about the pressor response for airway instrumentation.