BACKGROUND: A variety of lesions can be seen in the larynx subsequent to an intubation anaesthesia or treatment with a respirator. The larynx may already be injured by introducing an endotracheal tube. The inserted tube must necessarily chafe the laryngeal mucosa. Many studies are concerned with individual manifestations [5-10,14,16,17,20]. The following article gives an overview of the intubation lesions of the larynx observed by us and offers comments on pathogenesis and prevention. PATIENTS: 161 patients with severe lesions subsequent to an intubation or treatment with a respirator were seen at the ENT Department of the University of Marburg Hospital from 1973 to 1995. TYPES OF LESIONS CAUSED BY INTUBATION: Basing on the pathomechanisms, we can classify the lesions as follows: inflammatory reactions, lesions of the larynx caused during intubation, lesions caused by chafing by the tube or by the sealing sleeve. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the large number of performed intubations, lesions of the larynx occur rarely. However, in view of the possible sequels, it would be advisable if an experienced laryngologist would perform a careful endoscopic examination of the larynx and trachea at least after every forced or prolonged intubation and especially after every treatment with a respirator.
BACKGROUND: A variety of lesions can be seen in the larynx subsequent to an intubation anaesthesia or treatment with a respirator. The larynx may already be injured by introducing an endotracheal tube. The inserted tube must necessarily chafe the laryngeal mucosa. Many studies are concerned with individual manifestations [5-10,14,16,17,20]. The following article gives an overview of the intubation lesions of the larynx observed by us and offers comments on pathogenesis and prevention. PATIENTS: 161 patients with severe lesions subsequent to an intubation or treatment with a respirator were seen at the ENT Department of the University of Marburg Hospital from 1973 to 1995. TYPES OF LESIONS CAUSED BY INTUBATION: Basing on the pathomechanisms, we can classify the lesions as follows: inflammatory reactions, lesions of the larynx caused during intubation, lesions caused by chafing by the tube or by the sealing sleeve. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the large number of performed intubations, lesions of the larynx occur rarely. However, in view of the possible sequels, it would be advisable if an experienced laryngologist would perform a careful endoscopic examination of the larynx and trachea at least after every forced or prolonged intubation and especially after every treatment with a respirator.