Laryngeal Injury following Short-Term Intubation

Laryngeal injury secondary to prolonged intubation has been extensively discussed in the literature. Little however, has been reported regarding laryngeal injury from short-term intubation. It is unclear what the basis may be for the common findings of hoarseness and discomfort after intubation for general anesthesia. Examined were 475 adults using indirect laryngoscopy immediately following intubation for elective surgical procedures. Our study indicates a small but significant number of patients will exhibit an injury after elective short-term intubation. This is most likely a result of intubation technique and recovery is generally prompt with conservative observation.