Risk Factors for Intubation Injury of the Larynx

The endolaryngeal structures are subjected to insult from prolonged endotracheal intubation. Factors that may exacerbate this injury include intubation technique, duration of intubation, tube geometry and constitution, frequency of reintubation, and patient-related factors such as concomitant medical diseases. The contribution of underlying medical disease to laryngeal intubation injury was studied prospectively by sequential endoscopy from the time of tracheotomy. Diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and a history of stroke or tuberculosis increased the likelihood of severe laryngeal injury. The association of these disorders with severe laryngeal injury should lead to consideration of earlier tracheotomy in such patients.