Evaluation of Laryngeal Morbidity After Orotracheal Intubation by Vocal Analysis and Laryngostroboscopy: A Pilot Study

Detailed Summary

The delicate structures of the larynx can be compromised by innumerable causes, one of these is represented by endotracheal intubation. More frequently, these damages are represented by hematomas, edema and granulomas of the vocal cords. The pathophysiology of laryngeal damage can be explained by an ischemic attack of the chordal mucosa. Numerous risk factors can cause the onset of damage, some depending on the practice itself, such as size and type of endotracheal tube, cuff pressure, use of mandrels and / or inserting devices, use of oral or nasogastric tubes, use of neuromuscular inhibitors or sleep-inducing drugs and the duration of the intervention; others from patient-related factors, such as gender, weight, history of exposure of smoking habit, or a history of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). The incidence of such symptoms varies from 0% to 18% among the general population, with an average of 6% with resolution of most of the symptoms within 72 hours unless substantial damage has occurred to the vocal cords or to the arytenoids. In general, the incidence of such laryngeal complications has been described by several studies, but there is no standardized protocol for measuring and evaluating their entity. The purpose of this study is to determine how the voice and the chordal clinical aspect vary after oro-tracheal intubation, evaluated through voice analysis and laryngostroboscopy.

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