[Intubation microtraumatic lesions of the larynx (author's transl)]

Laryngeal microtrauma and seeding of laryngeal malignancy to the lower respiratory tract after short-term intubation is reported. These findings have been confirmed by cytology of smears taken from the endotracheal tubes used on 40 patients. Dysphonia without macroscopically visible laryngeal changes is caused by microtraumatic lesions. The authors advise very gentle intubation to avoid such consequences. Dissemination of infection and malignancy remains unsolved.