[Intubation injuries of the larynx and trachea--etiology, forms, therapy and endoscopic control for prevention]

Severe intubation injuries of the larynx and trachea are usually caused by prolonged intubation, particularly if the primary intubation was difficult. Due to the persisting, time-consuming therapeutic problems, tracheal and laryngeal stenoses are among the most-feared sequelae of long-term intubation. Therefore many laryngologists reject endotracheal intubation for prolonged respiratory support and recommend an early tracheostomy. Advances in respiration techniques and in the development of tissue-compatible tubes with low pressure cuffs permit, in our opinion, prolonged intubation if this is controlled by repeated endoscopic examination to recognize lesions at an early, still reversible, stage.