Intubation lesions of the larynx

One thousand patients were examined immediately after extubation of the trachea at the end of anaesthesia. Severe lesions of the larynx were detected in 62 patients (6.2%). The lesions encountered included haematoma, laceration of the mucous membrane, laceration of the muscle and subluxation of the arytenoid cartilage. In spite of early diagnosis and adequate treatment, it was not possible to avoid an effect on the voice in nine patients.