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[Recurrent nerve palsy after endotracheal intubation]
1Department of Anesthesia, Okayama Rosai Hospital.
Masui. the Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology
|April 30, 1998
Summary
Endotracheal intubation can cause hoarseness due to recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. Monitoring endotracheal tube cuff pressure is crucial to prevent this complication.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy is a potential complication following endotracheal intubation.
- Hoarseness is a common postoperative complaint after endotracheal anesthesia.
Observation:
- Four patients developed left recurrent nerve palsy after non-laryngeal surgery with endotracheal anesthesia.
- All patients experienced hoarseness postoperatively.
Findings:
- The palsy was associated with the use of endotracheal tubes, specifically the pressure exerted by the inflated cuff on the intralaryngeal course of the recurrent nerve.
- Three patients recovered within two months, and one showed improvement by day 20.
Implications:
- Excessive endotracheal tube cuff pressure may cause recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy.
- Close monitoring of cuff pressure during endotracheal intubation is essential to prevent nerve injury and subsequent hoarseness.