Laryngotracheal mucosa injury and associated factors after endotracheal extubation: A pilot study

Abstract

Objective: To describe the clinical signs of laryngotracheal mucosal injuries and associated factors. Methods: This was an observational longitudinal study conducted with patients intubated due to general anesthesia. Assessment was carried out in the preoperative period, intraoperative period and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after extubation. Descriptive and exploratory statistics were used for analysis, in addition to odds ratio. Results: 53.3% of the sample presented at least one clinical sign of laryngotracheal mucosal injury, mainly: hoarseness (43.3%), dysphagia (40%), and odynophagia (33.3%). The following factors were associated: intracuff pressure above 25 cmH2O, intubation longer than 120 minutes, and the use of tubes larger than 7.5mm. Conclusion: The most common clinical signs of laryngotracheal mucosal injury among the studied population were hoarseness, dysphagia, and odynophagia, associated with cuff pressure above 25 cmH2O, followed by duration of intubation and inadequate endotracheal tube size.