Background: While endotracheal intubation is lifesaving, it carries different risks and potential complications, especially the laryngeal ones. This study aimed to detect the laryngeal findings immediately after extubation in ICU patients and their risk factors.
Patients and Methods: This study was an observational cross-sectional study. 48 ICU extubated patients were examined, their ages ranged from 24:78 years. History taking and laryngeal examination were done for all participants using rigid laryngoscopy at inpatient wards immediately after discharge from the ICU.
Results: Dysphonia was the most common complaint (75%), and stridor was the least one (8.3%). Edema was the most prominent finding (75%). The least findings were stenosis, ulcer, hematoma, and dislocated arytenoid; each was found in (6.25%) of patients. During the short intubation period (1- 3 days): edema and erythema were only found and only one ulcer case was found. Edema increased from 6 cases in (1- 3 days of intubation) to 13 cases in (7- 9 days of intubation) and also 13 cases in (10- 12 days of intubation); granuloma appeared only when the change from short-term intubation to prolonged intubation. There was no specific duration for dislocated arytenoid, hematoma, or ulcers to appear. Immobility of vocal folds appeared after the 7th day of intubation; no stenosis cases were detected before the 10th day of intubation.
Conclusion: The laryngeal examination post-extubation is recommended for early detection of the laryngeal lesions to address and prevent further deterioration promptly.