Background: Endotracheal intubation is an invasive procedure that is associated with many short and long term complications. Post intubation laryngeal injury is not uncommon, however, there is insufficient data regarding the frequency of post intubation laryngeal sequels in Egyptian children. Fiber optic endoscopy provide bedside inexpensive tool for early detection of post-intubation sequels.
Aim: To assess the different forms of laryngeal post intubation sequelae using fibro optic laryngoscope.
Subjects and methods: this cross sectional descriptive study included 30 infants and children who underwent endotracheal intubation for at least 24 hours regardless the indication of intubation. Post extubation fiber optic endoscopic examination was performed for all included children. Laryngeal complications were correlated to patient complaint, duration of intubation and number of attempts.
Results: Post intubation laryngeal complications were detected in 63.3% of included children. The commonest presenting symptoms were stridor (30%) followed by dysphagia (16.7%). The commonest abnormality detected by fiber optic endoscopy was subglottic stenosis (40%). A significant positive correlation was detected between the number of post intubation complication and the number of attempts for tube insertion. All asymptomatic infants and children did not show any laryngeal abnormalities.
Conclusions: Post-extubation laryngeal injuries are not uncommon, with the majority of patients having subglottic stenosis especially those who were intubated for longer duration. Hence, post-extubation fiberoptic laryngoscopy following extubation is recommended for neonates and infants for early diagnosis and interventions..