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Case Reports
. 2015 May;97(4):e67-9.
doi: 10.1308/003588415X14181254789727.

Palatal and retropharyngeal injury secondary to intubation using the GlideScope® video laryngoscope

D S Thorley  1 , A R Simons  2 , O Mirza  3 , V Malik  4
Affiliations
Case Reports

Palatal and retropharyngeal injury secondary to intubation using the GlideScope® video laryngoscope

D S Thorley et al. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2015 May.

Abstract

Introduction: There are few reports of injury to the soft palate and retropharynx sustained during intubation with the GlideScope® video laryngoscope. Most reports are of isolated injury to the soft palate.

Case history: We describe a patient in whom the retropharynx was injured but the extent of the injury was not observed initially. The patient did not suffer severe sequelae from this injury. However, this injury can cause serious sequelae if it is not recognised (eg development of a retropharyngeal abscess).

Conclusions: We recommend that any patient who sustains injury to the soft palate during intubation (particularly if the endotracheal tube passes through the soft palate) should be reviewed an otolaryngologist before removal of the endotracheal tube.

Keywords: Endotracheal tube; GlideScope® video laryngoscope; Intubation – Palate.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Initial view. The endotracheal tube is seen entering the soft palate (*) superior to the right tonsil (+). The tongue (*) is pushed to the left.
Figure 2
Figure 2
View of the posterior larynx. The cuff of the initial endotracheal tube (*) can be seen emerging from the mucosa superior and lateral to the left arytenoid (*).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Defect after removal of the endotracheal tube (*). This defect was sutured. Tonsils (*) and soft palate (+) can be seen.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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