Korean J Anesthesiol.  2003 Mar;44(3):405-409. 10.4097/kjae.2003.44.3.405.

Difficult Extubation of Endotracheal Tube: Two case reports

• Jung SK
• Park KH
• Ha JS
• Ha IH

• KMID: 2299018
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2003.44.3.405

Abstract

The problem of difficult intubation is well known to anesthesiologists. However, difficulties associated with the extubation of endotracheal tubes are not common, and few reports exist. However, untoward incidents of diverse etiology can occur and the complications of difficult extubation may be fatal. We experienced 2 cases of difficult extubations. One was due to adhesion of the tube to the tracheal wall and the other was due to a fold in the deflated cuff of an excessively large-sized tube. We managed these difficult extubations by rotating the tube with a MaGill forcep under direct laryngoscopy. We report upon these clinical experiences and include a brief review of the literature.

Keyword

Cuff; difficult extubation; endotracheal tube; intubation

MeSH Terms

Intubation
Laryngoscopy
Surgical Instruments