Iatrogenic uvular injury after endotracheal intubation: recommendations for clinical practice

Abstract

Abstract Background Uvular injury is a rare complication of endotracheal intubation. It presents as a triad of sore throat, foreign body sensation in pharynx, and halitosis. Case presentation A 26-year-old male who underwent endotracheal intubation for general anesthesia developed sore throat and foreign body sensation after the procedure. The patient was diagnosed as a case of iatrogenic uvular necrosis (grade III uvular injury) leading to auto-amputation (grade IV uvular injury) attributed to compression of the uvula due to the endotracheal tube placement. The patient was counseled regarding the etiology of the disease and was treated conservatively. Conclusions Uvular injury is a rare complication that can easily be prevented by corrections in technique and experience. This report emphasizes the establishment of principles of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of uvular injury.

Keywords

• Uvular necrosis
• Uvular edema
• Uvular ulceration
• Uvular hydrops
• Uvular auto-amputation