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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Surgeries and Procedures > Intubation: Home Care and Complications
      Category : Health Centers > Respiratory System (Lungs and Breathing)

Intubation

Alternate Names : Endotracheal Intubation, Nasotracheal Intubation, Orotracheal Intubation

Intubation | Preparation & Expectations | Home Care and Complications | Pictures and Images | Attribution


What happens later at home?

A person must stay in the hospital until the tube is removed. Once it has been removed, he or she may have a sore throat due to irritation from the tube.

What are the potential complications after the procedure?

Intubation may cause complications. Some possibilities are:

  • esophageal intubation, which occurs when a tube is put into the esophagus or food tube by mistake, instead of into the trachea. To keep this from happening, the healthcare provider who has done the intubation listens with a stethoscope over the stomach while giving oxygen to the person through the tube. If airflow sounds are heard over the stomach or the stomach swells up, the tube is in the esophagus. It must be removed and placed properly.
  • swelling at the back of the throat
  • vocal cord injury
  • damage to the trachea, including a hole
  • damage to teeth
  • lung infection such as pneumonia
  • spasm of the muscles of the windpipe, which may cause pain and difficulty breathing

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    Intubation: Preparation & Expectations

     

    Intubation: Pictures and Images

    Author: Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
    Reviewer: Adam Brochert, MD
    Date Reviewed: 04/11/01









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    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006