A Rare Case of Uvulitis Following Endotracheal Intubation Using C- Mac Videolaryngoscope and How To Avoid It
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Uvular injuries are uncommon after general anesthesia and can result from direct trauma to the posterior part of the soft palate or compression and restriction of blood flow to the uvula caused by the inadvertent placement of the airway or suction devices in the oral cavity. There have been cases of inflammation and ulceration occurring in the midline oropharyngeal structures such as the uvula after general anesthesia with a tube or laryngeal mask airway, even in the absence of direct trauma or infection, presumably due to compression ischemia. While sore throat following general anesthesia is a common symptom, it is important to evaluate any severe or persistent pain to exclude uvulitis. Here we present a case of uvulitis that developed after the insertion of a flexometallic endotracheal tube using the midline technique during C-Mac video laryngoscopy. We also emphasize the measures that can be implemented to prevent such a complication. The entrapment of the uvula during intubation often goes unnoticed due to limited oral space after insertion of the video laryngoscope blade, with the intubating anesthetist staying focused on the monitor. This complication following the use of a C-Mac video laryngoscope has not been previously documented.
Authors: Kiran Kuruvilla George, Jini Chirackel Thomas, Krishnan B Sivaram, Krishna Prasad T
Language: English
Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4403201691