The findings of this retrospective study of closed claims include: Injuries related to endotracheal intubation remain an ongoing challenge to anesthesiologists. The cause of injuries were often multifactorial and stemmed most commonly from technical errors and patients with comorbidities.

Risk prevention recommendations include: Detailed discussion of risks with patients during the consent process, careful documentation of such discussion, and prompt referral to specialists when needed is critical. The study’s conclusion includes: “Understanding the patterns related to injuries during intubation is essential in order to develop strategies for improved patient safety and outcomes.”

Citation for the Full-text Article

Homsi JT, Brovman EY, Greenberg P, Urman RD. A closed claims analysis of vocal cord injuries related to endotracheal intubation between 2004 and 2015. Journal of Clinical Anesthesia. 2020 May. 61 [published online Dec. 10, 2019]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinane.2019.109687

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