Endotracheal intubation
Definition
Endotracheal intubation is a medical procedure in which a tube is placed into the windpipe (trachea), through the mouth or the nose. In most emergency situations it is placed through the mouth.
See also: Bronchoscopy, Tracheostomy
Alternative Names
Intubation - endotracheal
How the test is performed
How to prepare for the test
How the test will feel
Why the test is performed
Endotracheal intubation is done to open the airway to give oxygen, medication, or anesthesia, and to help with breathing. It may also be done to remove blockages (foreign bodies) from the airway or to allow the doctor to get a better view of the upper airway.Normal Values
What abnormal results mean
What the risks are
Risks for any surgery are:
- Bleeding
- Infection
Additional risks for this procedure include trauma to the voice box (larynx), thyroid gland, vocal cords and trachea (windpipe), or esophagus. Puncture or perforation (tearing) of body parts in the chest cavity, leading to lung collapse, may also occur.
Special considerations
After endotracheal intubation, you will likely be placed on a respirator, which is a machine that breathes for you while the tube is in place.visHeader
References
Danzl DF, Vissers RJ. Tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004: chap 19.
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