Minitracheotomy and laryngeal function

Abstract

The 'minitracheotomy', i.e. an indwelling narrow-bore endotracheal tube which is inserted via the cricothyroid membrane to provide access for the removal of secretions from the tracheobronchial tree following major thoracic and abdominal surgery, has recently been developed. In order to investigate whether its use may be injurious to the larynx, a prospective study was carried out assessing laryngeal function pre- and post-operatively in 14 patients. No permanent changes in laryngeal function were found and it was concluded that, when used for short post-operative periods, the larynx is not adversely effected.