Voice & throat problems likely after anesthesia

 

A fresh look at past research suggests voice & throat problems are common in patients who have had a breathing tube placed during general anesthesia. Researchers pooled a dozen studies that looked at complications following the use of an endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask, 2 popular techniques that allow patients to breathe while being put under for surgery,

While the complications rate varies, one study found as many as 7 out of 10 patients suffered a vocal cord injury, such as swelling or internal bleeding. An ENT, said that the devices are put past the soft & delicate tissues in a person’s throat, so it’s not surprising that temporary hoarseness would occur.

According to researchers, some people with hoarseness & injuries recover quickly. Normally the hoarseness should clear up by itself, but if it doesn’t people should see their physician, because it could be a sign of something more serious. “ If you’ve persistent hoarseness following a procedure, then being examined by an ENT physician would be important” the researcher said.