Bilateral vocal cord paralysis after extubation

Abstract

Vocal cord paralysi is an uncommon complication of endotracheal intubation after induction of general anesthesia. It may be due to the endotracheal tube cuff pressure on the recurrent nerves. Vocal cord edema occuring in the presence of a paralyzed cord may precipitate complete airway obstruction and can cause bilateral cord paralysis. Here, we describe post anesthetic bilateral vocal cord paralysis in an elderly female patient which diagnosed by direct larayngoscopy and successfully treated by tracheostomy in respiratory intensive care unit. The patient discharged after two weeks and achieved complete recovery one month later.