Laryngeal Complications of Nasogastric Tubes

Abstract

The association of bilateral vocal cord paralysis with relatively short-term nasogastric tube use is represented in four case histories. A prospective study of the effects of nasogastric tubes on the normal human larynx discovered arytenoid edema in approximately one third of patients. A literature review, possible pathophysiologic mechanisms to explain the condition, and basic medical management are described.