Orotracheal intubation, often known only as intubation, is a procedure in which the doctor inserts a tube from the person's mouth to the trachea, in order to maintain an open pathway to the lung and ensure adequate breathing. This tube is also connected to a respirator, which replaces the function of the respiratory muscles, pushing air into the lungs.
Thus, intubation is indicated when the doctor needs to have total control over the person's breathing, which happens more frequently during surgeries with general anesthesia or to maintain breathing in people hospitalized in a serious condition.
This procedure should only be done by a qualified health professional and in a location with adequate equipment, such as hospitals, as there is a risk of causing serious injuries to the airway.
What is it for
Orotracheal intubation is performed when it is necessary to completely control the airway, which may be necessary in situations such as:
- Stay under general anesthesia for surgery; Intensive treatment in people in serious condition; Cardiorespiratory arrest; Airway obstruction, such as glottis edema.
In addition, any health problem that may affect the airways can also be an indication for intubation, as it is necessary to ensure that the lungs continue to receive oxygen.
There are tubes of different sizes for intubation, and what varies is their diameter, the most common being 7 and 8 mm in adults. In the case of children, the size of the tube for intubation is made according to age.
How is intubation done
Intubation is done with the person lying on their back and generally unconscious, and in the case of surgery, intubation is only done after the start of anesthesia, since intubation is an extremely uncomfortable procedure.
To perform the intubation correctly, two people are needed: one who keeps the neck secure, ensuring the alignment of the spine and airway, and the other to insert the tube. This care is extremely important after accidents or in people who have confirmed spinal damage, to avoid spinal cord injuries.
Then, who is doing the intubation should pull the person's chin back and open the person's mouth to position a laryngoscope in the mouth, which is a device that goes to the beginning of the airway and allows you to observe the glottis and vocal cords. Then, the intubation tube is placed through the mouth and through the opening of the glottis.
Finally, the tube is held in place with a small inflatable balloon and connected to a respirator, which replaces the work of the respiratory muscles and allows air to reach the lungs.
When it shouldn't be done
There are few contraindications for orotracheal intubation, as it is an emergency procedure that helps to ensure breathing. However, this procedure should be avoided in people who have some kind of cut in the trachea, with preference being given to surgery that places the tube in place.
The presence of a spinal cord injury is not a contraindication for intubation, as it is possible to stabilize the neck so as not to aggravate or cause new spinal cord injuries.
Possible complications
The most serious complication that can happen in an intubation is the placement of the tube in the wrong location, such as in the esophagus, sending air to the stomach instead of the lungs, resulting in a lack of oxygen.
In addition, if not performed by a healthcare professional, intubation can still cause damage to the respiratory tract, bleeding and even lead to aspiration of vomit into the lungs.
