What complications may arise from prolonged intubation?

Prolonged intubation can lead to specific complications that impact the airway and surrounding structures, with tracheal stenosis and vocal cord paralysis being notable concerns. Tracheal stenosis is a narrowing of the trachea, which can occur due to prolonged pressure or trauma from the endotracheal tube against the tracheal wall, leading to scarring and narrowing of the airway. This makes future intubation and breathing more difficult for the patient.

Vocal cord paralysis is another potential complication that can develop due to the pressure of the tube or damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which innervates the vocal cords. This paralysis can result in difficulties with voice production and airway protection, increasing the risk of aspiration.

Other options may involve serious conditions, but they do not specifically correlate with the prolonged presence of an endotracheal tube in the same way. For example, hyperventilation and oxygen toxicity typically result from specific ventilator settings rather than the duration of intubation. Acute respiratory distress syndrome and complications such as pneumothorax and aspiration pneumonia can arise in severely ill patients but are not directly linked to the duration of intubation itself.