Complications of prolonged nasotracheal intubation in children.

The immediate and late complications of prolonged nasotracheal intubation in eightythree children are reviewed. Twenty-six of the thirty survivors were examined by laryngoscopy to determine the incidence of permanent laryngeal lesions. Seventeen had no lesion. Of the remaining nine, two had severe subglottic stenosis, four slight subglottic stenosis, and three minor degrees of scarring without narrowing. In order to prevent these complications arising, it is recommended that intubation be carried out as gently as possible, using the smallest tube which will permit adequate ventilation, and that the duration of intubation should not exceed seven days.