[Possible mechanisms, differential diagnosis and prophylaxis of vocal cords palsy following endotracheal intubation].

This report is based on a total of 53 vocal cord palsies after endotracheal intubation on the basis of a bibliographical review and 5 of our own observations. Pressure and extension injuries of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, especially of its terminal branches, are probably the cause of such damage. It seems that infection of the respiratory tract encourage vocal cords palsies. Possible aetiological mechanisms and questions concerning the innervation of the larynx connected with this, the clinical differential diagnosis and prophylactic measures are discussed.