Complications of intubation.

Endotracheal intubation with current inert low-pressure, high-volume cuffed tubes is a safe procedure associated with few complications in the vast majority of patients. However, complications related to mechanical difficulties and mucosal injury can occur even under ideal circumstances. Immediate complications are primarily associated with problems during intubation and extubation while early and late complications represent the short- and long-term effects of epithelial trauma.