ABSTRACT

Introduction: Scarring and remodeling after inhalation burn increase the risk of the airway obstruction, therefore most of the time it is decided to guarantee the airway by tracheostomy. The visualization of initial state and evolution of traumatized airway predict the injury repercussions and can determine the success of extubation. Sometimes fibrobronchoscopy does not allow the full extent evaluation of lesions in the upper airway, which is usually the most affected. The video laryngoscope is an easily accessible instrument, we have used for the initial evaluation and follow-up of the lesions, identifying patients who could be extubated. Case report: Three cases of patients who were admitted to the ICU with severe burns and airway involvement received follow up weekly with videolaryngoscopy, as a tool to identify patients who could be extubated. Conclusion: Periodic monitoring and evaluation of the lesions progress with videolaryngoscopy allows to assess the resolution of edema, the re-epithelization of the ulcers, the absence of tissue loss are some of the aspects that result in a successful extubation.

KEYWORDS

Smoke inhalation injury, inhalation burns, airway extubation, laryngoscopy.

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