Severe hoarseness associated with the streamlined liner of the pharyngeal airway (SLIPATM).

Abstract

Hoarseness is a common post-operative complication in patients who receive general anesthesia. In most cases, the symptoms are temporary and improve within several days. This report describes two patients with prolonged hoarseness following use of the streamlined liner of the pharyngeal airway (SLIPATM). We present the first case of a 56-year-old female patient who developed arytenoid cartilage dislocation resulting in prolonged hoarseness and dysphagia after using a SLIPA™ during a laparoscopic myomectomy. In the second case, we report on a 65-year-old male patient who was scheduled for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Left vocal fold paralysis or paresis resulting from recurrent laryngeal nerve injury associated with use of a SLIPA™ caused persistent hoarseness. It should be noted that recurrent laryngeal nerve injury or arytenoid cartilage dislocation are possible complications associated with use of the SLIPATM in case of persistent hoarseness.