An Unusual Case of Difficult Tracheal Extubation Associated with a Thermistor Probe

Abstract

Resistance to endotracheal tube extubation was encountered at the end of the operation in a patient undergoing craniotomy for resection of an intracranial mass lesion. Diagnostic direct laryngoscopy showed that the thermistor probe had been passed through the vocal cords. The patient was deeply anaesthetized again and neuromuscular block was accomplished. The endotracheal tube and the thermistor probe which was tangled around the tracheal tube like a belt were gently pulled out through the abducted vocal cords. The patient had no complication except suffering from a sore throat for a few days.