Introduction
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a worldwide infection that led to
more than 236,000,000 cases and 4,800,000 deaths as October 5,
2021.1 According to world regions, less than 20% of
COVID-19 were severe-to-critical disease, which is defined as a
condition with severe acute respiratory distress requiring mechanical
ventilation.2 The proportion of survivors after severe
or critical COVID-19 ranges from 20 to 62% regarding
studies.3 Survivors may keep neurological and systemic
postdischarge complications, e.g. breathlessness, psychological distress
or cognitive impairments.4 The mid-to-long term
otolaryngological complications of COVID-19 were poorly investigated at
the exception of olfactory and gustatory
dysfunctions.5 Recent studies reported swallowing
disorders at post-intensive care unit (ICU)
discharge,6 while others reported laryngeal injuries
post-tracheostomy.7
The aim of this study was to investigate post-intubation laryngeal
complications in severe COVID-19 patients.