Table 1 Description of Zameer’s grading of uvular injuriesGrades of injury
From: Iatrogenic uvular injury after endotracheal intubation: recommendations for clinical practice
| Â | Description | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
Grade I | Acute uvular edema seen as a distended and enlarged uvula with a translucent shiny appearance and increase turgor | Conservative management: Saline gargles, antihistamines, topical lidocaine, and/or mouth washes |
Grade II | Uvulitis seen as an inflamed erythematous uvula and soft palate with or without small hemorrhages and ecchymosis | Conservative management: Saline gargles, antihistamines, topical lidocaine, and/or mouth washes. May require steroids or antibiotics |
Grade III | Uvular necrosis seen as clearly demarcated black or gray-white-colored necrosed or ischemic segment of uvula which may be elongated | Trial of conservative management is given. If persistent, consider surgical excision |
Grade IV | Uvular auto-amputation or cut uvula seen as a shortened uvula with an irregular border | Microsurgical reconstruction (optional) |