Courtesy of the Miller-Keane Medical Dictionary, 2000

(in´´too-ba´shun) the insertion of a tube, as into the larynx. The purpose of intubation varies with the location and type of tube inserted; generally the procedure is done to allow for drainage, to maintain an open airway, or for the administration of anesthetics or oxygen.

Intubation into the stomach or intestine is done to remove gastric or intestinal contents for the relief or prevention of distention, or to obtain a specimen for analysis. Another example of intubation is when a tube is inserted into the common bile duct to allow for drainage of bile from ducts draining the liver, done after surgery on the gallbladder or the common bile duct. Endotracheal intubation can be achieved by insertion of an "endotracheal tube" ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE, sometimes containing a stylet, via the mouth or nose with the aid of a laryngoscope. It is done for the purpose of assuring patency of the upper airway. "tracheostomy" TRACHEOSTOMY is a form of endotracheal intubation.

Extubation is the term commonly used for removal of the tube.