How common is vocal cord injury from general anesthesia?

Vocal cord: Not very common. You can have a voice change for a fews days especially if an endotracheal tuble was used and this is probably a pressure effect thatresolves over a few days.

Uncommon : It is uncommon to have a serious vocal cord injury. Mild irritation of the cords happens but proves in 24-49 hrs.

Very uncommon.: Although not unheard of and can happen in several ways. Upon passage of the breathing tube it can directly damage the cords or injure cartilage that makes up part of the vc. Also damage can happen if the surgeon is working close to the nerve that innervate or go into the cords such as during thyroid surgery.

Rare: When you place a large plastic through the vocal cords there is always a chance of damage. Fortunately there is usually only a swelling which goes away quickly. More serious damage has been seen but is rare.