The Effectiveness of Tracheal Decannulation Criteria: A Prospective Study

Background: Long-term insertion of the tracheostomy tube may lead patients to have complications such as tracheal stenosis, leakage, sepsis or aspiration. Aim of the work: Our study aimed at applying standards for decannulation of the tracheostomy tube depending on the expertise from prior studies. Methods: The study included 102 patients who underwent tracheostomy during the study period. Results: Surgical tracheostomy was done in operating room in 67% of patients and in intensive care unit by percutaneous dilatational technique in 33% of patients. Decannulation was successful in 97.7% of patients and discharged from the hospital within 24-48 hours. Decannulation failed in 2.3% of patients. Conclusion: The decision to perform elective decannulation of the tracheostomy tube can be challenging. However, we have demonstrated that decannulation based on objective criteria is effective in improving clinical judgment and weaning safety, with a low failure rate. We did not encounter any mortality or significant adverse events.