Criteria for tracheostomy decannulation: literature review

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To perform a literature review on the existing international criteria and protocols for tracheostomy decannulation.

Research

strategies: Literature review using the PubMed database with the English keywords “Tracheostomy”, “Weaning”, “Decannulation”, “Removal Tube”, “Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences”, “Intensive Care Units”, “Dysphagia”, “Swallowing”, “Deglutition” and “Deglutition Disorders “.

Selection criteria

Studies published in the last five years (2012 to 2017); studies with human adult population (i.e. ages above 18 years); articles published in English; unrestricted full access articles; and research related to the objectives of the study.

Data analysis

we analyzed sample characterization; professionals involved in the decannulation process; steps of the decannulation process; total time in days of tracheostomy use; total time in days to complete decannulation process; and failure factors to complete the decannulation process.

Results

Most of the studies investigated tracheostomy decannulation in a sample of males with neurological impairments. The professionals involved in the decannulation process were doctors, speech therapists, physiotherapists and nurses. The most cited decannulation steps were: swallowing assessment; occlusion training; evaluation of air permeability; ability to manipulate secretion and exchange of cannula; cuff deflation and cough training; use of speech valve.

Conclusion

Speech therapists are of great help during the decannulation process, since the assessment of swallowing was one of the decisive steps of the investigated studies. The processes of decannulation includes a multidisciplinary approach and should be performed by the cooperation between physicians, physiotherapists and speech therapists.

Keywords
Tracheostomy; Weaning; Deglutition; Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences; Review