Evaluation of decannulation process in tracheotomized patients at Carlos van Buren Hospital. A retrospective cohort

Abstract

Introduction: The decannulation process consist in the evaluation of the upper airways competences which carry the definite extraction of the traqueostomy cannula. The prediction of its success is difficult due to the high number of variables that affect it. In order to reach this goal, is fundamental to count with an adequate protocol of the health institution, which assumes the multidisciplinary management. Aim: The proposed goal was to evaluate the success of decannulation in adult pa- tients of Carlos van Buren hospital who followed the institutional protocol. Material and method: The cohort retrospective study that developed during the first semester of 2016. The decannulation success was evaluated in adult patients tracheos- tomized who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The final sample was of 18 patients, of which were obtained data of interest from the clinical histories and register of the Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. Results: Of the 18 patients in this study none of them met the entry criteria of the institutional decannulation protocol at the time of the initial evaluation by the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, requiring all training in order to apply the protocol. Finally, a total of 15 patients achieved a successful decannulation requiring a median of 22 days of phonoaudiological and kinesiological training. Conclusions: After the therapeutic training it was achieved a 83% of success in de- cannulation, which required a coordinated work between the different disciplines of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service and the support of the Otorhinolaryngolo- gy Service. The institutional protocol should be evaluated to adjust it to the local reality.