Survey on the extubation procedure in intensive care units in Buenos Aires, Argentina

OBJECTIVE: To examine the usual practice of airway management during the extubation procedure through an online survey to professionals working in intensive care units in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and in the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study online survey was conducted from February 11 to March 11, 2013. A database was generated, and a voluntary and anonymous invitation to access the survey was sent by email to 500 participants. RESULTS: Out of a total of 500 participants, 217 (44%) responded to the survey, of whom 59.4% were physical therapists. One hundred ninety-five (89.9%) professionals were working in adult care. Regarding the cuff deflation procedure and extubation, 203 (93.5%) performe endotracheal suctioning, and 27 (12.5%) use positive pressure. Approximately 53.5% of participants reported having experienced immediate complications with this procedure in the last three months. In all, 163 complications were reported, and stridor was the most prevalent (52.7%). CONCLUSION: Most professionals working in intensive care units in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and in the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, use endotracheal suctioning without applying positive pressure during extubation.