Evaluation of Factors Determining Tracheostomy Decannulation Failure Rate in Adults: An Indian Perspective Descriptive Study

Decannulation is an essential step in liberating tracheostomised patients from mechanical ventilation. This procedure is purely based on the clinician’s judgment and there is no universally accepted protocol to date for this vital procedure. This study aimed to describe decannulation practice and failure rates in patients with tracheostomy and to determine the factors associated with the outcome of tube removal. A prospective study was done on 50 patients (both sexes) who required a tracheostomy and cared for at Command Hospital Bangalore Center between January 2019 and April 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential tests. Out of the 50 decannulation decisions, 7 patients experienced decannulation failures giving a failure rate of 14%. Out of the 7 decannulation failure cases, about 4 patients (10%) experienced difficulty in swallowing and 3 patients (2%) experienced stridor. There was no associated mortality. A decannulation failure of 14% was seen in this study in tracheostomised patients after prolonged mechanical ventilation. Various factors govern the success of tracheostomy decannulation procedures which occur during the first 24–48 h after decannulation. Lack of swallowing/secretions/cough management and the development of stridor were the commonest cause of decannulation failure in this study.