Sanjay Kumar - Department of ENT, Command Hospital Airforce Bangalore, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India.
Arun Patra - Department of Anaesthesia, Command Hospital Bangalore, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India.
Sangineedi Deepthi - Department of ENT, Command Hospital Airforce Bangalore, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India.
Kashiroygoud Biradar - Department of ENT, Command Hospital Airforce Bangalore, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India.

Introduction: Tracheostomy is a life-saving surgical intervention commonly performed in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. However, the decannulation process is associated with various complications that can affect patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess complications and their management during decannulation in a cohort of tracheostomy patients at a tertiary care hospital, considering the complexities introduced by prior intubation.Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving ۴۵۰ patients who underwent tracheostomy during a stipulated timeframe. Data regarding demographic characteristics, complications, and management strategies during decannulation were analysed. Special attention was given to distinguishing between complications directly related to the tracheostomy procedure and those potentially influenced by previous intubation.Results: Out of the ۴۵۰ patients, ۲۵۰ experienced minor complications such as localized bleeding, oxygen desaturation, and minor infections. Another ۴۰ faced major complications including severe haemorrhage, tracheal damage, and stenosis. Increasing age and tracheostomy duration were identified as significant predictors of complications. Pharmacological treatments, surgical interventions, and respiratory therapy were among the management strategies employed. The differentiation between complications arising from tracheostomy and prior intubation highlighted the need for comprehensive patient evaluation.Conclusion: Complications associated with decannulation occur frequently with varying severity. Efficient recognition and management of these complications are vital for improving patient outcomes. The study provides important insights into the challenges experienced during the decannulation process and highlights the necessity of considering prior intubation history in the management of tracheostomy decannulation to refine patient care protocols.

Decannulation, Tracheostomy, Complications, Mechanical Ventilation, retrospective study