maintain patency of airway

prevent skin and lung infection

clear lungs/tracheal secretions

to avoid haemorrhage

surgical opening in the trachea

The creation of a stoma at the skin surface that leads into the tracheal lumen

Tracheal puncture using a needle and cannula

surgical opening through the cricothyroid membrane

Upper airway obstruction

Prolonged mechanical ventilation

Adjunct to head and neck surgery or cancer treatment

Prolonged cough

For cosmetic reasons

To prevent blood, secretions, and aspiration from entering the trachea

To facilitate swallowing

To prevent tube dislodgement

Adequate oxygen saturation levels

Frequent need for mechanical aspiration

Effective cough reflex

Stable level of consciousness

Remove the tube while the patient is asleep

Do not suction before tube removal

Have the patient cough as the tube is removed

Use a cuffed tube during decannulation

Refer the patient to ENT clinic for stoma review in 1 month

Immediately close the stoma surgically

Allow the patient to leave the ward unsupervised

Prescribe antibiotics routinely to prevent infection

It is the largest cartilage of the larynx

It is the only complete cartilaginous ring in the upper airway

It forms the anterior wall of the laryngeal inlet

It supports the vocal cords directly

Glossopharyngeal nerve

Internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve

Recurrent laryngeal nerve

External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve

It prevents subglottic stenosis during breathing

It forms the anterior wall of the laryngeal inlet

It assists in raising the larynx during deglutition and phonation

It protects the vocal cords from trauma

haemorrhage

air embolism

subcutaneous emphysema

tracheocutaneous fistula