Tracheostomy obstruction

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Background

  • Pts who have undergone a laryngectomy cannot be orally intubated
  • Average size:
    • Adult: 5-10mm
    • Peds: 2.5-6.5mm

Clinical Features

Differential Diagnosis

Tracheostomy complications

Evaluation

  • Rule-out other causes of respiratory distress before assuming it is due to obstruction

Management

  • Preoxygenate and place sterile saline solution into trachea and then suction
    • If this fails, inner cannula of tube can be removed and cleaned

Disposition

See Also

External Links

References