A 72-year-old man with a surgical tracheostomy placed 14 days ago is being decannulated. He passes a cuff-deflation trial and tolerates capping for 24...

Question

A 72-year-old man with a surgical tracheostomy placed 14 days ago is being decannulated. He passes a cuff-deflation trial and tolerates capping for 24 hours without distress. Before decannulation, which assessment is most important to confirm the safety of removing the tracheostomy?

Accepted Answer

Fibreoptic assessment of the airway through the tracheostomy to confirm no tracheal granulation or stenosis above the stoma

Answer

CT neck to assess tracheal patency

Answer

Pulmonary function tests including FEV1

Answer

A chest radiograph to exclude pneumonia

Answer

An ABG on room air

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): Tracheostomy Decannulation

A 72-year-old man with a surgical tracheostomy placed 14 days ago is being decannulated. He passes a cuff-deflation trial and tolerates capping for 24 hours without distress. Before decannulation, which assessment is most important to confirm the safety of removing the tracheostomy?