Results
Twenty two studies were included in the review for data extraction and
analysis. Meta-Analysis could not be performed due to lack of
statistical requirements necessary for its development. All the studies
were descriptive - 17 retrospective, one prospective and 4 case series.
Design was according to the aim of the study in 90% of them.
Information related to methods such as the setting study, inclusion
criteria and measured variables was fulfilled in almost all of them too.
Reason for tracheostomy was reported in 76% of the studies most being
because of upper airway and facial disorders. The primary outcome
(successful decannulation), was defined in only 4 studies: in two of
them success was defined by if the patient persisted decannulated for 6
months, and in the other two studies if the patient remained
decannulated for 2 years or until the end of treatment. The successful
decannulation rate was over 70% in most studies (between 70 to 100%
per protocol and on the first attempt). Vital signs monitoring as well
as partial oxygen saturation were the most used variables in most of
cases to decide on decannulation. Polysomnography could be a good
predictor of success as well as a parameter that could help determine if
the decannulation procedure could be done.