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.