When does a Tracheostomy mature?

After creation of a percutaneous tracheotomy site for prolonged ventilation, one of the immediate complications is accident decannulation.

Conventional practice is if the tracheotomy site is <7 days old, NOT to blindly re-insert the tracheotomy cannula. The risk is re-cannulation into a false tract (i.e anterior mediastinum). Immediate preparation for endo-tracheal intubation should be considered.

REFERENCES

1. National Health Service. https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/about-us/professional-support-sites/shock-team/guidelines-for-care-of-patients-with-a-tracheostomy-tube/changing-a-tracheostomy-tube/
2. White AC, Kher S, O’Connor HH. When to change a tracheostomy tube. Respir Care. 2010 Aug;55(8):1069-75.