For long-term ventilation, the advantages of tracheostomy over oral or nasal intubation include:
- Reduction of airflow resistance, with decreased work of breathing
- Facilitation of secretion removal due to direct access to trachea
- Reduction of risk of injury to the vocal cords (5)
There are also benefits of tracheostomy compared with intubation with respect to oral nutrition, oral hygiene and phonation. (6) The tracheostomy tube is also more comfortable for the patient. | | | | |
