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Colonization rates of tracheostomy tubes associated with the frequency of tube changes
Author(s) -
Kumarasinghe Dulitha,
Wong Eugene H.,
Duvnjak Marin,
Smith Mark C.,
Palme Carsten E.,
Riffat Faruque
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/ans.15970
Subject(s) - medicine , colonization , prospective cohort study , tracheostomy tube , cohort study , surgery , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
Background Tracheostomy‐tube change protocols are implemented primarily due to concern regarding infections. Currently changes vary from within 4 weeks post‐insertion to 3 monthly thereafter. However, currently no evidence‐based guidelines exist to justify these protocols. This study aims to assess the colonization of tracheostomy‐tubes associated with the frequency of changes. Methods A prospective cohort study over 18‐months of adult tracheostomy patients at a single institution (inpatient/outpatients). Patients were grouped based on whether tubes were changed at ≤4 weeks or >4 weeks and microbiology swabs sent for microscopy, culture and sensitivities. Results A total of 65 patients were enrolled. No statistically significant difference in colonization in patients undergoing tube changes more than every 4 weeks to those less than every 4 weeks was found (56.2% versus 57.1%, χ 2 = 0.004, P = 0.95). Conclusion The timing of tracheostomy‐tube changes may not affect colonization and infection rates. Routine changes for the purpose of reducing infection risk may not be needed unless clinically indicated.