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Updated: Dec 21, 2025

The Rigid Tube as an Alternative in Controlling the Problematic Airway
Published on: June 6, 2020
Colonization rates of tracheostomy tubes associated with the frequency of tube changes
Dulitha Kumarasinghe1, Eugene H Wong1, Marin Duvnjak1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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%, χ2 = 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.
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