Smooth Extubation and Smooth Emergence Techniques: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Respiratory Therapy

Background:

• Limited literature exists on extubation techniques.
• Lack of consensus on defining a "smooth extubation."
• Smooth extubation is critical for patient outcomes and infection control, particularly during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define "smooth extubation" as an ideal extubation process.
• To review perioperative criteria and risk factors associated with extubation failure.
• To explore perioperative techniques for achieving smooth extubation in uncomplicated patients.

Main Methods:

• This paper is a narrative review of existing literature.
• It synthesizes information on perioperative care related to extubation.
• Focuses on techniques applicable to patients without high-risk factors for extubation failure.

Main Results:

• Provides a clear definition of smooth extubation.
• Identifies key perioperative criteria and potential adverse events.
• Discusses various techniques to facilitate a smooth extubation process.

Conclusions:

• Smooth extubation is essential for minimizing patient complications.
• Standardized techniques can improve extubation success rates.
• The importance of smooth extubation is heightened by the need to reduce aerosol generation during the COVID-19 pandemic.