PERNASAL INTRATRACHEAL SUCTION OR MINITRACHEOTOMY FOR TREATMENT OF SPUTUM RETENTION IN SEVERELY HANDICAPPED PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY INFECTION

Abstract

Seven patients (total 19 cases) with sputum retention due to bronchopulmonary infection were treated with a pernasal intratracheal suction. The catheter with slightly bent tip was more easy for intratracheal catheter insertion. All patients have recoverd consequently. Additional procedures were necessary in three cases. In two of the three cases, minitracheotomy were performed subsequently. One of the two was cured. In the other one, due to repeated neck overextension the canula had came off. and usual tracheotomy was performed. The last case had developed to pyopneumothorax and pleural drainage was done.
Pernasal intratracheal suction, which can be done by not only docter but also nurse, is useful in many cases as a first step. Minitracheotomy is also less invasive than usual tracheotomy.