Advantages/disadvantages Of Tracheal Airways

Front 1

What are some advantages of of Oral Intubation?

Back 1

Easier, safer & more comfortable insertion;
larger tube tolerated;
easier suctioning;
less Raw,
Decreased WOB,

Front 2

What are some disadvantages of Oral Intubation?

Back 2

Greater risk of gagging, vomitting and aspiration; anesthetically displeasing, especially long term;
greater risk of self extubation;
greater risk of mainstem intubation;
tube occlusion from biting;
injury to lips, teeth, tongue, palate & oral soft tissues;

Front 3

What are some of the advantages of nasal intubation?

Back 3

less gagging & vomitting;
Greater comfort for long term;
less salivation;
improved ability to swallow oral secretions;
improved communication;
improved mouth/oral carel;
no occlusion from biting;
easier nursing care
less posterior laryngeal ulceration;
better tube anchoring, less chance of self extubation;
reduced risk of mainstem intubation;

Front 4

What are some disadvantages of nasal intubation?

Back 4

pain & discomfort especially w/inadequate prep;
nasal and paranasal complications (epititis, sinusitis, otitis);
more difficult to perform;
smaller tube is necessary;
harder to suction;
increased Raw;
increased WOB;
difficult to use bronchoscope;

Front 5

What are some advantages of a tracheotomy?

Back 5

no laryngeal & upper airway complications of translaryngeal intubation;
more comfortable;
aids feeding, oral care, suctioning & speech;
pschological benefit
easier passage of bronchoscope
easier to reinsert;
aesthetically more pleasing
facilitation of weining of MV;
No risk of mainstem intubation;
reduced WOB
better anchoring (reduced risk of decannulation);
improved mobility

Front 6

What are some disadvantages of a tracheotomy?

Back 6

more expensive
need OR
need general anesthesia
permanent scar
more severe complications
greater mortality rate
delayed decannulation;
higher frequency of aspiration
higher bacterial colonization rate
persistant open stoma after decannulation, reducing the ability to cough;