Changes in Respiratory Mechanics After Tracheostomy

Abstract
THE TIMING of tracheostomy during the treatment of respiratory failure remains controversial.1-3 Results of a recent report4 suggest that early tracheostomy does not impact intensive care unit length of stay, incidence of pneumonia, or mortality compared with continued translaryngeal intubation. Yet, tracheostomy often results in clinical improvement in respiratory function and liberation from mechanical ventilation. The exact mechanisms for this improvement remain ill-defined.