title: Accidental Decannulation OF TRACHEOSTOMY TUBES - Case Series.
abstract: Tracheostomy tube (TT) is usually removed in a planned manner once the patient ceases to have the condition that necessitated the procedure. Accidental decannulation or extubation refers to inadvertent removal of tracheostomy tube out of the stoma. It could prove fatal in an otherwise stable patient. We review a variety of unexpected and often-overlooked causes of accidental decannulation with suggestions on preventive measures. We therefore present three cases of accidental decannulation of tracheostomy tubes in order to report our experiences in the management of the condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Accidental decannulation occurs both in hospitalized and patient on home care of their tracheostomy tubes. Reduction in neck circumference due to weight loss predisposes to accidental decannulation, which could be prevented by suturing the flange to the skin.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.
authors.forename: H K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Omokanye
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Dunmade
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Segun-Busari
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.
authors.forename: O A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Afolabi
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.
authors.forename: O G
authors.initials: OG
authors.lastname: Habeeb
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Adegboye
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Alabi
keywords: Accidental decannulation; Neck trauma; Post thyroidectomy; Tracheostomy complications