Role of speech-language pathologist in tracheostomy care – A case study

A “tracheotomy” refers to the surgical procedure that creates an opening between the trachea and the midline skin surface of the neck. Indicators for a tracheostomy tube include airway protection, removal of tracheal secretions, and wean from long-term mechanical ventilation. Assessment and management will be overseen by a multidisciplinary team which includes a speech-language pathologist whose involvement in tracheostomy include assisting the patient to tolerate successful periods of cuff deflation and saliva management, re-establishing verbal communication, conducting swallow assessments to re-establish oral intake, providing dysphagia rehabilitation, and providing input into the decannulation decision. This case study is focusing on the 42-year-old male who had the right cerebellopontine angle meningioma for which he underwent retrosigmoid, suboccipital craniotomy, and excision of lesion. Tracheostomy was done following stridor and wheezing, and he is under nasogastric tube for feeding. Assessment and management for swallowing and speech were focussed and results were documented.