Versorgung von patienten mit kopf-hals-tumoren mit hilfe von trachealkanülen

Background. The adequate care of patients with head and neck tumors with tracheal cannulas represents an important medical and nursing task. The treatment options have considerably improved in recent decades. Material and method. A selective literature review was carried out. Results. Tracheostomy is frequently required in the treatment of advanced head and neck tumors. In treatment with tracheal cannulas a number of patient-dependent factors need to be considered and therefore cannulas should be individually selected. Complications can be reduced through optimal cannula selection and care. The comfort of laryngectomized patients can be improved with short silicone cannulas and adhesive base plates. Patients should be provided with heat and moisture exchange (HME) filters which can be attached to the cannula. The use of HME filters is essential for partial compensation of the nasal warming, moisturizing and filtering functions and can positively influence subjective pulmonary function with regular use. Conclusions. Adequate cannula selection and care can substantially improve the quality of life of tracheostomized and laryngectomized patients.