Comparison of the Consequences of Short- Versus Long-Term Intubation on Speech and Swallowing

There was no difference in untoward effects on speech or swallowing from short- versus long-term intubation. Had the patients undergone tracheotomies, the majority would have had gastrostomy tubes placed permanently and suffer morbidity and mortality from the tubes. Thus, an option is to permit patients to remain intubated and, even if unweanable, extubate them to continuous noninvasive positive pressure ventilatory support rather than tracheotomy.