Effects of Intubation Duration on Trachea: A Histopathological Study

Objective To analyze tracheal specimens obtained during tracheotomy in patients with prolonged intubation and investigate the relationship between intubation duration and the development of histopathological damage. Methods Forty‐six adult patients undergoing surgical tracheotomy were categorized into three groups based on intubation duration: 7–14 days (Group A), 15–28 days (Group B), and ≥ 29 days (Group C). The control group comprised 20 patients with laryngeal cancer who underwent laryngectomy and tracheotomy. Tracheal specimens obtained during routine procedures were subjected to histopathological evaluation. Results Significant differences were observed between the intubated groups and the control group in terms of ulceration, inflammatory cell infiltration, granulation tissue formation, microabscess formation, dilatation, neovascularization, desmoplasia, degeneration, perichondritis, and calcification. The incidence of dilatation and perichondritis increased significantly with longer intubation duration. Conclusion Prolonged endotracheal intubation is associated with various histopathological changes in the trachea. Given that histopathological injury and complication rates increase with intubation duration, performing tracheotomy within the first 14 days may be considered. Level of Evidence 3.