Ocena procesów degradacji rurek tracheostomijnych przy użyciu metod mikroskopii skaningowej i spektrometrii rentgenowskiej u pacjentów po zabiegach laryngologicznych

Tracheostomy tubes are commonly used not only in emergencies involving airflow obstruction in the upper airways, but also during rehabilitation after ENT surgery, particularly in patients following radical laryngectomy due to cancer. Unfortunately, tracheostomy tubes used in the specific mucosal environment of the trachea and oesophagus show a limited lifespan of up to 6 months. This means that inserted tubes must be replaced regularly due to deterioration. Limitations in the function of the tubes over the course of their use are caused by various material factors that depend on the properties of the tubes or on the condition of the environment in the human body. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the surface condition of tracheostomy tubes after 2 days and after 3 months of use.