Purpose: Pulmonary function testing (PFT) in patients with tracheostomies has been perceived as difficult to perform and clinically unreliable. We studied the feasibility, quality, repeatability and clinical significance of PFT.
Methods: Patients with tracheostomies that underwent PFT from January 1, 2010 to February 29, 2012 were identified. Clinical history and PFT data were reviewed retrospectively.
Results: Fifty patients (88% men) were identified. Forty-seven (94%) patients were able to perform PFT. Acceptable repeatability was obtained for FVC in 39 (83%) and for FEV1 in 41 (87%). Patients with tracheostomies showed difficulty in meeting ATS end-of-test criteria; only 9 (19%) met plateau criteria and 25 (53%) had exhalation times of greater than 6 s. Obstructive pattern was observed in 30 (64%) and restrictive pattern in 9 (19%). DLCO measurements were attempted in 43 patients and satisfactorily obtained in 34 (79%).
Conclusions: PFT can be performed with reliability in patients with tracheostomies, and they are useful for detecting and classifying types of lung dysfunction.
Keywords: Cancer; Pulmonary function testing; Spirometry; Tracheostomy.