Factors Associated With Late Extubation in Postoperative Patients in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit

Timely removal of a breathing tube after surgery is an important part of recovery for patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). In some cases, patients may require longer use of mechanical ventilation, which can be associated with longer hospital stays and a higher risk of complications. The purpose of this study is to examine clinical factors that may be associated with delayed removal of breathing tubes in postoperative ICU patients. This study will use information that has already been routinely collected during standard medical care, such as patient characteristics, breathing-related measurements, fluid balance, and laboratory test results. This is a retrospective observational study and does not involve any additional treatments, procedures, or changes to routine clinical care. By analyzing these existing data, the study aims to improve understanding of factors related to extubation timing and support future efforts to enhance postoperative ICU care.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Postoperative patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit. 2. Patients who required invasive mechanical ventilation after surgery. 3. Patients with documented intubation and extubation events during the ICU stay. 4. Patients with available routine clinical data, including demographic information, respiratory parameters, and laboratory results. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients without documented extubation information. 2. Patients admitted to non-surgical intensive care units. 3. Patients with incomplete or missing key clinical data required for analysis. 4. Patients who did not receive invasive mechanical ventilation.