Decannulation

/ˌdiːkænuːˈleɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The surgical removal of a tube (called a cannula) that was previously inserted into the body for medical treatment.

Etymology

From de- (removal) + cannula (a small tube) + -ation (noun suffix). Cannula comes from Latin 'canna' meaning reed or tube. The term emerged in medical practice as procedures requiring temporary tubal access became common.

Kelly Says

When someone can finally breathe on their own after a tracheostomy tube or can eat normally again without a feeding tube, decannulation is the word doctors use—it marks a real moment of medical progress and increased independence for the patient.

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