ABSTRACT
Unplanned Extubation [UE] is a major and well-recognized complication of translaryngeal intubation and is associated with higher morbidity and mortality, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and longer ICU and hospital stay. This cross - sectional study was performed at the 12-bed ICU of Rajaei Hospital in Qazvin over a 6-month period from July to December 2009 to determine the prevalence of UE. This complication is defined as accidental removal of endotracheal tube [ETT] or deliberate removal of ETT by patient. In our study the prevalence of UE was 32%. Since in the present study 92.5% of patients with UE removed their own endotracheal tubes, it seems that more attention in providing proper education associated with fixation of ETT and limiting the patient's hands is needed