Effectiveness of Oropharyngeal Suctioning in Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

"The intervention in this study involves scheduled oropharyngeal suctioning every 4 hours, which distinguishes it from other oral care protocols used in clinical practice. In this arm, patients will receive systematic suctioning of the oropharyngeal area using a sterile suction catheter every 4 hours throughout their ICU stay, starting from the first day of mechanical ventilation. This frequent suctioning is designed to remove accumulated secretions that can harbor bacteria, reducing the risk of aspiration into the lungs, which is a major cause of early-onset Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP).~This intervention is not based on clinical need or visible signs of discomfort (as with traditional on-demand suctioning). Instead, it follows a standardized protocol of proactive, scheduled suctioning. The procedure will be performed by trained ICU staff and will involve suctioning for 10-15 seconds per session, ensuring adequate removal of secretions while minimizing patient discomfort. In"

Participants in this group will receive standard oral care as part of ICU routine practice. This includes brushing of teeth, gums, and tongue twice a day to clear accumulated secretions and reduce bacterial growth. Additionally, on-demand suctioning will be performed if clinically indicated (e.g., when visible secretions or discomfort are observed). The control group will not receive the scheduled 4-hourly suctioning intervention, serving as a comparison to evaluate the effectiveness of regular suctioning in preventing VAP.