Publication:

Current scenario of tracheostomy: our experience

Background Tracheostomy is an important surgical procedure done by ENT surgeons. In this study we have assessed the indications and complications encountered during tracheostomy and decannulation.

Methods 100 patients undergoing tracheostomy by the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery between 1st January and 31st December 2015 in a tertiary care hospital in Central India were included in the study. The various indications of tracheostomy along with the complications encountered and decannulation following tracheostomy were studied.

Results In this study, most   commonly (22%) tracheostomies were performed in young (31-40) years, male (73%) patients. This included 79% elective and 21% emergency tracheostomies. The indications of tracheostomy were retained secretions 61%, laryngopharyngeal obstruction 21%, and respiratory insufficiency 19%. 21 intra-operative complications included bleeding (18% cases) and apnoea (3% cases). Wound infection 19%; subcutaneous emphysema 10%; tube block 6% and   haemorrhage 2% constituted 37 immediate post-operative complications. 17 late post-operative complications included stoma stenosis 9%; granuloma formation 4% and trachea-oesophageal fistula and aspiration 2% each. 33% of total patients were decannulated easily.

Conclusions In conclusion we found that elective tracheostomy is associated with lower morbidity and mortality and strapping of tracheostomy site is an easy, safe and effective method   of tracheostomy closure in properly selected patients.