EARLY TRACHEOSTOMY IN HEMORRHAGIC STROKE: DOES IT HELP IN PATIENT MANAGEMENT?

Abstract

Introduction: Airway protection is often required in the management of stroke patients for the reason of low consciousness levels and associated risk of aspiration and pneumonia. This has Paper Submission Datebeen achieved either through endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy both having their separate indications and advantage/ disadvantage. Material and Methods: This prospective study was done on 26 patients getting admitted to neurosurgical unit with hypertensive intra cerebral hemorrhage. Based on projected recovery time, tracheostomy was performed if recovery was expected to take a long course. Evaluation Paper Publication Date was done- if tracheostomy helped in early weaning from ventilator, incidence of sepsis and July 2016 overall ease of patient management. Result: Tracheostomy was performed in 26 patients of hemorrhagic stroke over a period of 30 DOI months. All the tracheotomies were performed within first 8 days of hospital stay. In 14 cases it was done within 3 days of hospital stay. 19 out of 26 cases (8/14 in early tracheostomy vs 11/12 in late tracheostomy group) required ventillatory support for variable time period- ranging from less than a day to 8 days.Overall incidence of sepsis was approximately 65%. Conclusion: Tracheostomy if done early, may reduce the need for prolonged ventilation apart from easing patient management- both in and out of ICU settings.