Tracheotomy results in upper airway management

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to discuss the demographic characteristics and tracheotomy indications and complications of the patients who underwent tracheotomy in our clinic in the light of the literature. Patients and Methods: In this study, the records of 323 patients (216 males, 107 females; mean age: 64.9±16.4 years; range, 19 to 108 years) who underwent tracheotomy between January 2017 and December 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients under the age of 18 years, patients who underwent percutaneous tracheotomy, revision tracheotomy, and tracheotomy for the second time were excluded. Demographic characteristics of the patients, comorbidities, and indications and complications of tracheotomy were reviewed from the patient charts. Results: Elective tracheotomy was performed in 170 (52.6%) patients, and emergency tracheotomy was performed in 153 (47.4%) patients. Tracheotomy-related complications were observed in 13% of the patients. When all complications were evaluated, the most common complications were bleeding, subcutaneous emphysema, and granulation tissue. Conclusion: Acute upper airway obstruction is a life-threatening condition, and tracheotomy is of vital importance in this condition. The most common complication is bleeding, and it can be minimized with the appropriate method and hemostasis. Mortality rates due to tracheotomy are very low, and it is a life-saving procedure.