ABSTRACT
Tracheostomy, is one of the ways to manage major problems in the upper airways, in which a hole is performed in the anterior tracheal wall to establish a temporary airway. In the past tracheostomy was performed because of upper airway obstruction due to infectious disease. Now the reasons have changed. This study was conducted to assess indications and early complications of tracheostomy in patients hospitalized in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz, for a 5 years period. This cross sectional and retrospective study was performed on 151 patients in Ahvaz Imam Khomeini Hospital during 2001- 2006. Patients were assessed for indication, timeing and early complication of the procedure. Factors such as age, sex, causes and complications of tracheostomy and mortality has been analysis. 104 males [68.9%] and 47 females [31.1%] with a sex ratio of 2.26 to 1, males to females and mean age of 47.8 mean assessed. The youngest one was 1.5 and oldest one 85 years old. The commonest indications for tracheostomy were laryngeal cancer in 69 cases [45.7%] and then prolonged intubation in 53 patients [35.1%]. 49 patients had carly complications with the most common one subcutaneous emphysema in 20 patients [13.5%]. Death occured in 11 cases which were related to underlying disease without any relation to tracheostomy itself. Tracheostomy is a procedure that can be life-saving and when necessary, surgeon skill and knowledge can decrease it's side-effects