Indications And Complications Of Tracheostomy – A Longitudanal Study

Introduction: Tracheostomy now emerges as a procedure replacing intubation due to its decreased morbidity and mortality outcome. The indications and complications of this life saving procedure should be made clear. The study was done for the indications of tracheostomy occurring in hospitalized patients and also about the complications among these patients after the procedure. Materials and Methods: This was a longitudinal study among 144 ICU patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital who had undergone tracheostomy. The clinical profile of the patient at the time of tracheostomy (indication) and the follow up period complications after decannulation was assessed. Results: Out of the 144 subjects, 80(55.6%) were males and mean (SD) age of the population was 42.72(13.22) years. In our study we found that major indication tracheostomy was for prolonged intubation needing ICU admission. The major cause for ICU admission was Road Traffic Accident (RTA) 45(31.3%) which was followed by Polytrauma 33 (22.9%) and septic shock 17(11.81%) In our study most of the subjects had granulation 31(21.53%), ulceration with slough 16(11.1%) and ulceration of subglottis 6(4.17%) as early complication. And there was granulation at tracheostomy site 19(13.19%), subglottic stenosis 11(7.64%) and vocal cord palsy 6(4.17%) as late complications. Conclusion: The study described the variation in indication and complication in terms of different hospitals. Delay in decision in case of such procedure can lead to increase in mortality and morbidity.