2021 Volume 72 Issue 6 Pages 297-303
Introduction: Tracheostomy is a common surgical procedure performed by the otolaryngologist. Tracheostomies may be required not only to treat otolaryngological diseases but also for intubated patients being treated in other departments. Despite the extensive use of tracheostomies, there is no clear consensus on the best timing for a tracheostomy after intubation or the outcomes of long-term oral intubation. Methods: Ninety-eight patients who underwent tracheostomies between April 2017 and July 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The factors evaluated included the primary disease, department requesting the tracheostomy, indication for the tracheostomy, surgical procedure, and postoperative course. We also analyzed the complication rate and mortality rate, taking into consideration the timing of the tracheostomy in 50 patients with long-term intubation. Results: This study included 71 male and 27 female patients, with an average age of 70 years (range: 17-95 years). Thirty-four of the 98 patients (35%) were from our department; of the remaining patients, more than half were from the internal medicine department. The rate of surgical complications was similar to that reported previously. With respect to mortality rate, out of nine early postoperative deaths, five were found to be due to cardiopulmonary dysfunction associated with the underlying disease. Thirty-two patients from the group with prolonged intubation developed complications associated with long-term intubation, and 22 of these patients died. There was no significant difference in the complication rate or mortality rate between the early and late surgical intervention groups. Conclusion: In patients with long-term intubation, it is important to take into consideration the indication for and timing of the tracheostomy, the general condition of the patient, and the prognosis of the underlying disease.
