Emergency Tracheosto My: Our Experience

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:Tracheostomy is a life-saving procedure involving incision on trachea followed by insertion of a tube which maintains the patency of the opening in trachea either temporarily or permanently. In recent years there has been a considerable shift in emphasis regarding the indications for tracheostomy with recognition of more physiological and functional indications where in normal respiratory efficiency is impaired because of patient's inability to maintain normal ventilation and control of secretions in addition to those of a strictly obstructive nature. OBJECTIVES: To study various indications, intra and post-operative complications of emergency tracheostomy. METHODS: Present study is a prospective study conducted in the patients attended to causality and ENT op with stridor in S. V. R. R. Government General Hospital, Tirupathi during 2009-2011 over a period of two years. Patients of all ages & both sexes are included in this study. All the patients were subjected to detailed ENT, Head & Neck examination and operated by emergency tracheostomy. Intra operative and post-operative complications were noted during the follow up period of 3-6 months. RESULTS: Most common indication of emergency tracheostomy was laryngeal malignancy followed by poisoning, head injury, subglottic stenosis and bilateral abductor palsy. Hemorrhage is the most common complication observed followed by surgical emphysema, apnoea etc. CONCLUSSION: Emergency tracheostomy is a safe and reliable method of restoring the airway and also gives ample time for the specialist to plan & execute further management of underlying cause.