title: Tracheostomy closure in restrictive respiratory insufficiency.
abstract: A retrospective study is presented of 31 patients who required ventilatory support via a tracheostomy for periods of one month to 27 years whilst in a tertiary referral centre for the care of patients with restrictive respiratory insufficiency. All patients underwent closure of a long-standing tracheostomy. Post-operative follow-up periods of up to 16 years are documented. The indications for and the complications of tracheostomy closure in patients with severe chronic restrictive respiratory insufficiency requiring long-term respiratory support are discussed. It is concluded that the benefits of operative tracheostomy closure outweigh the disadvantages in this unusual type of patient.
authors: Department of ENT Surgery, St. Thomas' Hospital, London.
authors: S A
authors: SA
authors: Hickey
authors: G R
authors: GR
authors: Ford
authors: J N
authors: JN
authors: Evans
authors: J A
authors: JA
authors: Patrick
authors: G T
authors: GT
authors: Spencer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012086:Reoperation; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D014139:Tracheostomy; D014797:Vital Capacity