Minitracheotomy in the early respiratory management of patients with spinal injuries.
Minitracheotomy is a new technique of tracheal suction by the introduction under local anaesthetic of a small bore tube into the trachea through the cricothyroid membrane. The use of minitracheotomy in the early management of respiratory problems in patients with spinal injuries is described with a few illustrative cases. This technique is an adjunct to good physiotherapy in clearing secretions from the trachea. Its advantages and disadvantages are discussed.
Gupta
A
A
University Department of Orthopaedics, Royal Liverpool Hospital, UK.
McClelland
M R
MR
Evans
A
A
el Masri
W S
WS
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D014140:Tracheotomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*