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.
University Department of Orthopaedics, Royal Liverpool Hospital, UK.
A
A
Gupta
M R
MR
McClelland
A
A
Evans
W S
WS
el Masri
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*