title: Complications of tracheostomy in major head and neck cancer surgery; a retrospective study of 60 consecutive cases.
abstract: Employment of tracheostomy in head and neck cancer surgery remains controversial. This study details those cases in which the life-saving potential of tracheostomy placement was considered to outweigh the observed disadvantages. Sixty consecutive cases of tracheostomy in head and neck cancer patients were assessed and revealed a relatively low complication rate (11% of cases). Chest infection was the commonest problem encountered, although none were life threatening and all responded to treatment. Surgical and medical management aimed at reducing tracheostomy complications is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Middlesbrough General Hospital, Cleveland.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Castling
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Telfer
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Avery
mesh_terms: D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000009:adverse effects; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000009:adverse effects*