Clinical experience with percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy: report of 150 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To report our experience with percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Teaching hospital. The Netherlands.


METHODS
147 patients.


METHODS
150 percutaneous dilatational tracheostomies, 95 (63%) for prolonged ventilation, 37 (25%) for pulmonary toilet, and 18 (12%) for upper airway obstruction.


METHODS
Morbidity and mortality.


RESULTS
The success rate of the procedure was 99%. Operative complications occurred in 16 (11%) and were usually minor. During a total duration of cannulation of 5212 days four complications were recorded. Haemorrhage was the most common early complication (n = 14). Late complications (five to 53 months after decannulation) included tracheal stenosis (n = 1), tracheomalacia (n = 2), tracheocutaneous fistula (n = 2) and an ugly scar (n = 1).


CONCLUSIONS
Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy is a simple, safe and cost effective technique for inserting a tracheal cannula.
van Heurn
L W
LW
Surgical Unit, De Wever Hospital, Heerlen, The Netherlands.
van Geffen
G J
GJ
Brink
P R
PR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000379:methods*