Learning curve for translaryngeal tracheotomy in head and neck surgery.
OBJECTIVE
Translaryngeal tracheotomy (TLT) is a widely accepted procedure in intensive-care units for its simplicity of execution, low morbidity, rapid wound closure after cannula removal, good esthetic results, and lack of long-term sequelae. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and use of adopting TLT in patients with cancer undergoing major head and neck surgery.


METHODS
Prospective analysis of learning curve and incidence of complications in 41 patients with cancer who underwent TLT at the Division of Head and Neck Surgery of the European Institute of Oncology from November 1997 to June 1999.


METHODS
Patient characteristics, pathology, anatomic characteristics of the neck, and surgical short-term and long-term complications were noted. The patients were divided into consecutive groups of six or seven patients, and time trends in occurrence of complications and time to execute the procedure were assessed.


RESULTS
TLT performance time decreased from 50 minutes in the first seven patients to 24 minutes in the last group. The technique was easy to perform and safe, with only two minor complications during surgery. However, minor complications occurred in three and major complications in 17 patients in the days immediately following surgery, almost entirely attributable to lack of counter-cannula and stylet.


CONCLUSIONS
In view of the high proportion of major complications, TLT using the presently available kit is unsuitable for major head and neck surgery. However, the considerable advantages of the technique would recommend it as a valid alternative to surgical tracheotomy if the kit included a counter-cannula and stylet.
Giugliano
G
G
Division of Head and Neck Surgery, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy. gioacchino.giugliano@ieo.it
Venturino
M
M
DePaoli
F
F
Andrle
J
J
Calabrese
L
L
Tradati
N
N
Chiesa
F
F
Scarpa
D
D
Susini
G
G
D002983:Clinical Competence; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014140:Tracheotomy / Q000379:methods*