Complications of tracheostomy performed in the ICU: subthyroid tracheostomy vs surgical cricothyroidotomy

Impact of Obesity on Timing of Tracheotomy: A Multi-institutional Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact of increased body mass index (BMI) on (1) tracheotomy timing and (2) short-term surgical complications requiring a return to the operating room and 30-day mortality utilizing data from the Multi-Institutional Study on Tracheotomy (MIST).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients from the MIST database who underwent surgical or percutaneous tracheotomy between 2013 and 2016 at eight institutions was completed. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to assess the impact of obesity on tracheotomy timing and complications.

RESULTS

Among the 3369 patients who underwent tracheotomy, 41.0% were obese and 21.6% were morbidly obese. BMI was associated with higher rates of prolonged intubation prior to tracheotomy accounting for comorbidities, indication for tracheotomy, institution, and type of tracheostomy (p = 0.001). Morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥35 kg/m2) experienced a longer duration of intubation compared with patients with a normal BMI (median days intubated [IQR 25%-75%]: 11.0 days [7-17 days] versus 9.0 days [5-14 days]; p < 0.001) but did not have statistically higher rates of return to the operating room within 30 days (p = 0.12) or mortality (p = 0.90) on multivariable analysis. This same finding of prolonged intubation was not seen in overweight, nonobese patients when compared with normal BMI patients (median days intubated [IQR 25%-75%]: 10.0 days [6-15 days] versus 10.0 days [6-15 days]; p = 0.36).

CONCLUSION

BMI was associated with increased duration of intubation prior to tracheotomy. Although morbidly obese patients had a longer duration of intubation, there were no differences in return to the operating room or mortality within 30 days.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 134:4674-4681, 2024.

Predicting Tracheostomy Need on Admission to the Intensive Care Unit-A Multicenter Machine Learning Analysis

OBJECTIVE

It is difficult to predict which mechanically ventilated patients will ultimately require a tracheostomy which further predisposes them to unnecessary spontaneous breathing trials, additional time on the ventilator, increased costs, and further ventilation-related complications such as subglottic stenosis. In this study, we aimed to develop a machine learning tool to predict which patients need a tracheostomy at the onset of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective Cohort Study.

SETTING

Multicenter Study of 335 Intensive Care Units between 2014 and 2015.

METHODS

The eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD) was utilized to obtain the patient cohort. Inclusion criteria included: (1) Age >18 years and (2) ICU admission requiring mechanical ventilation. The primary outcome of interest included tracheostomy assessed via a binary classification model. Models included logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost).

RESULTS

Of 38,508 invasively mechanically ventilated patients, 1605 patients underwent a tracheostomy. The XGBoost, RF, and LR models had fair performances at an AUROC 0.794, 0.780, and 0.775 respectively. Limiting the XGBoost model to 20 features out of 331, a minimal reduction in performance was observed with an AUROC of 0.778. Using Shapley Additive Explanations, the top features were an admission diagnosis of pneumonia or sepsis and comorbidity of chronic respiratory failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our machine learning model accurately predicts the probability that a patient will eventually require a tracheostomy upon ICU admission, and upon prospective validation, we have the potential to institute earlier interventions and reduce the complications of prolonged ventilation.

Safety and efficacy of high tracheostomy with inferior retraction of the thyroid isthmus

OBJECTIVE

In typical surgical tracheostomy, the thyroid isthmus is divided or retracted superiorly and preserved. However, at our institution, the thyroid isthmus is retracted inferiorly and preserved. Thereafter, a tracheal incision is made above the thyroid isthmus. This method, hereinafter defined as high tracheostomy, has the advantage of facilitating immediate access to the trachea in a superficial position; moreover, it can be quickly replaced with cricothyrotomy in emergency situations. However, tracheotomies placed too high can potentially damage the cricoid cartilage, thereby causing subglottic granulation and tracheal stenosis. We aimed to validate the safety and efficacy of high tracheostomy with inferior retraction of the thyroid isthmus.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort analysis. We analyzed the operative method and other relevant characteristics of 90 patients who underwent surgical tracheostomy between April 2016 and June 2022. For those who underwent high tracheostomies, we analyzed the duration of surgery, amount of intraoperative bleeding, occurrence of complications, problems with stoma closure, and perioperative mortality.

RESULTS

High tracheostomy was performed in 73 patients. Subglottic granulation occurred in one patient, and the granulation tissue spontaneously shrank. Subcutaneous emphysema occurred in two patients. No patient developed wound infection or tracheoinnominate artery fistula. Moreover, no patient experienced false route tracheotomy tube insertion because the thyroid glands were located under the stoma.

CONCLUSION

The frequency of complications was comparable to that reported in other studies on tracheostomy. Additionally, no patient developed tracheal stenosis secondary to tracheostomy above the thyroid isthmus. Therefore, high tracheostomy with inferior retraction and preservation of the thyroid isthmus is safe and advantageous.

Emergent tracheostomy during the pandemic of COVID-19: Slovenian National Recommendations

PURPOSE

Emergent tracheostomy under local anaesthesia is a reliable method of airway management when orotracheal intubation is not possible. COVID-19 is spread through aerosol making the emergent tracheostomy a high-risk procedure for surgeons. The surgical establishment of the air conduit in emergency scenarios must be adjusted for safety reasons.

METHODS

To establish the Slovenian National Guidelines for airway management in cannot intubate-cannot ventilate situations in COVID-19 positive patients.

RESULTS

Good communication and coordination between surgeon and anaesthesiologist is absolutely necessary. Deep general anaesthesia, full muscle relaxation and adequate preoxygenation without intubation are initial steps. The surgical cricothyrotomy is performed quickly, the thin orotracheal tube is inserted, the cuff is inflated and ventilation begins. Following patient stabilisation, the conversion to the tracheostomy is undertaken with the following features: skin infiltration with vasoconstrictor, a vertical incision, avoidance of electrical devices in favour of classical manners of haemostasis, the advancement of the tube towards the carina, performing the tracheal window in complete apnoea following adequate oxygenation, the insertion of non-fenestrated canulla attached to a heat and moisture exchanger, the fixation of canulla with stitches and tapes, and the cricothyrotomy entrance closure. Appropriate safety equipment is equally important.

CONCLUSION

The goal of the guidelines is to make the procedure safer for medical teams, without harming the patients. Further improvements of the guidelines will surely appear as COVID-19 is a new entity and there is not yet much experience in handling it.

Pre-tracheotomy for Potentially Emergent Airway Scenarios: Indications and Outcomes

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Airway access in the setting of unsuccessful ventilation and intubation typically involves emergent cricothyrotomy or tracheotomy, procedures with associated significant risk. The potential for such emergent scenarios can often be predicted based on patient and disease factors. Planned tracheotomy can be performed in these cases but is not without its own risks. We previously described a technique of pre-tracheotomy or exposing the tracheal framework without entering the trachea, as an alternative to planned tracheostomy in such cases. In this way, a tracheotomy can be easily completed if needed, or the wound can be closed if it is not needed. This procedure has since been used in an array of indications. We describe the clinical situations where pre-tracheotomy was performed as well as subsequent patient outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective series of patients undergoing a pre-tracheotomy from 2015 to 2020. Records were reviewed for patient characteristics, indication, whether the procedure was converted to tracheotomy or closed at the bedside, and any post-procedural complications.

RESULTS

Pre-tracheotomy was performed in 18 patients. Indications included failed extubation after head and neck reconstruction, subglottic stenosis, laryngeal masses, laryngeal edema, thyroid masses, and an oropharyngeal bleed requiring operative intervention. Tracheotomy was avoided in 10 patients with wound closed at the bedside; procedure was converted to tracheotomy in the remaining eight. There were no complications. Indications for conversion included failed extubation, intraoperative hemorrhage, significant stridor with dyspnea, and inability to ventilate.

CONCLUSION

Pre-tracheotomy offers simplified airway access and provides a valuable option in scenarios where tracheotomy may, but not necessarily, be needed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Complications of cricothyroidotomy versus tracheostomy in emergency surgical airway management: a systematic review

Background

Airway guidelines recommend an emergency surgical airway as a potential life-saving treatment in a “Can’t Intubate, Can’t Oxygenate” (CICO) situation. Surgical airways can be achieved either through a cricothyroidotomy or tracheostomy. The current literature has limited data regarding complications of cricothyroidotomy and tracheostomy in an emergency situation. The objective of this systematic review is to analyze complications following cricothyroidotomy and tracheostomy in airway emergencies.

Methods

This synthesis of literature was exempt from ethics approval. Eight databases were searched from inception to October 2018, using a comprehensive search strategy. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials or observational studies reporting complications following emergency surgical airway. Complications were classified as minor (evolving to spontaneous remission or not requiring intervention or not persisting chronically), major (requiring intervention or persisting chronically), early (from the start of the procedure up to 7 days) and late (beyond 7 days of the procedure).

Results

We retrieved 2659 references from our search criteria. Following the removal of duplicates, title and abstract review, 33 articles were selected for full-text reading. Twenty-one articles were finally included in the systematic review. We found no differences in minor, major or early complications between the two techniques. However, late complications were significantly more frequent in the tracheostomy group [OR (95% CI) 0.21 (0.20–0.22), p < 0.0001].

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that cricothyroidotomies performed in emergent situations resulted in fewer late complications than tracheostomies. This finding supports the recommendations from the latest Difficult Airway Society (DAS) guidelines regarding using cricothyroidotomy as the technique of choice for emergency surgical airway. However, emergency cricothyroidotomies should be converted to tracheostomies in a timely fashion as there is insufficient evidence to suggest that emergency cricothyrotomies are long term airways.

Best practices for emergency surgical airway: A systematic review

Objective

In the case of an emergency surgical airway, current guidelines state that surgical cricothyrotomy is preferable to tracheotomy. However, complications associated with emergency cricothyrotomy may be more frequent and severe. We systematically reviewed the English literature on emergency surgical airway to elicit best practices.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to January 2019 for studies reporting emergency cricothyrotomy and tracheotomy outcomes. All English-language retrospective analyses, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were included. Case reports were excluded, as well as studies with pediatric, nonhuman, or nonliving subjects.

Results

We identified 783 articles, and 20 met inclusion criteria. Thirteen evaluated emergency cricothyrotomy and included 1,219 patients (mean age = 39.8 years); 4 evaluated emergency tracheotomy and included 342 patients (mean age = 46.0 years); 2 evaluated both procedures. The rate of complications with both cricothyrotomy and tracheotomy was comparable. The most frequent early complications were failure to obtain an airway (1.6%) and hemorrhage (5.6%) for cricothyrotomy and tracheotomy, respectively. Airway stenosis was the most common long-term complication, occurring at low rates in both procedures (0.22-7.0%).

Conclusions

Complications associated with emergency cricothyrotomy may not occur as frequently as presumed. Tracheotomy is an effective means of securing the airway in an emergent setting, with similar risk for intraoperative and postoperative complications compared to cricothyrotomy. Ultimately, management should depend on clinician experience and patient characteristics.

Level of Evidence

IV.

Early Versus Late Tracheostomy After Decompressive Craniectomy

Objective

The goal of this study was to determine the efficacy of early tracheostomy (i.e., ≤ 10 days of intubation) compared with a late tracheostomy (> 10 days of intubation) with regards to timing, frequency of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), mortality rate, and hospital stay in patients who received decompressive craniectomy.

Study design

We conducted a retrospective study of data from 168 patients who underwent decompression in the department of critical care medicine at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from January 2017 to December 2017.

Materials and methods

The study included men and women over the age of 18 years who had undergone tracheostomy following decompressive craniectomy in the intensive care unit as a result of stroke, traumatic brain injury, or acute severe injury. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US). We also applied the Chi-square test, and p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Of 168 patient records reviewed, tracheostomy was performed in 48 patients (21 men, 27 women). In the 48 tracheostomy patients, 15 (31%) were early tracheostomies and 33 (69%) were late tracheostomies. The mean age of patients was 44 ± 11 years. Twenty-eight patients (58.3%) were in the younger age group (age 18 to 45 years) and 20 patients (41.7%) were in the older age group (age > 45 years). Patients who received an early tracheostomy spent significantly less time on a ventilator (≤ 12 days) than those patients receiving a late tracheostomy (> 12 days, p = 0.004). The early tracheostomy group also had a lower incidence rate of VAP than patients with a late tracheostomy (𝑥² = 7.855, p = 0.005). Patients who received an early tracheostomy had lower mortality rates than those who received late tracheostomies (𝑥² = 6.158, p = 0.013). Finally, the length of hospital stay was ≤ 15 days for patients who received early tracheostomies; most patients who received a late tracheostomy had a hospital stay of > 15 days (𝑥² =11.965, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Performing a tracheostomy within 10 days of intubation following decompressive craniectomy significantly reduced ventilator time, mortality, the incidence of VAP, and length of hospital stay. Given the potential benefits of early tracheostomy in critical care patients following decompressive craniectomy, physicians should consider early tracheostomy in appropriate cases.

Preserving the thyroidal isthmus during low tracheostomy with creation of a Björk flap

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Surgical tracheostomy (ST) with creation of an inferiorly based U-shaped tracheal flap, known as the Björk flap, is the most commonly performed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether outcome was different in patients who underwent low ST with retraction and preservation of the thyroid isthmus compared to those who underwent high ST with ligation of the thyroid isthmus.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

We included 1,143 patients who underwent ST with creation of a Björk flap between 2008 and 2015. Different outcome parameters, including complications, decannulation, inpatient mortality, and surgical characteristics, such as length of surgery and height of tracheal incision, were assessed comparing low and high ST.

RESULTS

Complications occurred in 7.7% of patients, of which persistent stoma (4.1%) and hemorrhages (2.7%) were the most common. Low tracheostomy with retraction and preservation of thyroid isthmus was done in 31.4% of cases. Complications did not significantly differ between low and high tracheostomies (8.0% vs. 7.0%, P = .468). Moreover, decannulation rate and inpatient mortality were also not significantly different in low compared to high tracheostomies (P = .816 and P = .152, respectively). However, low tracheostomies were associated with significantly shorter operation times (33.0 ± 0.8 min vs. 38.7 ± 0.5 min, P < .001) and lower tracheal incisions for creation of a Björk flap (P < .001) compared to high tracheostomies.

CONCLUSIONS

Low tracheostomies are as safe as high tracheostomies regarding complications. Due to the fact that low tracheostomies are associated with shorter operation times and lower tracheal incisions, we recommend performong low tracheostomies whenever feasible.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 128:2783-2789, 2018.

Emergency cricothyrotomy: temporary measure or definitive airway? A systematic review

Being a fast and safe method in the hands of well trained professionals in both prehospital and intrahospital care, Cricothyrotomy has been broadly recommended as the initial surgical airway in the scenario "can't intubate, can't ventilate", and is particularly useful when the obstruction level is above or at the glottis. Its prolonged permanence, however, is an endless source of controversy. In this review we evaluate the complications of cricothyrotomy and the need of its routine conversion to tracheotomy through a search on PubMed, LILACS and SciELO electronic databases with no restriction to the year or language of the publication. In total, we identified 791 references, retrieved 20 full text articles, and included nine studies in our review. The incidence of short-term complications ranged from zero to 31.6%, and the long-term complications, from zero to 7.86%. Subglotic stenosis was the main long-term reported complication, even though it was quite infrequent, occurring only in 2.9 to 5%. The frequency of conversion to tracheostomy varied from zero to 100%. Although a small frequency of long-term complications was found for emergency cricothyrotomy, the studies' low level of evidence does not allow the recommendation of routine use of cricothyrotomy as a secure definitive airway.

Management of the chronically ventilated patient with a tracheostomy

Tracheostomy is the most common surgical procedure performed on critically ill patients. For those who survive their critical illnesses but remain ventilator-dependent, tracheostomy provides patients with a secure airway that frees the mouth for oral nutrition, enhances verbalized speech, and promotes generalized comfort. Avoiding complications from tracheostomy requires a skilled multi-disciplinary approach to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks of the procedure.

The role of cricothyrotomy, tracheostomy, and percutaneous tracheostomy in airway management

Cricothyrotomy, percutaneous dilation tracheostomy, and surgical tracheostomy are cost-effective and safe techniques employed in the management of critically ill patients requiring insertion of an artificial airway. These procedures have been well characterized and studied in the surgical, emergency medicine, and critical care literature. This article focuses on the role of each of these modalities in airway management, specifically comparing the data for each procedure in regard to procedural outcomes. The authors discuss the techniques available and the relevant background data regarding choice of each method and its integration into clinical practice.

A fatal case of iatrogenic aortic arch rupture occurred during a tracheostomy

The authors illustrate a rare case of aortic arch rupture in a 60-year-old woman, occurred during a tracheostomy performed using the Griggs method. The autopsy examination showed an aortic arch rupture in an intermediate position situated in the area between the brachiocephalic artery ostium and the left common carotid artery ostium, associated to a hemorrhage filling of the adjacent connective and muscular tissue. The death was therefore determined by cardiac arrest secondary to massive hemorrhagic hypovolemic shock caused by the aortic arch rupture. The lethal iatrogenic lesion was determined by the aortic arch traction caused by the dilatation. The surgeon's incautious use of the Howard-Kelly forceps introduced in the mediastinum was therefore hypothesized.

Emergency Cricothyroidotomy for Difficult Airway Management After Asynchronous Bilateral Neck Dissections: A Case Report and Literature Review

PURPOSE

This report describes a case that required emergency cricothyroidotomy for an upper airway obstruction owing to laryngeal edema after asynchronous bilateral neck dissections.

PATIENT AND METHODS

A 57-year-old man was diagnosed with multicentric squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (T1 and 2N0M0), and partial glossectomy with primary closure was performed. Three months after surgery, secondary metastases in the right cervical lymph nodes were detected, and a right radical neck dissection was performed. Contrast-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scan taken 2 weeks after the right neck dissection visualized a possible third metastasis in the left cervical lymph node. Four weeks after the right radical neck dissection, left supraomohyoid neck dissection was carried out. In this surgery, the left internal jugular vein (IJV) was preserved. Nine hours after surgery, severe swelling of the face and pharynx was recognized, resulting in a stoppage of respiration and then an emergency cricothyroidotomy.

RESULTS

The patient's life was saved without any encephalopathy or airway trouble. Contrast-enhanced CT scan taken the next day confirmed the preserved left IJV patency.

CONCLUSION

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons should be aware of the possibility of life-threatening laryngeal edema associated with bilateral neck dissections even if the unilateral IJV is preserved and should know the procedure for emergency cricothyroidotomy.

Elective tracheostomy in intensive care unit: Looking between techniques, a three cases report

There is no optimal tracheostomy (TS) technique, proved to be the best. For this reason, operators’ skills, clinical anatomical and physio-pathological features of the patient should be considered as discriminating factors in the choice of percutaneous dilation tracheostomy (PDT) technique. This article includes reports of three cases of PDT: In the first case distance between jugular notch and the first tracheal ring was too long, the second case involving a patient with mild ectasia of the ascending aorta and aortic regurgitation with De Musset's sign with great risk of perioperative bleeding and a third case, of tracheomalacia with inflammatory stenosis at the 4^th tracheal ring. All together, this case series describes how decisions were made by an experienced staff, in which the patient characteristics were assessed and techniques best suited for each case were implemented.

Management of acute blunt and penetrating external laryngeal trauma

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Improve the care of acute external laryngeal trauma by reviewing controversies and the evolution of treatment.

DATA SOURCE

Internet-based search engines, civilian and military databases, and manual search of references from these sources over the past 90 years.

REVIEW METHODS

Utilizing the above-mentioned sources, electronic and manual searches of primary topics such as laryngeal trauma or injury, emergency tracheotomy, airway trauma, intubation versus tracheotomy, cricothyrotomy, esophageal trauma, and emergent management of airway injuries in civilian and combat zones. Citations were reviewed, selected reports analyzed, and the most relevant articles referenced.

RESULTS

Optimal treatment of acute laryngeal trauma includes early identification of injuries utilizing a directed history and physical examination. Timely management of the wounded airway is essential. The choice of intubation, tracheotomy, or cricothyrotomy must be individualized. Computed tomography (CT) may assist in differentiating patients who can be observed versus those who require surgical exploration. In selected patients, laryngeal electromyography and stroboscopy may also be useful. Surgery should begin with direct laryngoscopy and rigid esophagoscopy to evaluate the hard and soft tissues of the larynx, and to visualize the pharynx and esophagus. Minor endolaryngeal lacerations and abrasions may be observed, whereas more significant injuries require primary closure via a thyrotomy. Laryngeal skeletal fractures should be reduced and fixated. Endolaryngeal stenting is reversed for massive mucosal trauma, comminuted fractures, and traumatic anterior commissure disruption.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute external injury to the larynx is both life threatening and a potential long-term management challenge. Although a rare injury, sufficient experience now exists to recommend specific treatments, and to preserve voice and airway function.

Elective surgical cricothyroidotomy in oral and maxillofacial surgery

Surgical Cricothyroidotomy is regarded as an emergency procedure today even though it has a good evidential record as an elective surgical airway. A misunderstanding of Jackson's landmark paper in 1921 has made the simple and safe procedure unpopular because of the fear of subglottic stenosis. We present the incidence of subglottic stenosis after surgical cricothyroidotomy, discuss evidence for elective surgical cricothyroidotomy, and suggest potential applications in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Outcomes and long term follow-up after emergent cricothyroidotomy: is routine conversion to tracheostomy necessary?

The purpose of this study is to identify factors associated with survival after cricothyroidotomy (CRIC), and to ascertain long-term outcomes in patients simply decannulated after CRIC versus those revised to tracheostomy. All CRICs between October 1, 1995 and June 20, 2010 were reviewed. Patients were contacted by phone, visited at their last known address, or queried in the Center for Disease Control's National Death Index. DECAN were those CRICs decannulated without revision. TRACH were those revised to a tracheostomy at any point. Ninety-five CRIC patients were identified. In 94 per cent of survivors of initial admission, a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 15 was noted at disposition. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation before or during CRIC performance was strongly associated with all-cause death during index admission, and increasing head Abbreviated Injury Score was associated with lower odds of a neurologically intact survival. Of survivors, 82 per cent of DECAN and 57 per cent of TRACH patients were followed-up with at medians of 48 (interquartile range 19-57) and 53 (20-119) months, respectively. DECAN occurred at a median of 4 days (2-7) whereas TRACH revision occurred at a median of 2 days (1-7). Endoscopy was performed on 36 per cent of DECAN patients and 22 per cent of TRACH patients. Two DECAN patients with acute subglottic edema/stenosis decannulated successfully on days 9 and 15 postinjury and had no problems at 54 and 91 months postinjury. At follow-up, no patient in either group had suffered a clinically evident airway complication. The need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation before or during CRIC portends poorly for neurologically intact survival. Simple decannulation is appropriate for CRIC patients when their need for airway protection has resolved.

Retrospective study of tracheostomy indications and perioperative complications on oral and maxillofacial surgery service

PURPOSE

Tracheostomy is an extremely common procedure performed by a variety of surgical specialties. The purpose of the present study was to review the intraoperative and perioperative management and complications, present our surgical technique, and discuss the role of our service in providing this care within a large community hospital setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The 112 patients in our retrospective study were divided into 3 subsets: those referred by medical specialties, tumor/reconstructive surgery patients, and trauma victims. Cases of percutaneous dilational and intensive care unit bedside tracheostomy were excluded. Intraoperative and immediately postoperative complications were included. Bleeding complications were defined as those necessitating a return to the operating room. The patients were followed up for a 24-hour period postoperatively.

RESULTS

The medical referral, tumor/reconstructive, and trauma patients made up 55%, 29%, and 16% of the included patients, respectively. The overall complication rate was 2.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Conventional open tracheostomy in an operating room is associated with a low complication rate. The low incidence of perioperative bleeding can be attributed to the use of electrocautery in the division of the thyroid isthmus. This service provided an exceedingly safe and efficient surgical treatment by focusing on precise surgical protocols in an operating room setting. Intense coordination of consultation response, operating room scheduling, and communication with other services involved in these patients' care is critical to develop and maintain the privilege to provide this treatment. Our report can be used to educate the medical community regarding the role of an oral and maxillofacial surgery service in providing tracheostomy.

[Percutaneous tracheotomy and cricothyroidotomy in the critical patient]

OBJECTIVE

To review and compare the complications of percutaneous tracheotomy (TP) and cricothyroidotomy (CT) used to perform tracheal intubation in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation.

DESIGN

A prospective, observational study performed from October 2004 to October 2006, and follow-up of course until May 2007.

SETTING

Intensive care service from a university-affiliated teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

A total of 82 patients in which CT or TP were necessary. Forty-three TP and 39 CT were performed.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS

Reason for TP or CT, demographic data, severity scores, ICU length of stay, orotracheal intubation (OTI) days, CT/TP early and late complications and in-hospital evolution were collected.

RESULTS

TP/CT were performed due to prolonged ventilation in 62 (76%) patients and because of impaired neurological status in the remaining patients. There were no differences between TP/CT in gender, APACHE II, ICU length of stay, previous OTI days. Patients in the CT group were older (68 +/- 9 vs 54 +/- 15 years, p < 0.001). There were 5 mild adverse events (3 guide angulations and 2 lateral tracheal punctions) after TP, and 1 severe adverse event (pulmonary ventilation problem) after CT. There were no fatal event related with TP/CT. Thirty-four patients were decanulated. Mild local injuries were seen in 8 patients (6 TP vs 2 CT). Only 1 subglottic granuloma was seen late in CT group.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience CT constitutes a safety and feasible alternative to TP when TP is counter-indicated.

The difficult airway in adult critical care

INTRODUCTION

The difficult airway is a common problem in adult critical care patients. However, the challenge is not just the establishment of a safe airway, but also maintaining that safety over days, weeks, or longer.

AIMS

This review considers the management of the difficult airway in the adult critical care environment. Central themes are the recognition of the potentially difficult airway and the necessary preparation for (and management of) difficult intubation and extubation. Problems associated with tracheostomy tubes and tube displacement are also discussed.

RESULTS

All patients in critical care should initially be viewed as having a potentially difficult airway. They also have less physiological reserve than patients undergoing airway interventions in association with elective surgery. Making the critical care environment as conducive to difficult airway management as the operating room requires planning and teamwork. Extubation of the difficult airway should always be viewed as a potentially difficult reintubation. Tube displacement or obstruction should be strongly suspected in situations of new-onset difficult ventilation.

CONCLUSIONS

Critical care physicians are presented with a significant number of difficult airway problems both during the insertion and removal of the airway. Critical care physicians need to be familiar with the difficult airway algorithms and have skill with relevant airway adjuncts.

Cricothyroidotomy vs. sternal tracheotomy for challenging airway anatomy

Although tracheotomies are the standard procedure for elective surgical airways, some patients present with challenging anatomy. In circumstances of abnormal skeletal deformities, such as kyphoscoliosis, the airway is also often tortuous and access to the trachea may be difficult. In the situation of severely distorted tracheal anatomy, where access to the trachea may require a mediansternotomy, a cricothyroidotomy may be the safer option. This article details the technique involved in approaching a substernal larynx and stomatizing a cricothyroidotomy for a patient who required a long-term surgical airway secondary to severe kyphoscoliosis from Proteus syndrome and failure to extubate.

Traqueostomia na UTI: vale a pena realizá-la?

OBJETIVO: Analisar a viabilidade, as complicações e a mortalidade da traqueostomia realizada em ambiente de unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI). MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva dos prontuários médicos dos 73 pacientes que foram submetidos à traqueostomia nos leitos das UTIs do Hospital São Paulo da Universidade Federal de São Paulo no período de janeiro a novembro de 2003. Os procedimentos foram realizados sempre por um residente de cirurgia, sob a orientação de um cirurgião torácico, utilizando a técnica aberta sistematizada no serviço. RESULTADOS: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 55,2 anos, sendo que 47 eram do sexo masculino (64,4%) e 26 eram do sexo feminino (35,6%). A indicação mais freqüente foi a intubação orotraqueal prolongada (76,7%). Não houve mortalidade relacionada ao procedimento, e em todos os pacientes o procedimento pôde ser realizado na UTI. As complicações imediatas ocorreram em 2 pacientes (2,7%), nos quais houve sangramento local aumentado que cessou com compressão local. A complicação tardia foi a infecção ao redor da ferida operatória, a qual ocorreu em 2 pacientes (2,7%) e foi tratada com curativos locais, sem maiores repercussões clínicas. CONCLUSÕES: Com base nos resultados de nossa análise, os quais são comparáveis aos resultados sobre traqueostomias realizadas no centro cirúrgico encontrados na literatura, concluímos que a traqueostomia na UTI é viável e apresenta baixo índice de complicações, mesmo quando realizada em pacientes graves por cirurgiões em treinamento. Portanto, a nosso ver, é possível afirmar que vale a pena realizar a traqueostomia na UTI.

Ruptured left subclavian artery aneurysm presenting as upper airway obstruction in von Recklinghausen's disease

Aneurysms arising from the subclavian artery are very rare vascular abnormalities in von Recklinghausen's disease, which often have a silent clinical presentation and are difficult to diagnose before rupture. We report a case of von Recklinghausen's disease with life-threatening upper airway obstruction caused by spontaneous rupture of the left subclavian artery aneurysm in a 46-year-old woman. The diagnosis was eventually confirmed by a reconstructed enhanced computed tomography of aorta. We emphasise the importance of it as a differential diagnosis because life-threatening upper airway obstruction may develop in such patient.

Practice patterns, safety, and rationale for tracheostomy tube changes: a survey of otolaryngology training programs

INTRODUCTION

Tracheotomy for long-term ventilation is a common surgical procedure in the hospital setting. Although the postoperative care is often perceived as routine, complications associated with tracheostomy changes may result in loss of airway and death. In addition, the practice patterns, rationale, and complications related to tube changes have been poorly described.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A survey of chief residents in accredited otolaryngology training programs was performed to determine the management strategies, rationale, and complications associated with postoperative tracheostomy tube changes.

RESULTS

The first tube change was performed after a mean of 5.3 (range, 3-7) days after the procedure, most frequently by junior residents. The first change was performed in a variety of locations including the intensive care unit (88%), step down unit (80%), and regular floor (78%). Twenty-five percent performed these changes at night or on weekends. The most frequently reported rationale for performing routine tracheotomy changes was examination of the stoma for maturity (46%), prevention of stomal infection (46%), and confirmation of stability for transport to a less monitored setting (41%). Twenty-five (42%) respondents reported awareness of a loss of airway, and nine (15%) respondents reported awareness of a death as a result of the first tube change at their institution during their residency. A statistically significant higher incidence of airway loss was reported by respondents who reported performing the first tube change on the floor (96.1% vs. 63.6%).

CONCLUSION

There is significant variability in the approach to postoperative tracheostomy tube management. The occurrence of major complications including deaths from routine tube changes requires an examination of the rationale and safety of this practice.

[Acute parotiditis after tracheostomy in Intensive Care]

Post-anesthesic parotiditis is a little known entity related with anesthesic procedures but described in any situation that motivates manipulation of the oropharyngeal cavity. Its physiopathological mechanism is not well-defined, although it could have a multifactorial origin. A case of a male who was admitted for post-operative control of brain tumor exeresis and who had preauricular and submaxillary inflammation after a routinely performed tracheostomy is presented. Coincidence with the performing of a tracheostomy required us to propose the differential diagnosis with the complications associated to said surgical act. Post-anesthesic parotiditis, even though it is a rare complication and has no clinical significance, should be kept in mind when there is facial edema after any manipulation of the oropharyngeal cavity.

Influence of Potassium Dichromate on Tracheal Secretions in Critically Ill Patients

BACKGROUND

Stringy, tenacious tracheal secretions may prevent extubation in patients weaned from the respirator. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with parallel assignment was performed to assess the influence of sublingually administered potassium dichromate C30 on the amount of tenacious, stringy tracheal secretions in critically ill patients with a history of tobacco use and COPD.

METHODS

In this study, 50 patients breathing spontaneously with continuous positive airway pressure were receiving either potassium dichromate C30 globules (group 1) [Deutsche Homoopathie-Union, Pharmaceutical Company; Karlsruhe, Germany] or placebo (group 2). Five globules were administered twice daily at intervals of 12 h. The amount of tracheal secretions on day 2 after the start of the study as well as the time for successful extubation and length of stay in the ICU were recorded.

RESULTS

The amount of tracheal secretions was reduced significantly in group 1 (p < 0.0001). Extubation could be performed significantly earlier in group 1 (p < 0.0001). Similarly, length of stay was significantly shorter in group 1 (4.20 +/- 1.61 days vs 7.68 +/- 3.60 days, p < 0.0001 [mean +/- SD]).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that potentized (diluted and vigorously shaken) potassium dichromate may help to decrease the amount of stringy tracheal secretions in COPD patients.

La trachéotomie

INTRODUCTION

Tracheotomy was initially described as a means to relieve acute upper airway obstruction. Indications for its use have changed and developed over time.

STATE OF THE ART

During the 1960's, tracheotomy was promoted as a treatment for ventilator-dependent patients but the complications reported in the 1970's and early 1980's both reduced its accepted indications and led to it being proposed later. During the last 20 years advances in intensive care medicine and a reduction in the rate of complications associated with the procedure have encouraged intensivists again to propose tracheotomy at an earlier stage.

PERSPECTIVES

Over the last 10 years, a new technique, percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy has gained widespread acceptance because of its simplicity of execution, its low cost and the low rate of postoperative complications that has been observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the ideal time to perform a tracheotomy has not yet been established, the benefits of this approach compared to prolonged laryngeal intubation, the low morbidity associated with modern surgical tracheotomy and the development of percutaneous techniques support the use of this procedure in the management of patients requiring prolonged ventilatory support.

Tracheotomy: timing and techniques

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Until the past 40 years, the timing of tracheotomy was of little concern. It was an emergency procedure developed for the relief of airway obstruction. Following the development of positive pressure ventilation, tracheotomy became an elective procedure. Today, the optimal time for tracheotomy is a subject of dispute and continued investigation. As this operation has become one of the most commonly performed procedures in the intensive care unit, nonoperative dilational methods have gained acceptability. The purpose of this review is to analyze the recent literature and draw insight into the timing and technique of the current state of tracheotomy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Individualized assessment of patients should guide the timing of tracheotomy, with a preference toward early tracheotomy. Percutaneous dilational tracheotomy (PDT) can be performed with equivalent safety to open tracheotomy. Bedside open tracheotomy negates the cost-saving benefits of PDT. Endoscopic guidance in PDT decreases complications with needle placement and posterior tracheal wall injury. Major complications of PDT usually are associated with displacement of the tracheotomy tube.

SUMMARY

Tracheotomy indications have remained unchanged, but the timing of the procedure has advanced to individualized assessment with a predilection for earlier tracheotomy. The traditional operative technique is a much safer procedure today. Percutaneous dilational tracheotomy has become an acceptable alternative with proper patient selection. A multidisciplinary team with a surgeon provides the best care for the patient undergoing percutaneous tracheotomy.