Clinical study of Tracheostomy in the intensive care unit in Babylon.

Abstract

Background

       The tracheostomy was done since the ancient Egypt, this is one of the oldest surgical procedures. It is indicated for relief of the upper airway obstruction, to assist ventilation, for removal of secretions, and as a part of another procedures.

Objectives

       The study was designed to identify the indications, age distribution, and the rate of complications of tracheostomy in the intensive care unit in AL_Hilla general teaching hospital.

Patients and methods

       A 63 patients were admitted to the I.C.U. of AL_Hilla general teaching hospital during the period from August 2009 to August 2010 for whom tracheostomy was performed, we categories them according to their age, gender, indications of admission to the I.C.U., and complications. And we follow them along their stay in the I.C.U.

Results

       The age ranged from 2 – 84 years. Sixty two percent of patients were males, while thirty eight percent were females.The main indication for tracheostomy was for assisted ventilation.

The rate of complication was 53.9%, the commonest complication was primary bleeding ( 20.5%).  Fifty seven percent of the studied patients were died, 40% were weaned and discharged successfully, three percent were discharged on their family responsibility.

Conclusion

       The tracheostomy like any other surgical procedure has complications and meticulous attention to the scientific basis and careful dissection of the tissue planes will reduce the rate of these complications.       The likely outcome of the admitted patients should be discussed with their families in regard to the tracheostomy while taking a consent.