Tracheotomy in a Canadian urban centre.

Sixty-two patients requiring tracheotomy from 1998 to 2002 were followed for a mean length of 223.3 days. Outcomes were measured based on indications for ventilatory support, age, sex, length of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, and overall status at discharge. The overall mortality was 50%. Those who survived required a tracheotomy for an average of 41.6 days before decannulation; 41.2% of patients were discharged home. Information should assist families, intensivists, and physicians involved in the care of such critically ill patients. Ethical questions that arise in the care of these patients are addressed.