Minicricothyrotomy for tracheobronchial toilet.

Thirty-six patients underwent percutaneous cannulation of the cricothyroid membrane, using a small endotracheal tube, for the purpose of repeated suction of secretions from the tracheobronchial tree. The duration of cannulation ranged from 4 to 62 days (average, 12 days). Twenty-eight patients were followed up for a maximum of 3.5 years (mean, 20 months). There were no immediate or delayed postoperative complications. Subglottic stenosis did not occur in any of the patients. Minicricothyrotomy is a relatively safe and simple and efficient technique for tracheobronchial toilet in patients with chronic lung disease and in the postoperative period.