Cricothyroidotomy, a useful alternative to tracheostomy in maxillofacial surgery.

Tracheostomy and prolonged intubation are traditionally used in maintaining the airway, particularly after extensive maxillofacial surgery. The literature reports significant morbidity and mortality from both these procedures. Cricothyroidotomy is proposed as a useful alternative in certain circumstances. Recent documentation suggests that traditional fears of subglottic stenosis after cricothyroidotomy are ill-founded. Cricothyroidotomy may also benefit the patient by quicker rehabilitation and in early mobilisation, compared with prolonged intubation. The surgical procedure is quick and easily performed, making it suitable for emergency airway control. Cricothyroidotomy is not appropriate in children or in patients with inflammation to the trachea, since these may predispose to subglottic stenosis.