Clinical experience with percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy: report of 150 cases.

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience with percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Teaching hospital. The Netherlands.

SUBJECTS

147 patients.

INTERVENTIONS

150 percutaneous dilatational tracheostomies, 95 (63%) for prolonged ventilation, 37 (25%) for pulmonary toilet, and 18 (12%) for upper airway obstruction.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

The success rate of the procedure was 99%. Operative complications occurred in 16 (11%) and were usually minor. During a total duration of cannulation of 5212 days four complications were recorded. Haemorrhage was the most common early complication (n = 14). Late complications (five to 53 months after decannulation) included tracheal stenosis (n = 1), tracheomalacia (n = 2), tracheocutaneous fistula (n = 2) and an ugly scar (n = 1).

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy is a simple, safe and cost effective technique for inserting a tracheal cannula.