Complications of tracheostomy

: Tracheostomy is a common procedure performed in critically ill patients requiring extended mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure and to manage upper airway disorders obstruction. The recent Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led an unprecedented surge the number of who are require ventilation. high-risk this patient cohort both operator due need apnoea at time critical illness aerosol generating nature procedure. Careful consideration timing, environment, equipment, personnel, technique required. In chapter we will outline problems that can occur with tracheostomy during procedure, early stages late complications. We highlight management options these complications preventative strategies. different techniques be used including hybrid surgical percutaneous approach described. addition, experience single surgeon COVID-19 pandemic, between March June 2020, total 22 tracheostomies on 21 COVID positive St. Bartholomew’s hospital: 8 dilatational 14 presented. discuss outcomes, specific challenges performing how were overcome.