Introduction: Early tracheostomy needs to be considered if the use of a ventilator is expected used for long time. Tracheostomy recommended because it can improve respiratory function, reduce risk Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia, patient comfort, cleanse secretions in throat, laryngeal ulceration, mobilization, and speech efforts, allow treatment outside Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Case Report: ...

BACKGROUND An important factor contributing to the high mortality in patients with severe head trauma is cerebral hypoxia. The mechanical ventilation helps both by reduction in the intracranial pressure and hypoxia. Ventilatory support is also required in these patients because of patient's inability to protect the airway, persistence of excessive secretions, and inadequacy of spontaneous venti...

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Prospectively compare tracheostomy-related complications in obese patients with complications in nonobese patients. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHODS Adult patients undergoing tracheostomy were studied. Patients who had a prior tracheostomy were excluded. Complications were classified as intraoperative, early (within the first 2 weeks), or late. RESULTS ...

OBJECTIVE Evaluate parental perceptions associated with tracheostomy morbidity and quality of life in the management of Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review/survey. METHODS 42 Pierre Robin patients were identified, records were reviewed and airway assessments evaluated relative to airway compromise. Twenty patients had undergone tracheostomy. Perceptions of quality...

BACKGROUND Early tracheostomy can reduce the time required for mechanical ventilation, the duration of ICU stay, and treatment expenses. Choosing the optimal time for tracheostomy in patients with severe head injury is therefore important. The purpose of this study was to find the optimal time for tracheostomy according to Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this prospective st...

Advances in treating the critically ill have resulted in more patients requiring prolonged airway intubation and respiratory support. If intubation is projected to be longer than several weeks, tracheostomy is often recommended. Tracheostomy offers the potential benefits of improved patient comfort, the ability to communicate, opportunity for oral feeding, and easier, safer nursing care. In add...

A minority of patients with neuromuscular disease require placement of a tracheostomy, usually for the purpose of providing mechanical ventilation. Often the tracheostomy is performed during a hospital admission for an acute illness. The debate about the appropriate timing of tracheostomy in critically ill patients has not been resolved; however, the weight of evidence now favors performing a t...

OBJECTIVE To examine the association between the performance of a tracheostomy and intensive care unit and postintensive care unit mortality, controlling for treatment selection bias and confounding variables. DESIGN Prospective, observational, cohort study. SETTING Twelve French medical or surgical intensive care units. PATIENTS Unselected patients requiring mechanical ventilation for > ...