Experience with tracheostomy in medical intensive care patients.

Thirty-four intensive care patients who received elective tracheostomies were studied to determine the incidence and nature of complications associated with tracheostomies. Indication for tracheostomy was long-term ventilation. Adverse consequences occurred in 47% of the patients. The most frequent problem was pneumonia. There were no intraoperative complications. Two deaths occurred due to delayed haemorrhage. Some complications of tracheostomy were influenced by the preceding period of endotracheal intubation. In patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy carries a considerable risk. Optimal airway care only will reduce the incidence of complications.