Complications of tracheostomy in major head and neck cancer surgery; a retrospective study of 60 consecutive cases.

Employment of tracheostomy in head and neck cancer surgery remains controversial. This study details those cases in which the life-saving potential of tracheostomy placement was considered to outweigh the observed disadvantages. Sixty consecutive cases of tracheostomy in head and neck cancer patients were assessed and revealed a relatively low complication rate (11% of cases). Chest infection was the commonest problem encountered, although none were life threatening and all responded to treatment. Surgical and medical management aimed at reducing tracheostomy complications is discussed.