Tracheostomy complications in otorhinolaryngology are rare despite the critical airway.

Purpose: To identify complications of surgical tracheostomies in otorhinolaryngologic patients and adjust our processes to be properly prepared in the future.

Methods: We reviewed retrospectively all surgical tracheostomies (n = 255) performed by otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons at Helsinki University Hospital between Jan 2014 and Feb 2017. Patient demographics, surgical details, surgical and medical complications, and tracheostomy-related mortality were recorded from the hospital charts.

Analysis of 255 tracheostomies in an otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery tertiary care center: a safe procedure with a wide spectrum of indications.

Purpose: To review indications, patient characteristics, frequency, and safety for surgical tracheostomies performed by otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons in a single tertiary care center.

Methods: Surgical tracheostomies performed by otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons at Helsinki University Hospital between January 2014 and February 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, surgical data, and peri- and postoperative mortality information were collected from the hospital charts.