Near-fatal complications of tracheotomy infections and their prevention

✍ Scribed by Dr. Robert C. Wang; Philip W. Perlman; Steven M. Parnes

• Book ID: 102848443
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1989
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 607 KB
• Volume: 11
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1043-3074
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.2880110610

✦ Synopsis

Infectious complications of tracheotomy range from minor to potentially fatal. Three cases are presented: clavicular osteomyelitis; innominate artery blowout with mediastinitis; and the first reported case of necrotizing fasciitis involving the chest wall related to tracheotomy infection. All patients were debilitated, with one diabetic and another steroid-dependent. Infectious sequelae occurred as late as 8 weeks following tracheotomy. The mechanism, treatment, and prevention of tracheotomy infections are reviewed. Indications for the creation of a permanent but reversible tracheostome should be expanded to prevent infections in debilitated or immunosuppressed patients in whom decannulation is unlikely. HEAD 81 NECK 11 :528-533, 1989

Tracheotomy has been performed for acute airway management dating as far back as 100 BC, by Asclepiades, a Greek physician.' Presently, tracheotomy is a common, relatively simple, often lifesaving procedure. Indications include re-