Complications of Tracheostomy in Otolaryngology Practice in Iraq Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Tracheostomy may save the lives of individuals with blocked respirations. However, it is done more often on those people who are receiving long-term mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure associated with various pathological conditions. Objective: This study aimed to identify clinical outcomes of patients who underwent tracheostomy. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 patients who underwent tracheostomy; their ages ranged from 10 to 60 years. Clinical and diagnostic data were collected for patients from different hospitals in Iraq for a period that lasted from March 12, 2022, to August 9, 2023. Results: Our findings enrolled clinical and surgical data, which found patients with age (41 - 50) years was highest and include 23 cases, where males were more, which had 44 cases compared with males had 36 cases, and the rate of comorbidities was 56 cases, smokers were 40 cases, the operative period was 56.38 ± 7. 93 min, which 44 cases of patients were conducted surgery under local anaesthesia, while 36 cases of patients were conducted surgery under general anaesthesia, Skin incision included Horizontal with 76 cases, Tracheal incision, which had Under thyroid isthmus was 90% of patients, Shape (I or H) of tracheal incision included 74 cases, Cannula material of metallic was 65% cases and cannula material of plastic was 35% cases, Length of stay in the hospital, days was 9. 74 ± 4.80 days, ICU admission was 24 cases, rate of patients had bleeding during surgery included 12 cases, rate of complications was 35%, and infection was most factor prevalence in the patients included 10 cases. Conclusion: Tracheostomy is a crucial life-saving procedure, particularly for children, addressing breathing issues and significantly affecting their overall well-being and outcomes.