Tracheostomy in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Cocody Teaching Hospital: About 15 Cases

Introduction: Tracheotomy is the opening of the anterior surface of the cervical trachea and the placement of a tracheostomy tube allowing breathing by short-circuiting the supraglottic airways. Although tracheotomy is a common surgical procedure in ENT departments, it’s also performed by the maxillofacial surgeon in stomatology and maxillofacial surgery departments. The aim of our study is to describe the epidemiological profile, identify the indications and circumstances and determine the prognosis of tracheotomy performed in the maxillofacial surgery and stomatology department of Cocody Teaching Hospital. Results: 15 tracheostomies were performed with an annual incidence of 7.5. The age group between 20 and 39 years old was common in 60%. There were 7 men and 8 women. The patients all had a medical history. Traders were represented in 7 cases. The commune of Abobo was the place of origin in 5 cases. Tracheotomy was elective in 11 cases (73.3%) and permanent constriction of the jaws was the indication in 6 cases (40%). The course was simple in 10 cases (66.7%) and punctuated by complications in 5 cases (33.3%), including one death. Discussion: Tracheostomy is a common surgical procedure. The epidemiological profile of tracheostomized patients in the Department of Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery of the University Hospital of Cocody is young female subjects of modest socioeconomic status. Permanent constriction of the jaws, large oro-maxillofacial tumors and cervico-facial cellulitis of dental origin are the frequent indications. Subcutaneous emphysema was the main complication of tracheostomy in the study.