Study of Incidence of Various Complications of Tracheostomy Following Prolonged Endotracheal Intubation

Background: Endotracheal intubation is necessary to establishing and maintaining a patent upper airway. However, this procedure is associated with complications that need to be detected early and managed appropriately. This study was undertaken to determine and understand the common complications seen in patients undergoing tracheostomy following prolonged endotracheal intubation. Objectives: To determine and analyze various complications in patients undergoing tracheostomy following prolonged endotracheal intubation. Methodology: 40 patients requiring artificial/assisted ventilation were observed during the period of the study for indications, duration of ventilation, complications of tracheostomy following prolonged endotracheal intubation, tube change, and decannulation. Results: The common complications observed were vocal edema, self extubation and Angle of mouth / lip ulceration. Many of the complications encountered after delayed tracheostomy can lead to morbidity and mortality, hence early tracheostomy and good endotracheal tube management can reduce complications and its late sequelae. Conclusion: Endotracheal intubation is a life-saving procedure but nevertheless, prolonging the same may be associated with its own set of complications and side effects.