Vadisha Bhat, Tariq Mohamed, Raveena Prasad, Luhluwa Basheer, Drishya Jayakumar, Sharanya Nambiar
Abstract Background and Aims: Tracheostomy is a life-saving procedure that significantly affects a patient’s outcome. The indications for tracheostomy range from emergencies, such as airway obstruction, to purely elective procedures. Prolonged intubation is one of the most common indications for tracheostomy at a tertiary care centre for patients on mechanical ventilation. Complications due to tracheostomy can be minimised by meticulous preparation, performing the procedure in a monitored setting and using meticulous postoperative care. The aim of this research is to study the various indications and outcomes of patients undergoing tracheostomy at a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: Details of the patients undergoing tracheostomy during the study period were recorded, including gender, age, indication for tracheostomy, type of procedure, timing, complications and patient outcomes. Results: The study included 164 patients undergoing tracheostomy, of whom 123 were male and 41 were female. Of 164 patients, 133 (81%) underwent elective tracheostomy, whereas the remaining 31 (19%) underwent emergency tracheostomy. Tracheostomy was performed in 93 patients after prolonged intubation; most underwent late tracheostomy (81 patients, 87%), while the rest underwent early tracheostomy. Out of 164 patients, 15 (9.1%) had complications related to the tracheostomy. Conclusion: Prolonged intubation is the most common indication for tracheostomy in our tertiary care centre. Complications can be minimised by meticulous preparation, performing the procedure in a monitored setting and providing systematic postoperative care.