Late outcome from percutaneous tracheostomy using the Portex kit

To assess late outcome following percutaneous tracheostomy using the Portex kit (Hythe, Kent, UK).

Prospective observational cohort study.

Teaching hospital.

Forty-nine consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous tracheostomy in the ICU using the Portex kit and who survived 6 months after the procedure.

Questionnaires regarding six symptoms were sent to all 49 surviving patients; the 39 respondents were invited to attend for review. Thirteen patients underwent pulmonary function testing, of whom 10 also underwent fiberoptic laryngotracheoscopy under local anesthesia.

The most common symptom was a minor change in voice. One patient had required treatment for symptomatic tracheal stenosis by the time of review; one was referred for revision of a tethered scar. Pulmonary function testing was easily performed by all patients and revealed no evidence of upper airway obstruction. Tracheoscopy likewise showed no evidence of tracheal stenosis.

One of 49 patients had developed tracheal stenosis. None of the patients attending for detailed review showed any sign of late complications other than one tethered scar.