Late outcome from percutaneous tracheostomy using the Portex kit

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Pulmonology
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Percutaneous tracheostomy is a common procedure in intensive care units.
• Assessing long-term complications is crucial for patient safety and procedural refinement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the late outcomes and potential complications of percutaneous tracheostomy performed with the Portex kit.
• To identify the incidence of symptoms and structural changes post-procedure.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational cohort study was conducted with 49 patients who survived 6 months post-percutaneous tracheostomy.
• Patients completed symptom questionnaires, and a subset underwent pulmonary function tests and fiberoptic laryngotracheoscopy.

Main Results:

• The most frequent symptom reported was a minor voice change.
• One patient developed symptomatic tracheal stenosis requiring treatment; another had a tethered scar.
• Pulmonary function tests and tracheoscopy showed no evidence of upper airway obstruction or tracheal stenosis.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous tracheostomy with the Portex kit demonstrates a low incidence of late complications, with tracheal stenosis occurring in only one patient.
• Detailed follow-up revealed minimal late adverse events, suggesting good long-term safety.