Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
Published on: May 26, 2023
Peri-operative complications during percutaneous tracheostomy in obese patients
C Byhahn1, V Lischke, D Meininger
1Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, J.W. Goethe-University Medical School, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D 60590 Frankfurt, Germany. c.byhahn@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Abstract:
The safety of percutaneous tracheostomy in 73 obese patients (body mass index > or = 27.5 kg.m(-2)) in a cohort of 474 adults was studied. Four percutaneous techniques were employed (percutaneous dilational tracheostomy, n = 48; Ciaglia Blue Rhino, n = 157; guide wire dilating forceps, n = 62, translaryngeal tracheostomy, n = 207). The overall complication rate was 43.8% (n = 32) in the obese group compared to 18.2% (n = 73) in the control group (p < 0.001). Seven (9.6%) obese patients suffered life-threatening complications compared to three non-obese patients (0.7%, p < 0.001). Obese patients had a 2.7-fold increased risk for peri-operative complications, and a 4.9-fold increased risk for serious complications. The data suggest that percutaneous tracheostomy in obese patients is associated with a considerably increased risk for peri-operative complications, especially for serious adverse events.
Related Concept Videos
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
Tracheostomy Suctioning I: Pre-Procedural Steps
Equipment Required
First, gather all necessary equipment: a sterile suction catheter, a sterile disposable container, sterile gloves, a towel or...
Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask and...
Tracheostomy Decannulation
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...

