Retrospective analysis of post-tracheostomy complications

To elucidate patient, disease, and surgical factors that are significantly associated with 90-day tracheostomy complications, readmissions, and mortality.

Retrospective case series with chart review.

A single academic tertiary care center between 2011 and 2018.

Patients who underwent tracheostomy by any technique for any indication were included. Demographic, disease, and operative details were examined. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine factors associated with 90-day complications, 90-day readmissions, and overall mortality.

697 patients were included. 75% of patients had severe comorbidity (ACE-27 score of 3).¹ Patients were intubated for 12 days prior to tracheostomy placement on average. The primary indication was ventilator dependence due to critical illness (85%). 74% were performed open and 26% percutaneous. 10% of patients had a tracheostomy-related complication within 90 days. Complications occurred at a median of post-operative day 11, and hemorrhage was most common (n = 35). 14 patients required immediate return to the operating room, and 3 patients died of their complication, all within 3 days of tracheostomy placement. 40% of patients undergoing tracheostomy died within 30 days. In multivariable analysis, only a documented difficult tracheostomy placement was significantly associated with a 90-day complication.

While complications after tracheostomy are infrequent, they are often severe. A heightened level of preparedness to immediately manage accidental tracheostomy decannulation or hemorrhage is required for patients with a difficult tracheostomy placement. 30-day mortality is high, which reinforces the need for multi-disciplinary evaluation, including palliative care, to determine appropriate candidacy for tracheostomy.