The role of tracheostomy in otolaryngological practice in a developing country

An analysis of 155 tracheostomies performed over a period of six years in a teaching hospital in a developing country is presented in this paper. It is a follow-up of an earlier analysis of such procedures performed in the same hospital. Tetanus has established itself as the main indication for tracheostomy while other conditions such as laryngotracheobronchitis, which was the leading indication a decade ago, have been treated more successfully as a result of other better and non-invasive management. A continuing analysis of the indication for and mortality attending tracheostomy is considered important as it gives an indication of the quality of health care delivery in developing countries.