Elective Tracheostomy in Head and Neck Surgery: Our Experience

Introduction: Tracheostomy is commonly used to secure the airway during the immediate postoperative period in maxillofacial oncological operations. We conducted a study to review the utility of elective tracheostomy in head and neck surgery. Aim: To review the incidence of intraoperative, perioperative and postoperative complications and its management in elective tracheostomy and to analyse its utility in head and neck surgery. Materials and Methods: The study included review of 50 patients, who were treated for head and neck cancers in the Department of Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery of our centre between January 2011 to December 2014. Results: The study showed a male predilection with mean tracheostomy time of 25 minutes and operative time of 11 hours. The patients had an ICU stay of two days and elective ventilation of one day with mild tracheal secretion seen postoperatively. No other complications were noted intraoperatively or postoperatively. Conclusion: Elective tracheostomy even though an invasive tool when used properly in selected patients, can be safe and beneficial to the patients.