Complications and Postoperative Care After Tracheotomy

Abstract

Since there has been an increase in the indications for tracheotomy, objective analysis of the available facts concerning complications should be made. During the past 10 years tracheotomy has taken the general direction of more frequent, earlier, and at times preventive therapy. In the increasing use of any method of treatment it is always necessary to guard against the tendency to dismiss material which is against one's preconceived opinions while welcoming evidence which favors it. The critical questioning attitude is an essential ingredient of scientific observation upon which progress depends. Adherence to established principles inhibits scientific and intellectual growth, and it is well to review from time to time the disadvantages as well as the advantages of an established procedure. Gray²has pointed out that oxygen therapy corrects some of the tissue damage and acidosis of asphyxial changes but does not relieve or prevent pulmonary complications secondary to obstruction.