Tracheostomy in the Management of Respiratory Problems

Abstract

THIS discussion is concerned with the uses of tracheostomy and mechanical respiratory devices in managing the problems encountered in a large hospital. The material presented here was obtained by a review of the records of all patients on whom tracheostomies were performed at the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary during seven of the past thirteen years. Permanent end tracheostomies that were performed in conjunction with laryngectomies are not included.The history of tracheostomy is interesting; descriptions and discussions of the procedure have been recorded since the pre-Christian era. Most of the early discussion was condemnatory. . . .