The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jan 1976
Cricothyroidotomy: elective use in respiratory problems requiring tracheotomy.
Surgical teachings insist that cricothyroidotomy should be performed only under emergency conditions as a temporary means of securing an airway. Subsequent subglottic stenosis is thought to occur in alarming numbers of patients intubated for any length of time. The incidence of complications associated with cricothyroidotomy has not been critically examined since Jackson's classic paper in 1921, condemning the operation. ⋯ Chronic subglottic stenosis did not occur, although 5 patients required resection of tracheal strictures. No additional complications occurred if the procedure was carried out at the bedside instead of in the operating room. The simplicity, absence of cross-contamination of median sternotomy incisions, and safety documented by this study recommend routine use of cricothyroidotomy in patients whose management requires tracheotomy.