Anästhesie, Intensivtherapie, Notfallmedizin
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Anasth Intensivther Notfallmed · Feb 1984
[Indications for tracheotomy in long-term ventilated critically ill patients].
In order to evaluate the frequency and indication of tracheotomy in long-term ventilated critically ill patients we analysed retrospectively patients requiring artificial ventilation for periods of more than 7 days. During 1974-75 30 out of 55 of these patients were tracheotomised. In accordance with common practice, early tracheotomy (14 patients) was performed when ventilatory support was expected to exceed 8 to 10 days. ⋯ No late laryngeal sequelae after prolonged tracheal intubation were observed. The risks have been reduced by the use of recently introduced tube materials. Prolonged tracheal intubation has become a safe alternative to tracheotomy.