The timing of tracheostomy in critically ill patients is controversial especially in neurotrauma patients who generally require long-term ventilator support. This article reports the observations made during the study conducted in Indian tertiary care hospital on early initiation of tracheostomy in neurotrauma patients. Tracheotomy offers a number of advantages in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation, especially critically ill patients.
Some of the advantages include: Easier oral hygiene Diminished nociceptive stimuli on the larynx or trachea Reduced need of sedatives Better communication The head and neck are free of equipment. For many years, the tracheotomy was reserved only for patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation because of procedure-related complications and cosmetic concerns. But in recent years, technological improvements have compelled clinicians to…
