Tracheostomy complications

Background

• Pts who have undergone a laryngectomy cannot be orally intubated
• Average size:
  • Adult: 5-10mm
  • Peds: 2.5-6.5mm
• Sit patient up or in a position of comfort
• Place on trach collar oxygen or place NRB mask on trachesostmy while preparing
• Don faceshield, have suction, oxygen, flushes (possibly surgical airway supplies)

Differential Diagnosis

Tracheostomy complications

• Tracheostomy obstruction
• Tracheostomy dislodgement
• Tracheostomy infection
• Tracheostomy bleeding

See Also

• Medical device complications

References

Authors

Ross Donaldson, Jordan Swartz, Tim Horeczko, Daniel Ostermayer