ABSTRACT

The aim of our studyis to evaluate the timing of tracheostomy retrospectively with respect to ICU stay, infection and mortality rates. Timing of tracheostomy was defined as early (<10 days) and late (>10 days).

Between 2012-2013, data of patients accepted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were evaluated retrospectively. During this period, 135 patients were admitted to intensive care unit and tracheostomy was performed in 64 patients. 64 patients had tracheostomy and 39 of them were male (60.9%). We opened tracheostomy for 42 patients (65.6%) before the tenth day and 22 patients (34.4%) after the tenth day. In the early tracheostomy group, the total length of stay in intensive care was significantly shorter (p=0.008).

As a result, early tracheostomy, remain ineffective for mortality and duration of mechanical ventilation but we found a significant decrease in length of stay in intensive care and early tracheostomy opening has created the impression that it can be of benefit to certain patient subgroups.

Keywords: Early tracheostomy, late tracheostomy, ICU