Abstract
Objective: To compare early tracheostomy versus
late procedure in patients undergoing decompression
craniectomy.
Methodology: In this retrospective cross-sectional
review we looked at data from February 2018 to May
2019. The inclusion criteria were all the patients
requiring a decompressive craniectomy, were over the
age of 18 years and did not have any significant comorbid condition. All the patients underwent routine
laboratory and radiographic investigations.
Results: Out of 50 patients, there were 22 (44%)
males and 28 (56%) females. Mean age was 44 ± 11
years. Sixteen (32%) patients underwent early
tracheostomy while 34 (68%) had late tracheostomy.
Twenty – eight (56%) were ventilated for less than 12
days while 22 (44%) were on the ventilator for more
than 12 days. Statistically significant differences were
found between two groups in terms of their duration
on ventilation, occurrence of ventilator associated
pneumonia, mortality and length of hospital stay.
Gender and age differences were not statistically
significant.
Conclusion: We found a significant reduction in use
of ventilator, ventilator associated pneumonia and
hospital stay in patients who underwent early
tracheostomy as compared to late tracheostomy in
patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy at our
institute.
Keywords: Craniectomy, decompression,
neurosurgery, tracheostomy
