Minor complications | Definition |
---|---|
Cuff leak | Failure of tracheal cuff to remain inflated at recommended pressure |
Minor bleeding | Requiring dressing change, direct pressure, or suture placement |
Minor barotrauma | Subcutaneous emphysema |
Minor stoma infection | Localized infection treated with topical or systemic antibiotics |
Serious complications | Â |
Tube obstruction | Related to clot, mucus, tracheal wall leading respiratory arrest or to severe hypoxemia requiring reintubation |
Severe stoma infection | Systemic infection requiring treatment for sepsis or surgical debridements |
Major bleeding | Hemoglobin decrease of greater than or equal to 2 g/dl, transfusion of greater than or equal to 2 units of packed red cells, or re-exploration to control bleeding |
Major barotrauma | Mediastinal emphysema or pneumothorax |
Posterior tracheal wall injury | Injury to membranous trachea from scalpel, or tracheostomy tube |
Extratracheal placement | False passage or paratracheal placement of tracheostomy tube |
Injury to nerve, artery, or vein | Complications identified and requiring open intervention |
Esophageal injury/fistula | Identified and repaired intraoperatively |
Tracheal stenosis | Revision and reconstruction |
Thyroid injury | Requiring lobe or gland removal |