The effect of tracheostomy and vasoconstrictor therapy on outcome in neurosurgical patients requiring intensive care

Aims of study

A retrospective review of the treatment and outcome of neurosurgical patients admitted to the ICU in the years 1990 and 1996 to assess the effect of the introduction of the routine use of percutaneous tracheostomy and vasoconstrictor therapy.

Results

See Table.

Discussion

The use of tracheostomies and vasoconstrictors has increased during this period of study. Tracheostomy has no effect on mortality whereas vasoconstrictor usage appears to result in an increase in mortality.

Table 1

Table 2