Table 2 Postoperative complications in the two groups
Characteristics | Vertical (n = 124) | Transverse (n = 334) | P value |
|---|---|---|---|
Immediate postoperative complications | 24 (19.3) | 41 (12.3) | 0.083 |
Unintended extubation | 2 (1.6) | 3 (0.9) | 0.513 |
Bleeding | 0.036 | ||
Minor (3–5 small, soaked swabs) | 12 (9.7) | 15 (4.5) | |
Major | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | |
Tracheal ring fracture visible by bronchoscopy | 7 (5.6) | 18 (5.4) | 0.915 |
Desaturation (≤ 88% during procedure) | 1 (0.8) | 0 (0) | 0.100 |
Subcutaneous emphysema | 1 (0.8) | 2 (0.6) | 0.807 |
Othersa | 1 (0.8) | 3 (0.9) | 0.925 |
Complications developed within 7 days after PT | 17 (14.1) | 18 (5.4) | 0.001 |
Delayed bleeding | 2 (1.8) | 1 (0.3) | 0.122 |
Hematoma | 0 (0) | 1 (0.3) | 0.542 |
Tracheostomy site ulcer | 8 (6.5) | 4 (1.2) | 0.002 |
Cellulitis | 3 (2.4) | 4 (1.2) | 0.344 |
Others (erythema) | 4 (3.2) | 8 (2.4) | 0.621 |
Long-term complications | 2 (1.6) | 4 (1.2) | 0.728 |
Tracheal stenosis | 2 (1.6) | 2 (0.6) | 0.358 |
Tracheomalacia | 0 (0) | 2 (0.6) | 0.388 |