Treatment of upper airway obstruction by Tracheostomy.

Abstract

Background : Upper Airway Obstruction is a critical problem. Tracheostomy done by otolaryngologists generally yield good results.

Objective : To study our experience in the treatment of upper airway obstruction by tracheostomy at Rayong Hospital by 4 otolaryngologists .

Method : We retrospectively studies a consecutive series of patients underwent tracheostomy from October 2006 to September 2009. there were 27 males and 5 females with the ages of 25-82 years old. The causes of upper airway obstruction and the results of procedure were discussed.

Results : Thirty Cases (93.7 Percent) had the age over 40 years old. Carcinomas were the most common cause (78.1 Percent) while the next was neck injury (12.5Percent). All patients of this group were underwent tracheostomy with satisfactory results.

Conclusion : Tracheostomy is the treatment of choice for the upper airway obstruction at the levels of oro-hypo-pharynx, larynx and upper trachea.

Keywords : Upper Airway Obstruction, Tracheostomy