Intubação orotraqueal prolongada e a indicação de traqueostomia

Objective: to evaluate the results of the implementation of a protocol for tracheostomy in our service and compare with previous results. Results: in 2010 were followed 33 patients, 88% were male and 12% female. Regarding the time of intubation 30% were extubated before the 5th day, 64% followed intubated and 6% died on the 5th day of hospitalization. 48% of the patients intubated for more than 5 days progressed to death and 52% were discharged. In none of these patients was performed early tracheostomy before 5 - 7 days and in only 14% patients late tracheostomy was performed. Of the 67 patients included in this study, 58% were male and 42% were female. Of these patients, 37% progressed to death and 16% had not completed all the required data in the medical records. Regarding the time of intubation: 46% were extubated before the 5th day, 50% followed intubated and 4% died on the 5th day of hospitalization. 29% of the patients intubated for more than 5 days progressed to death and 71% were discharged. In 29% of these patients early tracheostomy was performed (within 7 days) and in 21% the late tracheostomy was performed. Conclusion: the implementation of the protocol improved indication of tracheostomy procedure and contributed to the reduction in mortality in this group of patients. Late follow up of these patients may also prove an expected improvement in morbidity and maintenance of protocol, a progressive increase in indications for tracheostomy.