Tracheostomy After Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Risk Factors and Outcomes

Abstract Background Respiratory failure, the most frequent complication after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair, necessitates tracheostomy in severe cases. We examined risk factors for and outcomes of tracheostomy after TAAA repair. Methods We reviewed the records of 1267 consecutive patients who underwent TAAA repair. Patients with a preexisting tracheostomy were excluded. Extensive repairs (Crawford extent I or II) were performed in 716 patients (56.6%). Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for post-repair tracheostomy. Results Tracheostomy was necessary in 140 patients (11.1%). Operative mortality was significantly higher in patients with tracheostomy (27.9%) than in those without (5.8%; p p p Conclusions Patients who undergo tracheostomy after TAAA repair have a high risk of early and late mortality, as well as prolonged hospitalization. Strategies for improving survival outcomes in tracheostomy patients warrant investigation.