Follow-up of patients with tracheal ring fractures secondary to antegrade percutaneous dilational tracheostomy.

Background and objective There are several different techniques commonly used to perform percutaneous dilational tracheostomy, and this explains the wide variation in the follow-up data especially with regard to tracheal stenosis. Our aim was to clarify whether tracheal ring fracture (TRF) led to a higher incidence of tracheal stenosis. Methods This retrospective, observational study examines two techniques: Blue Rhino and PercuTwist. Patients with documented evidence of TRF were followed up by an experienced ear, nose and throat consultant and their tracheas examined with nasoendoscopy. Results Of the 207 patients who underwent percutaneous dilational tracheostomy, there were 16 TRFs. Of these, four were in the Blue Rhino group and 12 in the PercuTwist group. There were no reported cases of tracheal stenosis at follow-up. Conclusion In this group of patients, TRF was not associated with the subsequent development of tracheal stenosis.