Although tracheostomy is an ancient technique, disagreement continues
concerning the complication rate associated with the procedure. A retr
ospective review of 281 consecutive tracheostomies was undertaken to e
valuate the current risks of tracheostomy in tertiary care teaching ho
spitals. In addition, we sought to identify factors associated with in
creased morbidity. The intraoperative and postoperative complications
were analyzed regarding indication and comorbidity factors. The majori
ty of cases (56%) were performed on ICU patients. The total complicati
on rate was 24%. A statistically significant increased risk of complic
ations was found both in emergency situations and in ICU patients. Del
aying tracheostomy was associated with prolongation of ICU stay. Despi
te the relatively large number of patients studied, there were no deat
hs.