Indications and outcome of tracheostomy at a Federal Teaching Hospital in North Eastern, Nigeria

Background: Tracheostomy is an important life‑saving surgical procedure used in managing airway emergencies. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate indications, complications, and outcome of tracheostomy at a Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe in North Eastern Nigeria. Methodology: A 5‑year retrospective review of 45 patients who presented to ear, nose, and throat facility of Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe and had tracheostomy done between November 2011 and October 2016 was carried out. Patients’ information was retrieved from the hospital medical record department. Results: A total of 45 cases were analyzed, age ranged between 5 months and 84 years, mean of 26.37 years ± 20.89 standard deviation male to female ratio was 1.8:1. The peak age group was 0–15 years (37.8%). Forty (91.1%) of the tracheostomies were performed as an emergency while 8.9% as elective procedures. The major indication for tracheostomy was upper airway obstruction (80.0%). Trauma (33.3%) was the most common cause of upper airway obstruction. Thirteen patients (28.9%) had complications, and the most common complication was tube blockage in 6 (13.3%). Thirty‑three patients (73.3%) were successfully decannulated. The mortality rate of 8.9% was recorded. They were related to patients underlying diseases. Conclusion: Tracheostomy is still a useful live‑saving procedure. Upper airway obstruction due to trauma from crime‑/violence‑related activities was the most common indication for tracheostomy in this study