Safety and efficacy of high tracheostomy with inferior retraction of the thyroid isthmus
In typical surgical tracheostomy, the thyroid isthmus is divided or retracted superiorly and preserved. However, at our institution, the thyroid isthmus is retracted inferiorly and preserved. Thereafter, a tracheal incision is made above the thyroid isthmus. This method, hereinafter defined as high tracheostomy, has the advantage of facilitating immediate access to the trachea in a superficial position; moreover, it can be quickly replaced with cricothyrotomy in emergency situations. However, tracheotomies placed too high can potentially damage the cricoid cartilage, thereby causing subglottic granulation and tracheal stenosis.
Source: Auris, Nasus, Larynx - Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Daisuke Iokura, Yusuke Okanoue, Shuya Otsuki, Kengo Oe, Kuniaki Takata, Akihito Tarui, Tsuyoshi Kojima Source Type: research