[Tracheotomy in patients with liver transplantation].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the indications, complications and their prevention of tracheotomy in patients with liver transplantation.

METHOD: Data of 45 patients with liver transplantation who underwent tracheotomy were summarized.

RESULT: Twenty-five patients(54.35%) succeeded in removing trachea cannula in one month after tracheotomy. Hemorrhage after tracheotomy occurred in 11 patients and haemostasis succeeded in all of them. Subcutaneous emphysema occurred in 2 patients. Infection of tracheal fistula occurred in 4 patients. Common bacterial culture of sputum was positive in 9 patients. No other operative complication occurred.

CONCLUSION

Indications of tracheotomy in patient with liver transplantation include respiratory complication and lower respiratory tract infection. Postoperative hemorrhage and infection are the main complications and available measures should be adopted.