Late complications of tracheostomy.

Tracheostomy may be associated with numerous acute, perioperative complications, some of which continue to be relevant well after the placement of the tracheostomy. A number of clinically important unique late complications have been recognized as well, including the formation of granulation tissue, tracheal stenosis, tracheomalacia, tracheoinnominate-artery fistula, tracheoesophageal fistula, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and aspiration. The clinical relevance of these complications is considerable, as their manifestations range from minimally symptomatic to failure to wean from the ventilator (tracheal stenosis) to life-threatening hemorrhage (tracheoinnominate fistula). Treatment modalities vary depending upon the nature of the complication. For the most frequent complication, tracheal stenosis, a multidisciplinary approach utilizing bronchoscopy, laser, airway stents, and tracheal surgery is most effective.