Conventional versus Flap Tracheostomy: Operative Simplicity, Stomal Care, Complications

Introduction Tracheostomy is a life saving procedure and its operative principle has withstood the test of time although the operative techniques have evolved. Inferiorly based flap on the anterior tracheal wall (Bjork flap) was demonstrated in 1952. The present study aims to compare conventional tracheostomy with flap tracheostomy. Materials and Methods A Randomized Control Trial was conducted in a tertiary care teaching medical institute comparing conventionally tracheostomised patients (Group A) with the group where flap based method was followed (Group B). Results The study population was comprised of 110 patients with equitable distribution in the groups. Per-operative time to establish an airway was measured and statistically correlated. 9.26% patients of Group A had difficult tube change, with none in Group B. Ease of stomal care by the patient and family members (Visual Analogue Scale), depicted it to be “very easy” in 76.36% of the patients in Group B and 16.36% in Group A. Stomal healing in first week was proper in 61.82% of patients in Group A and 80% of the patients in Group B. Tracheo-cutaneous fistula (TCF) developed in 18.18% of the adult and geriatric patients of Group A undergoing stomal closure. None of the patients in Group B had TCF following stomal closure. Conclusion Establishing Bjork flap tracheostomy is equally quick making the process suited for emergency situations. Flap based tracheostomy has early stomal maturation so, care of the stoma by health assistants and family members is easy.