Tracheotomy: Fifty-nine Consecutive Cases, Stressing Indications, Complications and Results

We have reviewed and emphasized in some detail a series of 59 cases of pulmonary disease requiring tracheotomy. These cases were divided into nine groups, each having a common clinical denominator. There were 18 deaths. Only two of these were thought to be due to the performance of the tracheotomy. By using this clinical classification, we have hoped to emphasize the importance of tracheotomy not to any one group of specialists, but to all: surgeons, internists and practitioners alike. Tracheotomy is a most important procedure therapeutically and prophylactically and should be performed more frequently.