Temporary tracheostomy tube use after airway surgery in 42 dogs

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To describe the use, complications and outcome of temporary tracheostomy tube placement as part of the management of acute upper airway obstruction in the postoperative period following multi-level airway surgery in patients with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of records of dogs surgically treated for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome that had a temporary tracheostomy tube placed in the postoperative period. RESULTS: Forty-two dogs were included. Median duration of temporary tracheostomy tube placement was 2 days (range 1 to 7). The major complication rate was 83.3%, minor complication rate was 71.4%, resulting in an overall postoperative complication rate of 95.2%. The most common postoperative complications were tracheostomy tube obstruction (32/42), cough (25/42) and tracheostomy tube dislodgement (16/42). Temporary tracheostomy tube management was classified as successful in 97.6%. Dyspnoea was the most common clinical sign in the short-term postoperative follow-up period, while dyspnoea and increased upper respiratory tract noise were the most common clinical sign in the long term. The median duration of follow-up was 251 days. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In an appropriate clinical setting, placement of temporary tracheostomy tubes following multi-level airway surgery for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome is a useful strategy to manage postoperative airway obstruction, carrying a low mortality rate, and with a complication rate similar to that found in previous reports.