Retrospective Analysis of Tracheotomies Before and During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Single-Center Experience

Objective: In this study, we aimed to compare clinical features and outcomes of tracheotomies performed in our clinic before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a special focus on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive cases. Methods: The adult tracheotomy procedures performed in our clinic between 2018 and 2021 were retrospectively included in the study. Demographic data, indications, intubation periods, complications, and survival data were retrospectively analyzed and compared for the periods before and during the pandemic, as well as between patients with and without COVID-19. Results: In the years considered, 84 (58.7%) male and 59 (41.3%) female patients underwent tracheotomies performed by our surgical team, for a total of 143 patients. The mean age of these patients was 60.9 +/- 17.2 years. The indications for tracheotomy were chronic illness requiring long-term intubation in 80 (55.9%) cases and prevention or treatment of upper airway obstruction in 63 (44.1%) cases. Four (2.8%) patients developed pneumothorax after the operation. While 86 patients were operated on during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021), only 9 (10.5%) of them were polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive for COVID-19. No significant differences were seen between the periods before and during the pandemic regarding age, gender, indications, intubation period, complications, or survival data of the patients ( P > .05). Likewise, no increased risk of complications or decreased survival was observed for patients with COVID-19 ( P > .05). Conclusion: According to our findings, the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly affect the indications, complications, or survival rates of tracheotomies performed in our clinic. Tracheotomies may be performed safely even for patients with COVID-19 after taking the necessary precautions.