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Long‐term outcome after percutaneous dilational tracheostomy

We studied 41 patients who had previously undergone percutaneous dilational tracheostomy at least 6 months following tracheal decannulation. The patients were examined using laryngotracheoscopy and spirometry to assess the long‐term anatomical and functional consequences of percutaneous dilational tracheostomy. Apart from one patient who had requested a scar revision, no patient was symptomatic. A significant (>10%) tracheal stenosis was identified in four asymptomatic patients, two of whom also had spirometric evidence of this obstruction. These results suggest that the long‐term outcome after percutaneous tracheostomy is at least as good as that following conventional surgical tracheostomy. Refinements of the percutaneous technique, such as endoscopic guidance, may further improve the results.