Keywords: tracheotomy, respiratory insufficiency

Abstract: One hundred twenty tracheotomies are reviewed over 15 year period 1976 - 1990. Early in the series acute inflamatory airway obstruction was the major indication for tracheotomy. In the last years tracheotomy prior to reconstructive surgery for major craniofacial trauma is becoming more frequent. Acquired subglotic stenosis was observed in six patients after long term orotracheal intubation but there was no case of post tracheostomy stenosis.