Table 3.
Complications while cannulated
| Complication | GWDF n = 58 (%) | SSDT n = 60 (%) | p value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor | 6 (10.3) | 14 (23.3) | 0.04 |
| Bleeding requiring local pressure | 4 (6.9) | 8 (13.3) | 0.18 |
| Stridor with empty cuff | 0 (0) | 1 (1.7) | 0.50 |
| Problems with swallowing | 0 (0) | 1 (1.7) | 0.50 |
| Infection | 0 (0) | 2 (3.3) | 0.25 |
| Granulation tissue around tracheostomy | 1 (1.7) | 0 (0) | 0.50 |
| Cuff leakage | 1 (1.7) | 2 (3.3) | 0.36 |
| Other complications | 3 (5.2) | 5 (8.3) | 0.36 |
| Major | 6 (10.3) | 5 (8.3) | 0.50 |
| Cannula obstruction | 4 (6.9) | 3 (5.0) | 0.50 |
| Accidental decannulation with problematic recannulation | 2 (3.4) | 2a (3.3) | 0.69 |
| Total one complication | 13 (22.4) | 21 (35) | 0.08 |
| Total two complications | 2 (3.4) | 3 (5) | 0.50 |
| Overall complication number | 15 (25.9) | 24 (40) | 0.06 |
aOne patient had a significant subglottic stenosis