[Tracheotomy in patients with liver transplantation].

Objective: To investigate the indications, complications and their prevention of tracheotomy in patients with liver transplantation.

Method: Data of 45 patients with liver transplantation who underwent tracheotomy were summarized.

Result: Twenty-five patients(54.35%) succeeded in removing trachea cannula in one month after tracheotomy. Hemorrhage after tracheotomy occurred in 11 patients and haemostasis succeeded in all of them. Subcutaneous emphysema occurred in 2 patients. Infection of tracheal fistula occurred in 4 patients. Common bacterial culture of sputum was positive in 9 patients. No other operative complication occurred.

Conclusion: Indications of tracheotomy in patient with liver transplantation include respiratory complication and lower respiratory tract infection. Postoperative hemorrhage and infection are the main complications and available measures should be adopted.