Tracheocutaneous fistula, as a long-term complication of Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy

Tracheostomy is a common surgical process which is performed worldwide. Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy (PDT) is a new safe and fast bedside method that was introduced first time by Ciaglia in 1985. With more routine and long- term use of the PDT some new complications are reported. In this case we report tracheocutaneous fistula as a long-term complication of the PDT. The patient was a 53 year-old man who had underwent PDT using Griggs method nine months ago. The complaint was some drainage from the skin lesion. Tracheocutaneous fistula diagnosis was confirmed by radiographic imaging study. The fistula was repaired surgically and the patient was discharged in good condition.