In our survey we are concerned with indications and the technique of tracheotomy. Our group comprises 167 patients (119 males, 48 females) of the Faculty Hospital Královské Vinohrady who had tracheotomy in the period from October 1998 to July 2000. Most patients were 50 to 70 years old. The reason for performing tracheotomy was both the necessity of long-term intubation and laryngotracheal obstruction. Most patients with tracheotomy performed because of the need of long-term intubation were hospitalized in intensive care units, neurological, internal medical departments and the centre for burned patients. Patients with the laryngotracheal obstruction were hospitalized predominantly at the otolaryngological clinic (29 patients). In thirteen patients temporary tracheotomy was carried out, in sixteen patients permanent tracheotomy. In our survery the surgical tracheotomy was performed in most cases. Percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy, according to retrospective analysis, was carried out only in 3 patients.

        Key words: tracheotomy, tracheostomy, intubation.