Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy and Modifications in Intensive Care Unit Patients

Abstract

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is a commonly performed procedure in critically ill patients [1]. It can be safely performed bedside. This has resulted in decline in the use of surgical tracheostomy except in few selected cases. Over the last 10 years data on newer methods of insertion, timing, safety profile and complication rates has been published, which has greatly improved our understanding of this procedure [2]. The most common indication of tracheostomy in the ICU is the need for prolonged ventilation. Less complication occur with an increase in skills. Many methods of performing PDT have been discovered recently [3]. Bronchoscopy has been found to be beneficial procedural aides the PDT [4]. In our study, a brief overview about the use of PDT in ICU and, different percutaneous techniques will be discussed. The conclusion is that percutaneous tracheostomies offer benefits for some of the outcomes when compared with surgical tracheostomies.