Current research trends comparing percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy and conventional surgical tracheostomy: a systematic review

Abstract

A review of research trends, followed in tracheostomy studies, are discussed by several otolaryngologists as a comprehensive review on tracheostomy is extremely difficult to compile mainly due to its voluminous nature and the difficulty in obtaining the scattered information, as isolated pieces of research, an attempt has been made to review some of the recent research publications to depict current research trends in the area of tracheostomy. An overview of the literature shows that percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is as safe and effective as surgical tracheostomy (ST). Although early and late post-operative complication rates are not statistically significant in the PDT group, further investigations of long-term outcome following PDT are therefore necessary. Generally, PDT has fewer acute complications than ST, although this may vary by the specific PDT technique. Patient factors also influence complications. In view of the benefit verses risks in tracheostomy, PDT may be considered the procedure of choice for performing elective tracheostomy in critically ill adult patients.