BACKGROUND: The study evaluated reliability and outcomes of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) performed via Griggs’ method in the intensive care unit.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 78 patients who underwent bedside PDT in the intensive care unit (ICU). Demographic characteristics were recorded. In addition, ventilator-related pneumonia, duration of performing PDT, and rates of complications, mortality, and morbidity were assessed.

RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 68.7 years, and 56.4% were females (n=44). The most common indication for ICU was pneumonia (44.9%, n=35), followed by trauma (24.8%, n=13). Mean opening of PDT was 21 minutes. Mean duration of intubation prior to PDT was 21±6 days. Mean FiO2 before and after PDT was 58.7% and 49.1%, respectively. PEEP ratios before and after PDT were 5 and 3, respectively. Seventy-one patients (91%) needed no sedation after PDT. Mechanical ventilator-induced pneumonia was observed in 32.1% (n=25) of patients. The overall complication rate after PDT was 37.1%, most of which were minor. The most common and early complication of PDT was bleeding (28.2%, n=22). Other minor complications included hypotension (3.8%, n=3), desaturation (3.8%, n=3), and subcutaneous emphysema (1.3%, n=1).

CONCLUSIONS: Tracheostomy offers advantages in terms of improving patient comfort, facilitating weaning of patients from the respirator, and providing clearance of pulmonary secretions by reducing pulmonary dead-spaces. PDT is a simple and reliable procedure with lower complication rates. Its advantages include implementation at bedside, with a shortened procedure duration and accelerated wound healing.

Keywords: Intensive Care Units, Neck, Obesity, Patient safety, Point-of-Care Systems, Tracheostomy