Ultrasound-guided Versus Landmark-guided Percutaneous Dilational Tracheostomy in Pediatric Patients

Tracheostomy, one of the most common procedures performed in intensive care units (ICU), refers to creating a stoma in the anterior wall of the trachea to maintain airway security. Tracheostomy can be formed via a surgical or percutaneous dilatational technique (1). The surgical technique requires the transportation of the patient to the operating theatre, while the percutaneous dilatational technique can be performed in the ICU. Thus, ICU practitioners commonly prefer the percutaneous dilatational technique.

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy can be performed via three approaches: landmark, ultrasound (USG), or bronchoscopy guided. Although landmark-guided PTD is a practical approach, there are growing concerns regarding the location of the second and third tracheal rings and injuries to vascular structures and the thyroid gland. USG may be helpful to establish the anatomy of the airway and the vascular and glandular structure of the area.

The investigators aimed to compare traditional landmark-guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy and USG-guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in pediatric patients in terms of location, duration, and potential complications related to the procedure.