Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy vs. Surgical Tracheostomy in Neurocritically Ill Patients - a Retrospective Study

Neurocritically ill patients often require placement of a tracheostomy at some point during admission, as impaired consciousness and insufficient protective airway reflexes often make weaning from mechanical ventilation prolonged.

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) with fiberoptic visualization can be performed bedside by neurointensivists or residents under supervision, unless there are contraindications. However, concerns regarding tracheal stenosis following PDT have been raised. This a rare complication but when it occurs it is a severe long-term complication, and the patients are often in need of repeated interventions. The alternative is surgical tracheostomy (ST) which is more resource intensive but perceived as safer in high risk patients. The indication for tracheostomy (and the choice of procedure) is ultimately based on judgement of clinical team.

Systematic reviews have found no difference between PDT and ST regarding severe complications, apart from a higher incidence of wound infections after ST. However, a higher incidence of complications following PDT has been reported when residents are performing the procedure, suggesting an influence of physician skill level.

Methods:

This is a retrospective observational single-center quality study. All patients > 18 years of age admitted to the Neurointensive Care Unit at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen between January 2018 and December 2022 with a registered procedure code for either PDT or ST wil be included. Approval from departmental leadership and The Judicial Department at Rigshopitalet has been attained. Data will be extracted from the electronical medical records and any short (< 1 week) or long-term complications will be registered. The follow-up period is 6 months.