Percutaneous tracheostomy without bronchoscopy a safe procedure

Abstract

Introduction: Tracheostomy is a common procedure in ICU, particularly as an approach for weaning from mechanical ventilation. In mid-1980s percutaneous tracheostomy (PCT) was introduced as a less invasive alternative for the standard surgical tracheostomy. A tracheostomy facilitates weaning from mechanical ventilation, in long-term ventilated patients, by improving airway cleaning, better patient comfort, and decreasing airway resistance. Prolonged mechanical ventilation has as main complication ventilator-associated pneumonia. In such case early tracheostomy may reduce that complication.