The Comparison of Ultrasonography-Guided Percutaneous Tracheostomy with Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy-Guided Percutaneous Tracheostomy: Clinical Experimental Research

ABS TRACT Objective: The aim of our study is to compare the procedural time and complications of ultrasonography (USG) guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) with fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) guided PDT. Material and Methods: Adult patients, required long-term mechanical ventilation were included in our study. Patients were prospectively, randomly assigned into 2 groups as PDT with USG (Group I, n=30), and PDT with FOB (Group II, n=30). Patients' demographic datas, the reason for admission to intensive care unit, hemogram, blood gas values, tracheostomy opening time, complications during and after the procedure were recorded. Results: A total of 60 adult patients were included in the study, 30 patients in USG group and 30 patients in FOB group. There was no difference in tracheostomy opening time between the groups (p=0.883). The decreases in SpO 2 values within the group were statistically significant in both groups (p=0.004, p=0.002, respectively). The decreases in PaO 2 values within the group were statistically significant (p=0.006, p=0.011, respectively). The most common indication for tracheostomy was diseases (Group I: 36.7%, Group II: 43.3%), followed by PDT in respiratory system and multi-trauma patients. The most common postoperative complication was minor bleeding (Group I: 13.3%, Group II: 10%). Bleeding around the stoma was the second common complication (Group I: 10%, Group II: 10%). Conclusion: Ultrasound- guided and bronchoscopy-guided PDT are fast and reliable methods in airway management. The choice of method can be determined according to the clinician's experience and the clinic's facilities.