Complication rates of open surgical versus percutaneous tracheostomy in critically ill patients

Effect of tracheotomy timing on patients receiving mechanical ventilation: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

We assessed the effects of tracheostomy timing (early vs. late) on outcomes among adult patients receiving mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched to identify relevant RCTs of tracheotomy timing on patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data. Outcomes in patients with early tracheostomy and late tracheostomy groups were compared and analyzed. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata14.0 and RevMan 5.4 software. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022360319).

RESULTS

Twenty-one RCTs were included in this Meta-analysis. The Meta-analysis indicated that early tracheotomy could significantly shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation (MD: -2.77; 95% CI -5.10~ -0.44; P = 0.02) and the length of ICU stay (MD: -6.36; 95% CI -9.84~ -2.88; P = 0.0003), but it did not significantly alter the all-cause mortality (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.73~1.00; P = 0.06), the incidence of pneumonia (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.74~1.01; P = 0.06), and length of hospital stay (MD: -3.24; 95% CI -7.99~ 1.52; P = 0.18).

CONCLUSION

In patients requiring mechanical ventilation, the tracheostomy performed at an earlier stage may shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation and the length of ICU stay but cannot significantly decrease the all-cause mortality and incidence of pneumonia.

Impact of Early Tracheostomy After Lung Transplantation: A National Analysis

BACKGROUND

Prolonged mechanical ventilation is common among lung transplant recipients, affecting nearly one-third of patients. Tracheostomy has been shown as a beneficial alternative to endotracheal intubation, but delays in tracheostomy tube placement persist. To date, no large-scale study has investigated the effect of tracheostomy timing on posttransplant outcomes.

METHODS

All adults receiving tracheostomy after primary, isolated lung transplantation were identified in the 2016 to 2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Early tracheostomy was defined as placement before postoperative day 8 based on exploratory cohort analysis. Multivariable regression was used to evaluate the association of early tracheostomy with in-hospital mortality, select posttransplant complications, and resource utilization.

RESULTS

Of an estimated 11,048 patients undergoing first-time lung transplantation, 1509 required a tracheostomy in the postoperative period, with 783 (51.9%) comprising the early cohort. After entropy balancing and risk adjustment, early tracheostomy placement was associated with reduced odds of death (adjusted odds ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36-0.97) and posttransplant infection (adjusted odds ratio, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.35-0.82). Further, tracheostomy within 1 week of transplantation was associated with decreased length of stay (β-coefficient, -16.5 days; 95% CI, -25.3 to -7.6 days) and index hospitalization costs (β-coefficient, -$97,600; 95% CI, -$153,000 to -$42,100).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study supports the safety of early tracheostomy among lung transplant recipients and highlights several potential benefits. Among appropriately selected patients, tracheostomy placement before postoperative day 8 may facilitate early discharge, lower costs, and reduced odds of posttransplant infection.

Tracheostomy Incidence and Complications: A National Database Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To describe the incidence of tracheostomy-related complications and identify prognostic risk factors.

STUDY DESIGN

Administrative database analysis.

SETTING

Outpatient and inpatient insurance claims records obtained from a national database.

METHODS

PearlDiver, a private analytics database of insurance claims from Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance companies, was used to identify patients who underwent tracheostomies and associated complications between January 2010 and October 2021 by CPT and ICD-9/ICD-10 codes.

RESULTS

A total of 198,143 tracheostomies were identified from PearlDiver, and at least 1 tracheostomy-related complication occurred within 90 days of the procedure in 22,802 (10.3%) of these cases. The proportion of tracheostomy-related complications was 2.3 times higher in 2019 compared to 2010 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.18-2.52). The risk of developing tracheostomy-complications was associated with the hospital region (highest in the Midwest as compared to the West [odds ratio [OR] = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.25-1.39]), provider specialty (highest for otolaryngologists as compared to nonsurgical physicians [OR = 2.22; 95% CI: 2.10-2.34]), insurance plan type (lowest for cash payment compared to Medicaid [OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.50-0.94]), and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) (highest in patients with ECI of 7+ compared to 0-1 [OR = 2.96; 95% CI: 2.17-3.24]), but was not significantly associated with patient age (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.99-0.99), or gender (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01-1.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Complications after tracheostomy are common and sicker patients are at higher risk for complications. Identifying factors associated with increased risk for complications could help to improve patient and family counseling, guide quality improvement initiatives, and inform future studies on tracheostomy outcomes.

Adverse Events Associated With Tracheostomy: A MAUDE Database Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Tracheotomy is one of the most common procedures. Although tracheostomy complications have been extensively studied, literature related to device complications is scarce. The objective of this study is to describe complications associated with tracheostomies utilizing the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

SETTING

The US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MAUDE database (2015-2020).

METHODS

The FDA's MAUDE database was queried for all reports on adverse events related to tracheostomy from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 3086 adverse events related to open tracheostomy and 52 related to percutaneous tracheostomy were identified. For open tracheostomy, 2872 (93%), were related to device malfunction, and 214 (7%) consisted of patient-related factors. The most frequently reported device-related adverse event was cuff malfunction, with 1834 (59%) reported events, which includes cuff deflation, pilot balloon malfunction, and cuff inflation line malfunction. The most frequently reported patient-related adverse events were tracheostomy tube obstruction with 67 events (2%). For percutaneous tracheostomy, 38 (73%) events were related to device malfunction, and 14 (27%) were related to patient injury. The most frequently reported adverse events were cuff malfunction (29%), safety ridge malfunction (17%), and bleeding (10%).

CONCLUSION

The MAUDE database is a useful tool that can be utilized to complement existing literature in identifying common and rare adverse events associated with tracheostomy device-related failures, which are mostly reliant on isolated, published case reports.

Tracheostomy in otorhinolaryngology education and training programs: A Japanese nationwide survey

OBJECTIVE

Surgical airway management is one of the most effective techniques for safe airway management. Within the training programs relating to knowledge and skills required by otorhinolaryngologists, tracheostomy and postoperative management are important items that must be fully understood by airway surgeons. We performed a nationwide survey to identify problems within tracheostomy and postoperative management in Japan in order to establish practical and safe guidelines for surgical airway management.

METHODS

We conducted a questionnaire survey of the current status of tracheostomy and postoperative management at core institution of otorhinolaryngology training programs in Japan.

RESULTS

Responses were obtained from all 101 core training institutions in Japan. Tracheostomy was performed in the operating room at 61.4% of institutions and in the ICU at 26.7%. 89.1% of them performed surgical tracheostomy (ST) in all cases. Even in the remaining 10.9%, percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) was performed in less than 10% of cases. The primary surgeon was an otorhinolaryngology resident at 89.1% of institutions. The method of securing the tube immediately after surgery was by securing it with an attached cord at 48.5% of institutions, by suturing to the skin at 25.7%, and using a Velcro band at 24.8%. The first tube change after tracheostomy was performed on the seventh postoperative day at 81.2% of institutions. 87.1% had more than one person performing the first tube change. The tracheostomy postoperative complications within the past year were as follows: tracheostomal granulation: 89.1%; subcutaneous and/or mediastinal emphysema: 62.4%; tube stenosis: 55.4%; accidental tube removal: 50.5%; incorrect tube insertion or misplacement: 15.8%; hemorrhage from tracheal foramen requiring hemostasis in the operating room: 14.9%; pneumothorax: 4.0%; tracheo-innominate arterial fistula: 2.0%; and tracheoesophageal fistula: 1.0%. The method for educating otorhinolaryngology residents about tracheostomy was on-the-job training at 98.0% of institutions.

CONCLUSIONS

For airway management in otorhinolaryngology training programs, after learning the basics of ST, PDT should also be well understood. Furthermore, in order to create safe educational programs for intraoperative and postoperative management, it is necessary to train otorhinolaryngologists with accurate knowledge and skills, and to strengthen collaboration with multiple professions in their leadership roles as airway surgeons.

Impact of Tracheostomy on COVID-19 ICU Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Analysis

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the development of novel medical interventions, including tracheostomy, a surgical procedure for a direct airway. This study investigates the intricacies of managing critically ill patients in the ICU, focusing on its debated utility in the global crisis. Methods The study assessed the impact of tracheostomy on COVID-19 patients at Al-Ahsa Hospital, Saudi Arabia, using a retrospective cohort design and data from electronic health records and databases. It aimed to provide insights into treatment outcomes and practices. Results The findings of this study shed light on the significant impact of tracheostomy on the course of ICU treatment for COVID-19 patients. Total number of participants were 1389. The study cohort consisted of predominantly non-pregnant individuals with an average body mass index reflective of the regional population. Among the COVID-19 patients, only a small percentage, 63 (4.5%), required tracheostomy, while the majority, 1326 (95.5%), did not undergo this procedure. Analysis of ICU outcomes revealed that a substantial proportion of patients, 223 (16.1%), achieved total cure, while the remaining patients did not. After a 28-day ICU stay, the majority of individuals, 1287 (92.7%), were discharged, while a smaller percentage remained in the ICU, with 77 (5.5%) still requiring mechanical ventilation. Notably, patients who underwent tracheostomy had a significantly longer ICU stay compared to those who did not, with an average of 59 days versus 19 days, respectively. Furthermore, the study found that tracheostomy did not significantly impact ICU discharge outcomes, including death, discharge home, and transfer to another facility. However, it did influence hospital discharge outcomes, with lower mortality rates and a higher rate of transfer to another facility among patients who underwent tracheostomy. These results provide valuable insights into the management and outcomes of critically ill COVID-19 patients in the ICU, particularly in relation to the use of tracheostomy as a treatment intervention. Conclusion The study highlights the dual benefits of tracheostomy in COVID-19 care, extending hospital stays but not increasing ICU discharge rates, emphasizing the need for tailored clinical strategies.

Is Continued Perioperative Antithrombotic Therapy Safe When Performing Open Tracheostomy?

OBJECTIVES

To date, there are no specific guidelines on antithrombotic therapy (ATT) management, which includes both anticoagulation and antiplatelet medications, for open tracheostomy. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the use of perioperative antithrombotic medication during open tracheostomy influences the incidence of perioperative or postoperative complications.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent open tracheostomies at a tertiary care medical center from January 2015 to December 2019. Charts were reviewed for demographics, comorbidities, indication for tracheostomy, ATT use, operative details, and complications.

RESULTS

A total of 217 tracheostomies were evaluated for this study, of which 148 (68.2%) were not on ATT and 69 (31.8%) were on ATT during surgery. No significant difference was observed based on ATT status in perioperative bleeding (P = .983), postoperative bleeding (P = .24), or median days to decannulation (P = .5986). ATT patients were 2.67 times more likely to experience 30-day mortality than those non-ATT patients (P = .035). There was only one death due to hemorrhage in the ATT group. This was unrelated to the tracheostomy. This compares to 2 hemorrhage-related deaths in those not on ATT.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference in perioperative or postoperative bleeding based on ATT use. Patients on ATT were significantly more likely to experience 30-day mortality, however only one death was due to hemorrhage in the ATT group and was unrelated to tracheostomy. Therefore, continued perioperative ATT use appears to be safe when performing open tracheostomy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Is Preoperative Serum Albumin Predictive of Adverse Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery?

BACKGROUND

Patients with head and neck cancer are at increased risk of malnutrition due to tumor burden and surgical morbidity.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between preoperative serum albumin and 30-day adverse outcomes in patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery.

STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE

This was a retrospective cohort study using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients undergoing an ablative head and neck cancer procedure were included. Patients who had an unclear tumor location based on coding or missing outcome data were excluded.

PREDICTOR VARIABLE

The primary predictor variable was preoperative albumin categorized as low (<3.4 g/dL), intermediate (3.4 to 3.9 g/dL), or high (>3.9 g/dL).

OUTCOME VARIABLE

The primary outcome variable was intensive care unit (ICU)-level complications scored using the Clavien-Dindo classification system. This is a tool used to grade surgical complications, with grade IV and V complications defined as requiring ICU-level care.

COVARIATES

Covariates were demographic (age, sex, body mass index), medical (smoking, functional status, weight loss), and perioperative (concurrent procedures, tumor location, reconstructive modality).

ANALYSES

Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression with bootstrap resampling statistics were used to evaluate the association between albumin and adverse outcomes. A significance level of P ≤ .05 was significant.

RESULTS

A total of 4,491 subjects met inclusion criteria and had a documented albumin. There were 435 subjects with low albumin levels, 1,305 with intermediate levels, and 2,751 with high levels. In bivariate analysis, low albumin levels were associated with an increased risk of ICU-level complications, any complication, extended length of stay, and adverse discharge disposition (all P ≤ .001), while high levels were protective (all P ≤ .001). In bootstrapped multivariate analysis using intermediate albumin as the reference group and adjusting for demographics, tumor location, and reconstructive modality among others, low albumin levels were an independent predictor of ICU-level complications (P = .008, odds ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.14 to 2.40), while high levels were protective (P = .014, odds ratio, 0.689; 95% confidence interval, 0.521 to 0.923).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative serum albumin was an independent predictor of adverse outcomes following ablative head and neck cancer procedures.

A Retrospective Review of 589 Percutaneous Tracheostomies in a Canadian Community Teaching Hospital

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to review the complication rate of percutaneous tracheostomies performed by a single surgeon in a community teaching hospital.

METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed the patients who underwent percutaneous tracheostomy with bronchoscopic guidance in a community hospital setting between 2009 and 2017. Patients older than the age of 18 requiring percutaneous tracheostomy were chosen for this retrospective study. Patients who were medically unstable, had no palpable neck landmarks, and inadequate neck extension were excluded. Indications for percutaneous tracheostomy included patients who had failed to wean from mechanical ventilation, required pulmonary toileting, or in whom airway protection was required.

RESULTS

Of the 600 patients who received percutaneous tracheostomy, 589 patients were included in the study. Intraoperative complication (2.6%) and postoperative complication rates (11.4%) compared similarly to literature reported rates. The most common intraoperative complications were bleeding, technical difficulties, and accidental extubation. Bleeding, tube obstruction, and infection were the most common postoperative complications. Overall burden of comorbidity, defined by Charlson Comorbidity Index, and coagulopathy were also found to be associated with higher complication rates. The decannulation rate at discharge was 46.3%.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous tracheostomy is a safe alternative to open tracheostomies in the community setting for appropriately selected patients.

Tracheostomy Outcomes on Trauma Patients

Objective

Tracheostomies are performed in trauma patients for multiple purposes. Approaches to the procedure are usually directed by individual expertise and local preferences. Though generally safe, a tracheostomy can cause serious complications. This study aims to identify complications associated with tracheostomies performed at the level I Trauma Center of the Puerto Rico Medical Center (PRMC) to have an advanced foundation to develop and implement guidelines to improve patient outcomes.

Study Design

A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting

Level I Trauma Center of the PRMC.

Methods

Medical charts of 113 trauma adult patients that underwent tracheostomy at the PRMC from 2018 to 2020 were reviewed. Data collected included patient demographics, surgical approach, initial tracheostomy tube size (ITTS), intubation period, and flexible laryngoscopic findings. Complications occurring during and after tracheostomy were documented. The unadjusted relationship of the independent variables and outcome measures was assessed using χ ² and Fisher's test for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney rank-sum test for continuous ones.

Results

Abnormal airway findings detected on flexible laryngoscopic examination were reported in 30 patients in the open tracheostomy (OT) group and 43 patients in the percutaneous tracheostomy group (p = 0.007). Peristomal granulation tissue was reported in 10 patients with an ITTS 8, while in only 1 patient with an ITTS 6 (p = 0.026).

Conclusion

This study showed several key findings in our cohort. The OT surgical approach was associated with fewer long-term complications when compared to the percutaneous approach. Also, a statistically significant difference in peristomal granulation tissue findings was found between the ITTS, ITTS-6 and ITTS-8, the smaller size being associated with fewer abnormal findings.

Open Bedside Tracheostomy: Safe and Cost Saving but Underutilized Nationally

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate open bedside tracheostomy (OBT) and compare it with open operating room (OR) tracheostomy and bedside percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) in complications and cost. To determine the tracheostomy practice patterns of academic otolaryngology programs.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study and cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Public hospital and tertiary care hospital.

METHODS

Otolaryngology program directors were surveyed to determine their institutions' tracheostomy practice patterns and the factors preventing the implementation of open bedside tracheostomies. A retrospective chart review was done of tracheostomies performed at our institutions from 2009 to 2019 for prolonged mechanical ventilation. Complications, length of intubation, comorbidities, body mass index, demographics, mortality rates, and decannulation rates were recorded. A cost analysis between OBT and PDT was conducted.

RESULTS

Data from 802 patients were analyzed for 449 OBTs, 206 PDTs, and 147 open OR tracheostomies. Complication rates were low. PDTs were more likely to have perioperative tracheal bleeding (P = .028) and mucus plugging (P = .006). OBTs were performed on sicker patients with a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index than PDT and OR tracheostomies. The cost of OBT was less than that of PDT. The survey response rate of tracheostomy practice patterns was 46%. The otolaryngologists at the responding programs all conducted OR tracheostomies, while 52.7% did OBTs and 30.9% PDTs.

CONCLUSION

OBT can be done safely in patients with multiple comorbidities and has a cost that can be less than PDT. Despite these benefits, only 50% of academic institutions routinely performed OBT.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Percutaneous tracheostomy: Comparison of three different methods with respect to tracheal cartilage injury in cadavers—Randomized controlled study

Background: Performing tracheostomy improves patient comfort and success rate of weaning from prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation. Data suggest that patients have more benefit of percutaneous technique than the surgical procedure, however, there is no consensus on the percutaneous method of choice regarding severe complications such as late tracheal stenosis. Aim of this study was comparing incidences of cartilage injury caused by different percutaneous dilatation techniques (PDT), including Single Dilator, Griggs’ and modified (bidirectional) Griggs’ method.

Materials and methods: Randomized observational study was conducted on 150 cadavers underwent post-mortem percutaneous tracheostomy. Data of cadavers including age, gender and time elapsed from death until the intervention (more or less than 72 h) were collected and recorded. Primary and secondary outcomes were: rate of cartilage injury and cannula malposition respectively.

Results: Statistical analysis revealed that method of intervention was significantly associated with occurrence of cartilage injury, as comparing either standard Griggs’ with Single Dilator (p = 0.002; OR: 4.903; 95% CI: 1.834–13.105) or modified Griggs’ with Single Dilator (p &lt; 0.001; OR: 6.559; 95% CI: 2.472–17.404), however, no statistical difference was observed between standard and modified Griggs’ techniques (p = 0.583; OR: 0.748; 95% CI: 0.347–1.610). We found no statistical difference in the occurrence of cartilage injury between the early- and late post-mortem group (p = 0.630). Neither gender (p = 0.913), nor age (p = 0.529) influenced the rate of cartilage fracture. There was no statistical difference between the applied PDT techniques regarding the cannula misplacement/malposition.

Conclusion: In this cadaver study both standard and modified Griggs’ forceps dilatational methods were safer than Single dilator in respect of cartilage injury.

Management of COVID-19 related tracheal stenosis: The state of art

Tracheal stenosis (TS) is a debilitating disease promoted by pathologic narrowing of the trachea. The acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by COVID-19 has been demonstrated to trigger enhanced inflammatory response and to require prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation as well as high frequency of re-intubation or emergency intubation, thus increasing the rate and complexity of TS. The standard-of-care of COVID-19-related tracheal complications has yet to be established and this is a matter of concern. This review aims at collecting latest evidence on this disease, providing an exhaustive overview on its distinctive features and open issues, and investigating different diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to handle COVID-19-induced TS, focusing on endoscopic versus open surgical approach. The former encompasses bronchoscopic procedures: electrocautery or laser-assisted incisions, ballooning dilation, submucosal steroid injection, endoluminal stenting. The latter consists of tracheal resection with end-to-end anastomosis. As a rule, traditionally, the endoscopic management is restricted to short, low-grade, and simple TS, whereas the open techniques are employed in long, high-grade, and complex TS. However, the critical conditions or extreme comorbidities of several COVID-19 patients, as well as the marked inflammation in tracheal mucosa, have led some authors to apply endoscopic management also in complex TS, recording acceptable results. Although severe COVID-19 seems to be an issue of the past, its long-term complications are still unknown and considering the increased rate and complexity of TS in these patients, we strongly believe that it is worth to focus on it, attempting to find the best management strategy for COVID-19-related TS.

Coronavirus disease tracheostomy complications: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 increased the numbers of patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation, with a subsequent increase in tracheostomy procedures. Coronavirus disease 2019 patients are high risk for surgical complications. This review examines open surgical and percutaneous tracheostomy complications in coronavirus disease 2019 patients.

METHODS

Medline and Embase databases were searched (November 2021), and the abstracts of relevant articles were screened. Data were collected regarding tracheostomy technique and complications. Complication rates were compared between percutaneous and open surgical tracheostomy.

RESULTS

Percutaneous tracheostomy was higher risk for bleeding, pneumothorax and false passage. Surgical tracheostomy was higher risk for peri-operative hypoxia. The most common complication for both techniques was post-operative bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Coronavirus disease 2019 patients undergoing tracheostomy are at higher risk of bleeding and peri-operative hypoxia than non-coronavirus disease patients. High doses of anti-coagulants may partially explain this. Reasons for higher bleeding risk in percutaneous over open surgical technique remain unclear. Further research is required to determine the causes of differences found and to establish mitigating strategies.

Changes in hormones of the thyroid axis after tracheostomy and their influence on regeneration in patients with head and neck cancer: A prospective study

This prospective study aimed to compare and evaluate changes in hormones of the thyroid axis affected by tracheostomy due to surgical treatment in patients with oral cancer. The patients were evaluated with regard to serum levels of the thyroid axis - free T3/triiodothyronine (fT3) and free T4/thyroxine (fT4), as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) - at fixed perioperative time points: during the tumor staging about 1 week before operation, immediately before and within 6 h after operation, 2 days after operation, and about 10 days after operation. Additionally, data on the patients' characteristics (age, gender), relevant secondary diagnoses, duration of ventilation in the intensive care unit, and perioperative complications were obtained and analyzed. In total, 51 patients with an average age of 68.29 years (±11.82) were included. Analyses of thyroid hormones directly before and after tracheostomy showed a significant postoperative decrease in circulating TSH (p = 0.005) and fT3 (p < 0.001), whilst a significant increase in fT4 values (p < 0.001) was found. Nine patients showed perioperative complications, such as infection, emphysema, or requiring a revision operation. Eleven patients were diagnosed with a cardiac problem or suffered from agitation after operation. Within the limitations of the study it seems that hormonal changes following tracheostomy in critically ill patients should be monitored and thyroid hormone adjustment should be taken into account because the latter might lead to lower mortality and morbidity during hospitalization in these patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: DRKS00023942.

Early prediction of hospital outcomes in patients tracheostomized for complex mechanical ventilation weaning

Background

Tracheostomy is often performed in the intensive care unit (ICU) when mechanical ventilation (MV) weaning is prolonged to facilitate daily care. Tracheostomized patients require important healthcare resources and have poor long-term prognosis after the ICU. However, data lacks regarding prediction of outcomes at hospital discharge. We looked for patients’ characteristics, ventilation parameters, sedation and analgesia use (pre-tracheostomy) that are associated with favorable and poor outcomes (post-tracheostomy) using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions.

Results

Eighty tracheostomized patients were included (28.8% women, 60 [52–71] years). Twenty-three (28.8%) patients were intubated for neurological reasons. Time from intubation to tracheostomy was 14.7 [10–20] days. Thirty patients (37.5%) had poor outcome (19 patients deceased and 11 still tracheostomized at hospital discharge). All patients discharged with tracheostomy (n = 11) were initially intubated for a neurological reason. In univariate logistic regressions, older age and higher body-mass index (BMI) were associated with poor outcome (OR 1.18 [1.07–1.32] and 1.04 [1.01–1.08], p < 0.001 and p = 0.025). No MV parameters were associated with poor outcome. In the multiple logistic regression model higher BMI and older age were also associated with poor outcome (OR 1.21 [1.09–1.36] and 1.04 [1.00–1.09], p < 0.001 and p = 0.046).

Conclusions

Hospital mortality of patients tracheostomized because of complex MV weaning was high. Patients intubated for neurological reasons were frequently discharged from the acute care hospital with tracheostomy in place. Both in univariate and multivariate logistic regressions, only BMI and older age were associated with poor outcome after tracheostomy for patients undergoing prolonged MV weaning.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13613-022-01047-z.

Interventional Pulmonology and the Esophagus: Tracheostomy and Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Placement

Tracheostomy is a procedure commonly performed in intensive care units (ICU) for patients who are unable to be weaned from mechanical ventilation. Both percutaneous and surgical techniques have been validated and are chosen based on the local expertise available. A primary advantage to the percutaneous technique is the ability to perform this procedure in the ICU without transporting the patient to a procedure suite or operating room; this has become particularly important with the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. An additional advantage is the ability to perform both the tracheostomy and the gastrostomy tube placement, if needed, during the same anesthetic episode. This decreases the need for additional sedation, interruption of anticoagulation, repeat transfusion, and coordination of care between multiple services. In the context of COVID-19, combined tracheostomy and gastrostomy placement exposes less health care providers overall and minimizes transportation needs.

Pulmonary infection in traumatic brain injury patients undergoing tracheostomy: predicators and nursing care

Background

Pulmonary infection is common yet serious complication in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (STBI). We aimed to evaluate the predicators of pulmonary infection in STBI patients undergoing tracheostomy, to provide evidence for the clinical nursing care of STBI patients.

Methods

This study was a retrospective cohort design. STBI patients undergoing tracheostomy treatment from January 1, 2019 to August 31, 2021 in our hospital were included. The characteristics of pulmonary infection and no pulmonary infection patients were analyzed.

Results

A total 216 STBI patients undergoing tracheostomy were included, the incidence of pulmonary infection was 26.85%. Diabetes (r = 0.782), hypoproteinemia (r = 0.804), duration of coma(r = 0.672), duration of mechanical ventilation(r = 0.724) and length of hospital stay (r = 0.655), length of hospital stay post tracheostomy (r = 0.554), mortality (r = 0.598) were all correlated with pulmonary infection (all p < 0.05). Klebsiella pneumoniae (33.87%) and Staphylococcus aureus (29.03%) were the most commonly seen pathogens in the pulmonary infection of TBI patients. Logistic regression analyses indicated that diabetes (OR 2.232, 95% CI 1.215–3.904), hypoproteinemia with plasma total protein < 60 g/L (OR 1.922, 95% CI 1.083–3.031), duration of coma ≥ 22 h (OR 2.864, 95% CI 1.344–5.012), duration of mechanical ventilation ≥ 5 days (OR 3.602, 95% CI 1.297–5.626), length of hospital stay ≥ 21 days (OR 2.048, 95% CI 1.022–3.859) were the risk factors of pulmonary infection in TBI patients undergoing tracheostomy (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Further investigations on the early preventions and treatments targeted on those risk factors are needed to reduce the pulmonary infection in clinical practice.

Safe ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy in eight steps and necessary precautions in COVID-19 patients

Percutaneous tracheostomy has been considered the standard method today, the bronchoscopy-guided technique being the most frequently performed. A safe alternative is ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy, which can be carried out by the surgeon, avoiding the logistical difficulties of having a specialist in bronchoscopy. Studies prove that the efficacy and safety of the ultrasound-guided technique are similar when compared to the bronchoscopy-guided one. Thus, it is of paramount importance that surgeons have ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy as a viable and beneficial alternative to the open procedure. In this article, we describe eight main steps in performing ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy, highlighting essential technical points that can reduce the risk of complications from the procedure. Furthermore, we detail some precautions that one must observe to reduce the risk of aerosolization and contamination of the team when percutaneous tracheostomy is indicated in patients with COVID-19.

Tracheotomy Outcomes in 71 COVID-19 Patients: A Multi-Centric Study in Saudi Arabia

Since its outbreak in late 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has seen a sharp rise in the demand for oxygen and ventilation facilities due to the associated extensive damage that it causes to the lungs. This study is considered the first and largest study in Saudi Arabia to evaluate the outcomes of tracheostomy in intubated COVID-19 patients. This is a retrospective, observational cohort study that was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Jeddah, Western Region, Saudi Arabia and King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The findings of the study revealed that seventy-one patients with COVID-19 underwent tracheotomy between 1 March 2020 and 31 October 2020. The average period between intubation and tracheostomy was 9.97 days. Hypertension, diabetes, lung disease and obesity (BMI > 30) were significant risk factors of mortality. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 38.4%.

Tracheostomy Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients in a Low Resource Setting

OBJECTIVES

COVID-19 predominately affects safety net hospitals. Tracheostomies improve outcomes and decrease length of stay for COVID-19 patients. Our objectives are to determine if (1) COVID-19 tracheostomies have similar complication and mortality rates as non-COVID-19 tracheostomies and (2) to determine the effectiveness of our tracheostomy protocol at a safety net hospital.

METHODS

Patients who underwent tracheostomy at Los Angeles County Hospital between August 2009 and August 2020 were included. Demographics, SARS-CoV-2 status, body mass index (BMI), Charlson Co-morbidity Index (CCI), length of intubation, complication rates, decannulation rates, and 30-day all-cause mortality versus tracheostomy related mortality rates were all collected.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients with COVID-19 and 130 non-COVID-19 patients underwent tracheostomies. Both groups were predominately male with similar BMI and CCI, though the COVID-19 patients were more likely to be Hispanic and intubated for a longer time (P = .034 and P < .0001, respectively). Both groups also had similar, low intraoperative complications at 2% to 3% and comparable long-term post-operative complications. However, COVID-19 patients had more perioperative complications within 7 days of surgery (P < .01). Specifically, they were more likely to have perioperative bleeding at their tracheostomy sites (P = .03) and long-term post-operative mucus plugging (P < .01). However, both groups had similar 30-day mortality rates. There were no incidences of COVID-19 transmission to healthcare workers.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 tracheostomies are safe for patients and healthcare workers. Careful attention should be paid to suctioning to prevent mucus plugging.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Percutaneous Dilational Tracheostomy at the Epicenter of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Impact on Critical Care Resource Utilization and Early Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed New York City hospitals early in the pandemic. Shortages of ventilators and sedatives prompted tracheostomy earlier than recommended by professional societies. This study evaluates the impact of percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) in COVID+ patients on critical care capacity.

METHODS

This is a single-institution prospective case series of mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients undergoing PDT from April 1 to June 4, 2020 at a public tertiary care center.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients met PDT criteria and underwent PDT at a median of 13 days (IQR 10, 18) from intubation. Patient characteristics are found in Table 1. Intravenous midazolam, fentanyl, and cisatracurium equivalents were significantly reduced 48 hours post-PDT (Table 2). Thirty-five patients were transferred from the ICU and liberated from the ventilator. Median time from PDT to ventilator liberation and ICU discharge was 10 (IQR 4, 14) and 12 (IQR 8, 17) days, respectively. Decannulation occurred in 45.5% and 52.7% were discharged from acute inpatient care (Figure 1). Median follow-up for the study was 62 days. Four patients had bleeding complications postoperatively and 11 died during the study period. Older age was associated with increased odds of complication (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04, 1.23) and death (OR=1.15, 95% CI 1.05, 1.30). All operators tested negative for COVID-19 during the study period.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest COVID-19 patients undergoing tracheostomy within the standard time frame can improve critical care capacity in areas strained by the pandemic with low risk to operators. Long-term outcomes after PDT deserve further study.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of tracheostomy outcomes in COVID-19 patients

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the entire COVID-19 Tracheostomy cohort was conducted to determine the cumulative incidence of complications, mortality, time to decannulation and ventilatory weaning. Outcomes of surgical versus percutaneous and outcomes relative to tracheostomy timing were also analysed. Studies reporting outcome data on patients with COVID-19 undergoing tracheostomy were identified and screened by 2 independent reviewers. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Outcome data were analysed using a random-effects model. From 1016 unique studies, 39 articles reporting outcomes for a total of 3929 patients were included for meta-analysis. Weighted mean follow-up time was 42.03±26 days post-tracheostomy. Meta-analysis showed that 61.2% of patients were weaned from mechanical ventilation [95%CI 52.6%-69.5%], 44.2% of patients were decannulated [95%CI 33.96%-54.67%], and cumulative mortality was found to be 19.23% [95%CI 15.2%-23.6%] across the entire tracheostomy cohort. The cumulative incidence of complications was 14.24% [95%CI 9.6%-19.6%], with bleeding accounting for 52% of all complications. No difference was found in incidence of mortality (RR1.96; p=0.34), decannulation (RR1.35, p=0.27), complications (RR0.75, p=0.09) and time to decannulation (SMD 0.46, p=0.68) between percutaneous and surgical tracheostomy. Moreover, no difference was found in mortality (RR1.57, p=0.43) between early and late tracheostomy, and timing of tracheostomy did not predict time to decannulation. Ten confirmed nosocomial staff infections were reported from 1398 tracheostomies. This study provides an overview of outcomes of tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients, and contributes to our understanding of tracheostomy decisions in this patient cohort.

State of the art: percutaneous tracheostomy in the intensive care unit

Percutaneous tracheostomy is a commonly performed procedure for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and offers many benefits, including decreasing ICU length of stay and need for sedation while improving patient comfort, effective communication, and airway clearance. However, there is no consensus on the optimal timing of tracheostomy in ICU patients. Ultrasound (US) and bronchoscopy are useful adjunct tools to optimize procedural performance. US can be used pre-procedurally to identify vascular structures and to select the optimal puncture site, intra-procedurally to assist with accurate placement of the introducer needle, and post-procedurally to evaluate for a pneumothorax. Bronchoscopy provides real-time visual guidance from within the tracheal lumen and can reduce complications, such as paratracheal puncture and injury to the posterior tracheal wall. A step-by-step detailed procedural guide, including preparation and procedural technique, is provided with a team-based approach. Technical aspects, such as recommended equipment and selection of appropriate tracheostomy tube type and size, are discussed. Certain procedural considerations to minimize the risk of complications should be given in circumstances of patient obesity, coagulopathy, or neurologic illness. Herein, we provide a practical state of the art review of percutaneous tracheostomy in ICU patients. Specifically, we will address pre-procedural preparation, procedural technique, and post-tracheostomy management.

Wound care management: tracheostomy and gastrostomy

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placements are routine procedures performed in the intensive care units (ICUs). They are performed to facilitate care and promote healing. They also help prevent complications from prolonged endotracheal intubation and malnutrition. In most cases, both are performed simultaneously. Physicians performing them require knowledge of local anatomy, tissue and vascular relationships, along with advance bronchoscopy and endoscopy skills. Although PDTs and PEGs are considered relatively low-risk procedures, operators need to have the knowledge and skill to recognize and prevent adverse outcomes. Current published literature on post-procedural care and stoma wound management was reviewed. Available recommendations for the routine care of tracheostomy and PEG tubes are included in this review. Signs and symptoms of early PDT- and PEG-related complications and their management are discussed in detail. These include hemorrhage, infection, accidental decannulation, tube obstruction, clogging, and dislodgement. Rare, life-threatening complications are also discussed. Multidisciplinary teams are needed for improved patient care, and members should be aware of all pertinent care aspects and potential complications related to PDT and PEG placement. Each institute is strongly encouraged to have detailed protocols to standardize care. This review provides a state-of-the-art guidance on the care of patients with tracheostomies and gastrostomies specifically in the ICU setting.

Percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy in high-risk ICU patients

Background

Percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) has become an established procedure in intensive care units (ICU). However, the safety of this method has been under debate given the growing number of critically ill patients with high bleeding risk receiving anticoagulation, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) or even a combination of both, i.e. triple therapy. Therefore, the purpose of this study, including such a high proportion of patients on antithrombotic therapy, was to investigate whether PDT in high-risk ICU patients is associated with elevated procedural complications and to analyse the risk factors for bleeding occurring during and after PDT.

Methods

PDT interventions conducted in ICUs at 12 European sites between January 2016 and October 2019 were retrospectively analysed for procedural complications. For subgroup analyses, patient stratification into clinically relevant risk groups based on anticoagulation and antiplatelet treatment regimens was performed and the predictors of bleeding occurrence were analysed.

Results

In total, 671 patients receiving PDT were included and stratified into four clinically relevant antithrombotic treatment groups: (1) intravenous unfractionated heparin (iUFH, prophylactic dosage) (n = 101); (2) iUFH (therapeutic dosage) (n = 131); (3) antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and/or P2Y₁₂ receptor inhibitor) with iUFH (prophylactic or therapeutic dosage) except for triple therapy (n = 290) and (4) triple therapy (DAPT with iUFH in therapeutic dosage) (n = 149). Within the whole cohort, 74 (11%) bleedings were reported to be procedure-related. Bleeding occurrence during and after PDT was independently associated with low platelet count (OR 0.73, 95% CI [0.56, 0.92], p = 0.009), chronic kidney disease (OR 1.75, 95% CI [1.01, 3.03], p = 0.047) and previous stroke (OR 2.13, 95% CI [1.1, 3.97], p = 0.02).

Conclusion

In this international, multicenter study bronchoscopy-guided PDT was a safe and low-complication airway management option, even in a cohort of high risk for bleeding on cardiovascular ICUs. Low platelet count, chronic kidney disease and previous stroke were identified as independent risk factors of bleeding during and after PDT but not triple therapy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13613-021-00906-5.

Association of Tracheostomy With Outcomes in Patients With COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Among Health Care Professionals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

Approximately 5% to 15% of patients with COVID-19 require invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and, at times, tracheostomy. Details regarding the safety and use of tracheostomy in treating COVID-19 continue to evolve.

Objective

To evaluate the association of tracheostomy with COVID-19 patient outcomes and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission among health care professionals (HCPs).

Data Sources

EMBASE (Ovid), Medline (Ovid), and Web of Science from January 1, 2020, to March 4, 2021.

Study Selection

English-language studies investigating patients with COVID-19 who were receiving IMV and undergoing tracheostomy. Observational and randomized clinical trials were eligible (no randomized clinical trials were found in the search). All screening was performed by 2 reviewers (P.S. and M.L.). Overall, 156 studies underwent full-text review.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

We performed data extraction in accordance with Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. We used a random-effects model, and ROBINS-I was used for the risk-of-bias analysis.

Main Outcomes and Measures

SARS-CoV-2 transmission between HCPs and levels of personal protective equipment, in addition to complications, time to decannulation, ventilation weaning, and intensive care unit (ICU) discharge in patients with COVID-19 who underwent tracheostomy.

Results

Of the 156 studies that underwent full-text review, only 69 were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 14 of these 69 studies (20.3%) were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 4669 patients were included in the 69 studies, and the mean (range) patient age across studies was 60.7 (49.1-68.8) years (43 studies [62.3%] with 1856 patients). We found that in all studies, 1854 patients (73.8%) were men and 658 (26.2%) were women. We found that 28 studies (40.6%) investigated either surgical tracheostomy or percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy. Overall, 3 of 58 studies (5.17%) identified a small subset of HCPs who developed COVID-19 that was associated with tracheostomy. Studies did not consistently report the number of HCPs involved in tracheostomy. Among the patients, early tracheostomy was associated with faster ICU discharge (mean difference, 6.17 days; 95% CI, -11.30 to -1.30), but no change in IMV weaning (mean difference, -2.99 days; 95% CI, -8.32 to 2.33) or decannulation (mean difference, -3.12 days; 95% CI, -7.35 to 1.12). There was no association between mortality or perioperative complications and type of tracheostomy. A risk-of-bias evaluation that used ROBINS-I demonstrated notable bias in the confounder and patient selection domains because of a lack of randomization and cohort matching. There was notable heterogeneity in study reporting.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that enhanced personal protective equipment is associated with low rates of SARS-CoV-2 transmission during tracheostomy. Early tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19 may reduce ICU stay, but this finding is limited by the observational nature of the included studies.

Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Wake-Up Call for Neurosurgeons to Learn Percutaneous Tracheostomy

Tracheostomy is a commonly performed operation in neurosurgical patients. It is an aerosol generating procedure and is considered a high-risk operation in times of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Though percutaneous tracheostomy has been around for some time, many neurosurgeons still perform open surgical tracheostomy as they have been trained in doing so and are well versed with the procedure. However, this pandemic is a wake-up call for them to learn a new skill that is simple, quick, and has several advantages over the traditional method.

A clinical retrospective study of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy without guide wire for critically ill patients

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to introduce a novel tracheostomy method, the non-guide-wire percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (NGPDT) technique, and evaluate its effectiveness for critically ill patients undergoing neurosurgery under special conditions.

METHODS

The clinical data of 48 critically ill patients who underwent NGPDT under special conditions with controlled steps were analyzed retrospectively. The patients' demographic, preoperative state of illness, and diagnosis data were collected. Moreover, their intraoperative and postoperative variables were accessed, e.g., operation times, bleeding, saturation of pulse oxygen (SPO₂), and early and late complications related to NGPDT.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 47.7 ± 13.7 years. The mean GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale) was 8.1 ± 2.9, and the mean BMI (Body Mass Index) was 25.2 ± 5.6. There were 38 patients with an endotracheal tube. The mean duration of onset to NGPDT was 4.0 ± 1.3 days. The mean operation time was 4.2 ± 1.9 min. There were 41 patients with mild intraoperative bleeding, 5 with moderate bleeding, and 2 with severe bleeding as well as 46 with mild postoperative bleeding and 2 with moderate bleeding. Additionally, 41 patients required complete extubation after NGPDT. The mean duration of incision healing was 4.8 ± 3.1 days. There was 1 patient with a decrease of SPO₂ ≥ 10%. Three patients presented with a transient violent cough at the primary tracheostomy stage; however, no patients suffered from pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, false passage, or surgery-related death during this procedure.

CONCLUSION

Overall, NGPDT with controlled steps is a fast, safe, and microinvasive procedure. It mildly stimulates the trachea with a low rate of complications.

Surgical Tracheostomy Outcomes in COVID-19-Positive Patients

Objective

The aim of this case series was to demonstrate that surgical tracheostomy can be undertaken safely in critically ill mechanically ventilated patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and that it is an effective weaning tool.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

Single academic teaching hospital in London.

Methods

All adult patients admitted to the adult intensive care unit (AICU), diagnosed with severe COVID-19 infection and requiring surgical tracheostomy between the March 10, 2020, and May 1, 2020, were included. Data collection focused upon patient demographics, AICU admission data, tracheostomy-specific data, and clinical outcomes.

Results

Twenty patients with COVID-19 underwent surgical tracheostomy. The main indication for tracheostomy was to assist in respiratory weaning. Patients had undergone mechanical ventilation for a median of 16.5 days prior to surgical tracheostomy. Tracheostomy remained in situ for a median of 12.5 days. Sixty percent of patients were decannulated at the end of the data collection period. There were no serious immediate or short-term complications. Surgical tracheostomy facilitated significant reduction in intravenous sedation at 48 hours after tracheostomy formation. There was no confirmed COVID-19 infection or reported sickness in the operating surgical or anesthetic teams.

Conclusion

Surgical tracheostomy has been demonstrated to be an effective weaning tool in patients with severe COVID-19 infection.

Prolonged Weaning: S2k Guideline Published by the German Respiratory Society

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is an essential part of modern intensive care medicine. MV is performed in patients with severe respiratory failure caused by respiratory muscle insufficiency and/or lung parenchymal disease; that is, when other treatments such as medication, oxygen administration, secretion management, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or nasal high-flow therapy have failed. MV is required for maintaining gas exchange and allows more time to curatively treat the underlying cause of respiratory failure. In the majority of ventilated patients, liberation or "weaning" from MV is routine, without the occurrence of any major problems. However, approximately 20% of patients require ongoing MV, despite amelioration of the conditions that precipitated the need for it in the first place. Approximately 40-50% of the time spent on MV is required to liberate the patient from the ventilator, a process called "weaning". In addition to acute respiratory failure, numerous factors can influence the duration and success rate of the weaning process; these include age, comorbidities, and conditions and complications acquired during the ICU stay. According to international consensus, "prolonged weaning" is defined as the weaning process in patients who have failed at least 3 weaning attempts, or require more than 7 days of weaning after the first spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Given that prolonged weaning is a complex process, an interdisciplinary approach is essential for it to be successful. In specialised weaning centres, approximately 50% of patients with initial weaning failure can be liberated from MV after prolonged weaning. However, the heterogeneity of patients undergoing prolonged weaning precludes the direct comparison of individual centres. Patients with persistent weaning failure either die during the weaning process, or are discharged back to their home or to a long-term care facility with ongoing MV. Urged by the growing importance of prolonged weaning, this Sk2 Guideline was first published in 2014 as an initiative of the German Respiratory Society (DGP), in conjunction with other scientific societies involved in prolonged weaning. The emergence of new research, clinical study findings and registry data, as well as the accumulation of experience in daily practice, have made the revision of this guideline necessary. The following topics are dealt with in the present guideline: Definitions, epidemiology, weaning categories, underlying pathophysiology, prevention of prolonged weaning, treatment strategies in prolonged weaning, the weaning unit, discharge from hospital on MV, and recommendations for end-of-life decisions. Special emphasis was placed on the following themes: (1) A new classification of patient sub-groups in prolonged weaning. (2) Important aspects of pulmonary rehabilitation and neurorehabilitation in prolonged weaning. (3) Infrastructure and process organisation in the care of patients in prolonged weaning based on a continuous treatment concept. (4) Changes in therapeutic goals and communication with relatives. Aspects of paediatric weaning are addressed separately within individual chapters. The main aim of the revised guideline was to summarize both current evidence and expert-based knowledge on the topic of "prolonged weaning", and to use this information as a foundation for formulating recommendations related to "prolonged weaning", not only in acute medicine but also in the field of chronic intensive care medicine. The following professionals served as important addressees for this guideline: intensivists, pulmonary medicine specialists, anaesthesiologists, internists, cardiologists, surgeons, neurologists, paediatricians, geriatricians, palliative care clinicians, rehabilitation physicians, intensive/chronic care nurses, physiotherapists, respiratory therapists, speech therapists, medical service of health insurance, and associated ventilator manufacturers.

Pilot Study of Trans-oral Robotic-Assisted Needle Direct Tracheostomy Puncture in Patients Requiring Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation

COVID-19 can induce severe respiratory problems that need prolonged mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit. While Open Tracheostomy (OT) is the preferred technique due to the excellent visualization of the surgical field and structures, Percutaneous Tracheostomy (PT) has proven to be a feasible minimally invasive alternative. However, PT's limitation relates to the inability to precisely enter the cervical trachea at the exact spot since the puncture is often performed based on crude estimation from anatomical laryngeal surface landmarks. Besides, there is no absolute control of the trajectory and force required to make the percutaneous puncture into the trachea, resulting in inadvertent injury to the cricoid ring, cervical esophagus, and vessels in the neck. Therefore, we hypothesize that a flexible mini-robotic system, incorporating the robotic needling technology, can overcome these challenges by allowing the trans-oral robotic instrument of the cervical trachea. This approach promises to improve current PT technology by making the initial trachea puncture from an “inside-out” approach, rather than an “outside-in” manner, fraught with several technical uncertainties.

Comparison of percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy versus open surgical technique in severe COVID-19: Complication rates, relative risks and benefits

Objective

Patients with acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19 have a high likelihood of needing prolonged intubation and may subsequently require tracheotomy. Usually, the choice of technique (percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy [PDT] versus open surgical tracheotomy [OST]) depends on the preference of surgeons and patient-related factors. In case of COVID-19, airborne spread of viral particles and limited time of apnea must be considered in the choice of the safest technique. The aim of this study is to compare the complication rates and offer an assessment of relative risks and benefits of PDT versus OST in patients with severe COVID-19.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study considering 47 consecutive patients affected by severe acute respiratory distress syndrome due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, needing invasive mechanical ventilation and subsequent tracheostomy. This study was performed at the Intensive Care Unit of our tertiary referral center. Complication rates were analyzed.

Results

Seventeen patients underwent PDT and 30 patients were submitted to OST. Twenty-six patients (55.3%) had post-operative complications (local infection, hemorrhage, subcutaneous emphysema) with no significant difference between PDT and OST.

Conclusion

PDT and OST are characterized by similar postoperative complication rates in severe COVID-19 patients. These findings suggest that OST might be preferred if expert ENT surgeons are available, as PDT could result in longer apnea and exposure to generated aerosol. However, authors recommend considering either OST or PDT at the discretion of the medical staff involved, according to the personal experience of the operators performing the procedure.

The Role of Tracheotomy and Timing of Weaning and Decannulation in Patients Affected by Severe COVID-19

Objectives:

Patients with acute respiratory failure due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have a high likelihood of needing prolonged intubation and may subsequently require tracheotomy. Indications and timing for performing tracheotomy in patients affected by severe COVID-19 pneumonia are still elusive. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of tracheotomy in the context of this pandemic. Moreover, we report the timing of the procedure and the time needed to complete weaning and decannulation in our center.

Methods:

This retrospective, observational cohort study included adults (≥18 years) with severe COVID-19 pneumonia who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the tertiary care center of Reggio Emilia (Italy). All patients underwent orotracheal intubation with invasive mechanical ventilation, followed by percutaneous or open surgical tracheotomy. Indications, timing of the procedure, and time needed to complete weaning and decannulation were reported.

Results:

Forty-four patients were included in the analysis. Median time from orotracheal intubation to surgery was 7 (range 2-17) days. Fifteen (34.1%) patients died during the follow-up period (median 22 days, range 8-68) after the intubation. Weaning from the ventilator was first attempted on median 25th day (range 13-43) from orotracheal intubation. A median of 35 (range 18-79) days was required to complete weaning. Median duration of ICU stay was 22 (range 10-67) days. Mean decannulation time was 36 (range 10-77) days from surgery.

Conclusions:

Since it is not possible to establish an optimal timing for performing tracheotomy, decision-making should be made on case-by-case basis. It should be adapted to the context of the pandemic, taking into account the availability of intensive care resources, potential risks for health care workers, and benefits for the individual patient.

Tracheal Stenosis After Tracheostomy for Mechanical Ventilation in COVID-19 Pneumonia - A Report of 2 Cases from Northern Italy

Case series

Patients: Male, 54-year-old • Male, 43-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Tracheal stenosis

Symptoms: Respiratory distress

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Otolaryngology

Predictors of difficulty in bedside percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy: pilot study

INTRODUCTION

percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy is currently one of the main procedures performed in an intensive care unit (ICU). However, there are no well-defined indicators of technical difficulty in performing the procedure.

OBJECTIVES

to define predictors of difficulty in performing bedside percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy.

METHODOLOGY

prospective cohort study encompassing 21 patients who underwent bedside percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in the ICU at a single center.

RESULTS

Sternohyoid (SH) distance shorter than 7 cm is associated with a 50% increase in the risk of technical difficulty (OR 0.44 and p <0.03).

CONCLUSION

the reduction in (SH) distance is related to an increased risk of difficulty in performing percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in the ICU bed.

Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Published in High-Impact Otolaryngology Journals

OBJECTIVE

To assess the methodological quality of intervention-focused systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) published in high-impact otolaryngology journals.

DATA SOURCES

Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library.

REVIEW METHODS

A comprehensive search was performed for SR and MA citations from 2012 to 2017 in the 10 highest impact factor otolaryngology journals. Abstracts were screened to identify published manuscripts in which the authors indicated clearly that they were performing an SR or MA. Applying a modified typology of reviews, 4 reviewers characterized the review type as SR, MA, or another review type. A simplified version of the AMSTAR 2 (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2) tool was used to assess the reporting and methodological quality of the SRs and MAs that were focused on interventions.

RESULTS

Search and abstract screening generated 499 manuscripts that identified themselves as performing an SR or MA. A substantial number (85/499, 17%) were review types other than SRs or MAs, including 34 (7%) that were literature reviews. In total, 236 SRs and MAs focused on interventions. Over 50% of these SRs and MAs had weaknesses in at least 3 of the 16 items in the AMSTAR 2, and over 40% had weaknesses in at least 2 of the 7 critical domains. Ninety-nine percent of SRs and MAs provided critically low confidence in the results of the reviews.

CONCLUSION

Intervention-focused SRs and MAs published in high-impact otolaryngology journals have important methodological limitations that diminish confidence in the results of these reviews.

Utility of Tracheostomy in Patients With COVID-19 and Other Special Considerations

Introduction

Patients who become severely ill from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) have a high likelihood of needing prolonged intubation, making tracheostomy a likely consideration. The infectious nature of COVID‐19 poses an additional risk of transmission to healthcare workers that should be taken into consideration.

Methods

We explore current literature and recommendations for tracheostomy in patients with COVID‐19 and look back at previous data from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS‐CoV‐1), the virus responsible for the SARS outbreak of 2003.

Results

Given the severity and clinical uncertainty of patients with COVID‐19 and the increased risk of transmission to clinicians, careful consideration should be taken prior to performing tracheostomy. If tracheostomy is performed, we recommend a bedside approach to limit exposure time and number of exposed personnel. Bronchoscopy use with a percutaneous approach should be limited in order to decrease viral exposure.

Conclusion

Thorough preprocedural planning, use of experienced personnel, enhanced personal protective equipment where available, and a thoughtful anesthesia approach are instrumental in maximizing positive patient outcomes while successfully protecting the safety of healthcare personnel. Laryngoscope, 130:2546–2549, 2020

Current Status of Indications, Timing, Management, Complications, and Outcomes of Tracheostomy in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

Tracheostomy is the commonest bedside surgical procedure performed on patients needing mechanical ventilation with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The researchers made an effort to organize a narrative review of the indications, timing, management, complications, and outcomes of tracheostomy in relation to neuronal and brain-injured patients following TBI. The study observations were collated from the published literature, namely original articles, book chapters, case series, randomized studies, systematic reviews, and review articles. Information sorting was restricted to tracheostomy and its association with TBI. Care was taken to review the correlation of tracheostomy with clinical correlates including indications, scheduling, interventions, prognosis, and complications of the patients suffering from mild, moderate and severe TBIs using Glasgow Coma Scale, Glasgow Outcome Scale, intraclass correlation coefficient, and other internationally acclaimed outcome scales. Tracheostomy is needed to overcome airway obstruction, prolonged respiratory failure and as indispensable component of mechanical ventilation due to diverse reasons in intensive care unit. Researchers are divided over early tracheostomy or late tracheostomy from days to weeks. The conventional classic surgical technique of tracheostomy has been superseded by percutaneous techniques by being less invasive with lesser complications, classified into early and late complications that may be life threatening. Additional studies have to be conducted to validate and streamline varied observations to frame evidence-based practice for successful weaning and decannulation. Tracheostomy is a safer option in critically ill TBI patients for which a universally accepted protocol for tracheostomy is needed that can help to optimize indications and outcomes.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in adult patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Introduction: The global number of patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support has been growing after several studies highlighted the favorable results attained in cases of severe respiratory failure. However, evidence-based guidelines for optimal use of ECMO are lacking.Areas covered: This review covers optimal candidates, timing of initiation, strategies for patient management including mechanical ventilation, and decision-making regarding discontinuation of ECMO based on its potential role in treatment of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.Expert opinion: Early initiation of ECMO should be considered if hypoxemia and uncompensated hypercapnia do not respond to optimal conventional treatment. Use of a comprehensive management approach for preventing additional lung injury and extrapulmonary organ failure is critical during ECMO support to ensure the best outcome. The possibility of weaning from ECMO should be fully assessed by a multidisciplinary team during ECMO support. Futility should not be determined solely by duration of ECMO, and use of prolonged ECMO for lung recovery may be worthwhile.

Are there variations in timing to tracheostomy in a tertiary academic medical center?

BACKGROUND

It is unclear what drives variation in timing to tracheostomy among different patients.

METHODS

Age, ethnicity, admission service, and income were retrospectively collected for patients undergoing tracheostomy in a Level 1 trauma center from 2007 to 2017. The primary outcome was time to tracheostomy with early tracheostomy (ET) or late tracheotomy (LT) defined as 3-7 or ≥ 10 days post-intubation, respectively. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), ventilator associated pneumonia, and mortality.

RESULTS

Among 1,640 patients, more men had ET compared to women (30% vs 28%; p = 0.05). The mean time to tracheostomy was 11.2 ± 7.7 days. Neurology and trauma patients had significantly shorter time to tracheostomy compared to other services. Age, ethnicity, and income showed no differences in timing to tracheostomy. Patients who underwent LT had a longer LOS (46 vs 32 days, p < 0.01) and higher mortality (19% vs 13% p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no disparities in timing to tracheostomy based on age, ethnicity, or income. We detected a hesitation in performing tracheostomies by certain providers with shorter LOS and improved mortality in ET.

Using a Laryngeal Mask Airway During Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy is Safe and Obviates the Need for Paralytics

BACKGROUND

Bedside percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) placement in critically ill patients is performed in a variety of ways, largely driven by institutional preference. We have recently transitioned to primarily extubating the patient and placing a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) before tracheostomy insertion in lieu of retracting the endotracheal tube (ETT) in place. This allows for lower sedative use and provides a superior view of the operative field. Here, we seek to describe the safety and efficiency of that approach.

METHODS

This is a single-center cross-sectional study from 2014 to 2016 comparing patients who underwent PT with the ETT in place retracted to the proximal larynx versus those who were extubated and had a LMA placed. Procedural length, sedative totals, and safety outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

In total, 125 patients underwent PT during the study period, 75 via a LMA and 50 via existing ETT. There was no difference in procedural duration (LMA: 53.5±21.4 min vs. ETT: 50.4±16.8; P=0.41), total complications (LMA: 29.3% vs. 16%; P=0.09) or major complications (4% in both groups). Cisatracurium use was significantly lower in the LMA arm (LMA: 1.0±3.6 mg vs. ETT: 11.5±5.9 mg; P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Replacing the ETT with an LMA before PT is equally safe, does not increase total procedural duration, and all but eliminates the need for paralytic agents.

Dilatational Percutaneous vs Surgical TracheoStomy in IntEnsive Care UniT: A Practice Pattern Observational Multicenter Study (DISSECT)

Introduction

Tracheostomy is among the common procedures performed in the intensive care unit (ICU), with percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) being the preferred technique. We sought to understand the current practice of tracheostomy in Indian ICUs.

Materials and methods

A pan-India multicenter prospective observational study, endorsed and peer-reviewed by the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM), on various aspects of tracheostomy performed in critically ill patients was conducted between September 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. The SPSS software was used for the statistical analysis. Cross tables were generated and the chi-square test was used for testing of association. The p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Out of 67 ICUs that participated, 88.1% were from private sector hospitals. A total of 923 tracheostomies were performed during the study period; out of which, 666 were PDT and 257 were surgical tracheostomy (ST). Coagulopathic patients received more platelet transfusion [p = 0.037 with platelet count (PC) < 50 × 10⁹, p = 0.021 with PC 50–100 × 10⁹] and fresh frozen plasma transfusion in the ST group (p = 0.0001). The performance of PDT vs ST by day 7 of admission was 28.4% vs 21% (p = 0.023). The single dilator technique (60.4%) was the preferred technique for PDT followed by the Grigg's forceps and then the multiple dilator technique. Fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) and ultrasonography (USG) were used in 29.3% and 16.8%, respectively, for guidance during tracheostomy. Most of the PDTs were performed by a trained intensivist (74.2%), whereas ST was mostly done by an ENT surgeon (56.8%). Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy resulted in less hemorrhagic (2.6% vs 7%, p = 0.002) and desaturation complications (2.3% vs 6.6%, p = 0.001) as compared to ST. The duration of procedure was shorter in the PDT group (average shortening by 9.2 minutes) and the ventilator-free days (VFD) were higher in the PDT group. The cost was less in PDT by approximately Rs. 13,104.

Conclusion

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy, especially the single dilator technique, is preferred by clinicians in Indian ICUs. The incidence of minor complications like hemorrhagic episodes is lower with PDT. Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy was found to be cheaper on cost per patient basis as compared to ST (with or without complications).

How to cite this article

Gupta S, Tomar DS, Dixit S, Zirpe K, Choudhry D, Govil D, et al. Dilatational Percutaneous vs Surgical TracheoStomy in IntEnsive Care UniT: A Practice Pattern Observational Multicenter Study (DISSECT). Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(7):514–526.

Tracheostomy in Adult Intensive Care Unit: An ISCCM Expert Panel Practice Recommendations

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation undergo tracheostomy to facilitate weaning. The practice in India may be different from the rest of the world and therefore, in order to understand this, ISCCM conducted a multicentric observational study "DIlatational percutaneous vs Surgical tracheoStomy in intEnsive Care uniT: A practice pattern observational multicenter study (DISSECT Study)" followed by an ISCCM Expert Panel committee meeting to formulate Practice recommendations pertinent to Indian ICUs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All existing International guidelines on the topic, various randomized controlled trials, meta-analysis, systematic reviews, retrospective studies were taken into account to formulate the guidelines. Wherever Indian data was not available, international data was analysed. A modified Grade system was followed for grading the recommendation.

RESULTS

After analyzing the entire available data, the recommendations were made by the grading system agreed by the Expert Panel. The recommendations took into account the indications and contraindications of tracheostomy; effect of timing of tracheostomy on incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia, ICU length of stay, ventilator free days & Mortality; comparison of surgical and percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) in terms of incidence of complications and cost to the patient; Comparison of various techniques of PDT; Use of fiberoptic bronchoscope and ultrasound in PDT; experience of the operator and qualification; certain special conditions like coagulopathy and morbid obesity.

CONCLUSION

This document presents the first Indian recommendations on tracheostomy in adult critically ill patients based on the practices of the country. These guidelines are expected to improve the safety and extend the indications of tracheostomy in critically ill patients.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE

Gupta S, Dixit S, Choudhry D, Govil D, Mishra RC, Samavedam S, Tracheostomy in Adult Intensive Care Unit: An ISCCM Expert Panel Practice Recommendations. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(Suppl 1):S31-S42.

Need for tracheostomy after lung transplant predicts decreased mid- and long-term survival

BACKGROUND

Tracheostomy is an important adjunct for lung transplant patients requiring prolonged ventilation. We explored the effects of post-transplant tracheostomy on survival and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after lung transplant.

METHODS

A retrospective, single center analysis was performed on all lung transplant recipients during the Lung Allocation Score (LAS) era. Risk factors for post-transplant tracheostomy or death within 30 days were assessed. Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association between tracheostomy within 30 days after transplant and survival at 1 and 3 years. A total of 403 patients underwent single or bilateral lung transplant between May 2005 and February 2016 with complete data for 352 cases, and 35 patients (9.9%) underwent tracheostomy or died (N = 10, 2.8%) within 30 days.

RESULTS

In adjusted analyses, primary graft dysfunction grade 3 (PGD3) was associated with a composite end point of tracheostomy or death within 30 days (HR 3.11 (1.69, 5.71), P-value < .001). Tracheostomy within 30 days was associated with decreased survival at 1(HR 4.25 [1.75, 10.35] P-value = .001) and 3 years (HR 2.74 [1.30, 5.76], P-value = .008), as well as decreased bronchiolitis obliterans (BOS)-free survival at 1 (HR 1.87 [1.02, 3.41] P-value = .042) and 3 years (HR 2.15 [1.33, 3.5], P-value = .002).

CONCLUSION

Post-transplant tracheostomy is a marker for advanced lung allograft dysfunction with significant reduction in long-term overall and BOS-free survival.