Safety of percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) with the rigid tracheotomy endoscope (TED): a 6-month follow-up multicenter investigation

BMC Anesthesiol. 2021 Feb 15;21(1):51. doi: 10.1186/s12871-021-01264-2.

Abstract

Background: The rigid tracheotomy endoscope (TED) was recently introduced to improve the fiberoptic technique during percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) in critically ill patients. The aim was to evaluate the long-term complications of PDT using TED equipment in a prospective multicenter investigation.

Methods: One hundred eighty adult patients underwent PDT using TED in four German hospitals. Patients who were alive or their guardians were contacted via telephone and interviewed using a structured questionnaire 6 months following the tracheostomy procedure. Patients with airway complaints were invited for outpatient clinical ENT examination. The incidence of adverse events related to PDT was registered.

Results: Of 180 patients who received tracheostomy, 137 (76.1%) were alive at the time of follow-up. None of the 43 lethal events was related to the PDT. Fifty-three (38.7%) patients were available for follow-up examination, whereas 14 (10.2%) were able to visit ENT physicians. Two (3.8%) out of 53 patients developed tracheocutaneous fistula with required surgical closure of tracheostoma. Dyspnea (7.5%), hoarseness (5.7%), stridor and swallowing difficulties (both with 3.8%) were the most common complaints. Tracheal stenosis was confirmed in 1 patient (1.88% [95% CI: 0.33; 9.93]).

Conclusion: The use of TED for PDT in the clinical setting is safe regarding adverse events at 6-month follow-up. The incidence of tracheal stenosis after PDT with TED is comparable with that of flexible bronchoscopy; however, its role for PDT at the intensive care unit should be clarified in further investigations.

Keywords: Late complications; Percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy; Rigid endoscopy; Tracheal stenosis; Tracheotomy.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Critical Care / methods*
  • Critical Illness
  • Dilatation / adverse effects
  • Dilatation / instrumentation
  • Dilatation / methods
  • Endoscopes
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tracheal Stenosis / epidemiology*
  • Tracheostomy / adverse effects
  • Tracheostomy / instrumentation*
  • Tracheostomy / methods*
  • Tracheotomy / adverse effects
  • Tracheotomy / instrumentation*
  • Tracheotomy / methods*