Performing Percutaneous Dilational Tracheostomy without using Fiberoptic Bronchoscope

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous tracheostomy is an elective method that is increasingly being taken up in the intensive care unit alongside the patient’s bed. In many centers, bronchoscopy is used, but the necessity of using bronchoscopy in percutaneous tracheostomy has not yet been determined. Discontinuing use of bronchoscopy can potentially reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of percutaneous tracheostomy. Therefore, in this study, we performed a percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy without using fiberoptic bronchoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed as a descriptive epidemiological survey among 70 patients in Shahid Rajaei Hospital of Qazvin in 2015 and 2016. The results were assessed in the patients. RESULTS: In this study, pneumothorax, trauma, major and minor bleeding, cuff leak and change to surgical procedures as well as accidental extubation were not seen. However, subcutaneous emphysema, mal-position and hypoxia each were seen in one patient (1.4%). CONCLUSION: Totally the results demonstrated that percutaneous dilatation tracheostomy without fiberoptic bronchoscopic guidance is useful and safe.