An Overview of Outcomes Associated With Early Versus Late Tracheostomy From a National Standpoint

Tracheostomy is a procedure that is commonly used in critically ill patients who require prolonged mechanical ventilation due to acute respiratory failure or airway problems. The best tracheostomy timing (early vs. late) and techniques (percutaneous dilatational, other new percutaneous procedures, open surgery) have been hotly debated. This research aimed to evaluate the outcome of early versus late tracheostomy in terms of in-hospital mortality, patient length of stay in the hospital, and cost after a detailed analysis and review using National Inpatient Survey (NIS) data. This study indicates that early tracheostomy greatly reduces in-hospital mortality, the need to transfer to skilled nursing facilities as well as direct variables, length of stay, and potentially overall hospital cost in the ICU.