Ultrasound-guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) versus fiber- optic bronchoscopy-guided (PDT) in critically ill patients.

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is routinely performed by bronchoscopy guided technique in the intensive care unit. Recently, ultrasound has become a potentially useful tool for PDT to reduce procedure-related complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of real time ultrasound guided PDT compared to bronchoscopy-guided PDT in critically ill patients.Methods: Randomized controlled trial, done from March 2017 to March 2019 .30 patients were eligible;15 were assigned to bronchoscopy guided PDT and the other 15 were assigned to ultrasound (us) guided PDT.Main results: There was no statistically significant correlation between procedure type and primary outcomes except for hypoxia and minor bleeding(10 patients in the bronchoscopic group versus 3 patients in the ultrasound guided group ) p=.01. .Regarding secondary outcome ,there was no significant correlation between procedure type ant final hospital outcome.Conclusion: Ultrasound guided PDT can be used to decrease complications during the procedure with comparable results with bronchoscope.