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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 1/2006

01-02-2005 | Review

Bench-to-bedside review: Early tracheostomy in critically ill trauma patients

Authors: Nehad Shirawi, Yaseen Arabi

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 1/2006

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Abstract

A significant proportion of trauma patients require tracheostomy during intensive care unit stay. The timing of this procedure remains a subject of debate. The decision for tracheostomy should take into consideration the risks and benefits of prolonged endotracheal intubation versus tracheostomy. Timing of tracheostomy is also influenced by the indications for the procedure, which include relief of upper airway obstruction, airway access in patients with cervical spine injury, management of retained airway secretions, maintenance of patent airway and airway access for prolonged mechanical ventilation. This review summarizes the potential advantages of tracheostomy versus endotracheal intubation, the different indications for tracheostomy in trauma patients and studies examining early versus late tracheostomy. It also reviews the predictors of prolonged mechanical ventilation, which may guide the decision regarding the timing of tracheostomy.
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Metadata
Title
Bench-to-bedside review: Early tracheostomy in critically ill trauma patients
Authors
Nehad Shirawi
Yaseen Arabi
Publication date
01-02-2005
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 1/2006
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/cc3828

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