Efficacy and Safety of Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheotomy in the Head and Neck Cancer Surgery

Abstract

Background and Objectives Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is an easy and fast technique that can replace surgical tracheostomy (ST). Less bleeding, easy technique and short procedure time are the main advantages of this tecunique. This study is to evaluate the feasibility of PDT during the head and neck cancer surgery.Subjects and Method The medical records of 12 patients who underwent PDT during a head and neck cancer surgery in the period of September 2019 to September 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Another medical records of 12 patients who underwent ST during the head and neck cancer surgery were acquired for comparison. PDT was performed using Ciglia Percutaneous Tracheostomy Set<sup>®</sup> (Cook Critical Care). Parameters of blood loss, procedure time, wound communication between the cervical and tracheostomy incision and complications were compared between the PDT group and the ST group.Results The PDT group showed less blood loss, shorter procedure time and showed fewer incidences of wound communication. As for complications, there was one case of conversion to ST due to procedure failure in the PDT group. The complication rate was not different between the two groups.Conclusion PDT can be used as a safe and effective procedure during the head and neck cancer surgery for selected patients.