The current practice of tracheostomy in the United Kingdom: a postal survey.

Krishnan, K; Elliot, S C; Mallick, A · Anaesthesia · 2005

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

A postal questionnaire was sent to 228 intensive care units throughout the United Kingdom to determine aspects of current tracheostomy practice. From the number of units responding (n = 178, 78%), the majority (n = 173, 97%) practised percutaneous tracheostomy as opposed to open surgical tracheostomy. The Blue Rhino single dilator was the most popular technique (n = 114, 64%). Percutaneous tracheostomy is increasingly carried out under bronchoscopic guidance (n = 148, 83%); however, there remains considerable variation in the timing of tracheostomy and only 61 units (34%) have set follow-up procedures.

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