Safety of percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) with the rigid tracheotomy endoscope (TED): a 6-month follow-up multicenter investigation

Background The rigid tracheotomy endoscope (TED) was recently introduced to improve the fiberoptic technique during percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) in critically ill patients. The aim was to evaluate the long-term complications of PDT using TED equipment in a prospective multicenter investigation. Methods One hundred eighty adult patients underwent PDT using TED in four German hospitals. Patients who were alive or their guardians were contacted via telephone and interviewed using a structured questionnaire 6 months following the tracheostomy procedure. Patients with airway complaints were invited for outpatient clinical ENT examination. The incidence of adverse events related to PDT was registered. Results Of 180 patients who received tracheostomy, 137 (76.1%) were alive at the time of follow-up. None of the 43 lethal events was related to the PDT. Fifty-three (38.7%) patients were available for follow-up examination, whereas 14 (10.2%) were able to visit ENT physicians. Two (3.8%) out of 53 patients developed tracheocutaneous fistula with required surgical closure of tracheostoma. Dyspnea (7.5%), hoarseness (5.7%), stridor and swallowing difficulties (both with 3.8%) were the most common complaints. Tracheal stenosis was confirmed in 1 patient (1.88% [95% CI: 0.33; 9.93]). Conclusion The use of TED for PDT in the clinical setting is safe regarding adverse events at 6-month follow-up. The incidence of tracheal stenosis after PDT with TED is comparable with that of flexible bronchoscopy; however, its role for PDT at the intensive care unit should be clarified in further investigations.

Tracheocutaneous Fistula After Pediatric Open Airway Reconstruction

Objectives: Tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) is a common occurrence after pediatric tracheostomy decannulation. However, the persistence of TCF after staged reconstruction of the pediatric airway is not well-described. The primary objective was to determine the rate of persistent TCF after successful decannulation in children with staged open airway reconstruction. Methods: A case series with chart review of children who underwent decannulation after double-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction between 2017 and 2019. Results: A total of 26 children were included. The most common open airway procedure was anterior and posterior costal cartilage grafting (84.6%, 22/26). Median age at decannulation was 3.4 years (IQR: 2.8-4.3) and occurred 7.0 months (IQR: 4.3-10.4) after airway reconstruction. TCF persisted in 84.6% (22/26) of children while 15.4% (4/26) of stomas closed spontaneously. All closures were identified by the one-month follow-up visit. There was no difference in age at tracheostomy ( P = .86), age at decannulation ( P = .97), duration of tracheostomy ( P = .43), or gestational age ( P = .23) between stomas that persisted or closed. Median diameter of stent used at reconstruction was larger in TCFs that persisted (7.0 mm vs 6.5 mm, P = .03). Tracheostomy tube diameter ( P = .02) and stent size ( P < .01) correlated with persistence of TCF on multivariable logistic regression analysis. There were 16 surgical closure procedures, which occurred at a median of 14.4 months (IQR: 11.4-15.4) after decannulation. Techniques included 56.3% (9/16) by primary closure, 18.8% (3/16) by secondary intention and 25% (4/16) by cartilage tracheoplasty. The overall success of closure was 93.8% (15/16) at latest follow-up. Conclusions: Persistent TCF occurs in 85% of children who are successfully decannulated after staged open airway reconstruction. Spontaneous closure could be identified by 1 month after decannulation and was more likely when smaller stents and tracheostomy tubes were utilized. Surgeons should counsel families on the frequency of TCF and the potential for additional procedures needed for closure.