Comparison of Ventilatory Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Versus Bronchoscopy-Guided Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is widely used in intensive care units (ICUs) as an alternative to surgical tracheostomy in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. Various guidance methods have been introduced to increase procedural safety and accuracy, including fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) and ultrasonography (USG). While both techniques are commonly used, their effects on ventilation and gas exchange during the procedure are still debated.

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy allows direct visualization of the tracheal lumen and needle placement but may partially obstruct the airway, potentially leading to increased airway pressures, hypercapnia, and impaired ventilation. Ultrasonography, on the other hand, enables real-time visualization of neck anatomy without entering the airway and may therefore have different effects on ventilation parameters.

This retrospective observational study includes adult ICU patients who underwent percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy between May 5, 2023, and September 1, 2025. Patients were grouped according to the guidance technique used during the procedure: FOB-guided PDT or USG-guided PDT. All procedures were performed under standard ICU conditions by experienced clinicians.

Demographic data, clinical characteristics, ventilator settings, and arterial blood gas parameters were collected from patient records. Primary outcomes included changes in arterial blood gas values (pH, PaCO₂, PaO₂) and ventilatory parameters before, during, and after the procedure. Secondary outcomes included procedure duration and procedure-related complications.

The study aims to compare the effects of FOB-guided and USG-guided PDT on ventilation and gas exchange, providing insight into the physiological consequences of each technique. As a retrospective observational study, no additional interventions were performed beyond standard clinical practice.

The results of this study may contribute to optimizing guidance method selection during percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy and improving patient safety in the intensive care setting.

Inclusion criteria

• Adult patients (≥18 years of age)
• Patients admitted to the intensive care unit
• Patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation
• Patients who underwent percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy under fiberoptic bronchoscopy or ultrasonography guidance
• Availability of complete clinical and arterial blood gas data

Exclusion criteria

• Age <18 years
• Patients with incomplete medical records or missing arterial blood gas data
• Patients who underwent surgical (open) tracheostomy
• Patients with pre-existing tracheal pathology affecting ventilation parameters