Griffiths et al. Systematic Review of tracheostomy timing. BMJ 2005

Paper type

Systematic Review and meta-analysis

Reference

Griffiths J, Barber VS, Morgan L, Young JD.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of the timing of tracheostomy in adult patients undergoing artificial ventilation.
British Medical Journal 2005; 330: 1243-1248.

The optimal timing of tracheostomy formation in patients ventialted on the ICU remains uncertain. Early tracheostomy may reduce reduce time spent on the ventilator but has no effect on mortality. The effect of tracheostomy timing on the incidence of ventialtor associated pneumonia and ICU stay are open to debate.

• PubMed Abstract
• BMJ Full Text
• Scottish Intensive Care Society CAT review of paper
• TRACMAN trial homepage

Point for discussion:

Are we really convinced that 'early' tracheostomy is best?