Experience with percutaneous tracheostomy in intensive care: the technique of choice?

The technique of percutaneous tracheostomy is described, the experience of 77 such procedures in a single intensive care unit over 2 years is reported, and the literature reviewed. Percutaneous tracheostomy is a safe, effective, simple and rapid technique for intubated patients receiving intensive care. It can be carried out by non-surgeons and has several advantages over conventional tracheostomy in these patients. It may in the future prove to be the technique of choice for elective tracheostomy in other groups of patients, including those undergoing faciomaxillary procedures.