Narrative Review of Tracheostomy Procedure during COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented increase in the number of critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Tracheostomy played important role wean off from ventilator support and maximize resources. is aerosol generating procedure (AGP) which raised some controversial issues as it carries a risk infection healthcare workers. This study aims review related tracheostomy patients, including appropriate time perform tracheostomy, criteria for patient selection, safer approach among Related information retrieved via online search original articles, paper reviews, recommendations guidelines PubMed, Medline Google Scholar using keywords COVID-19, intensive care ventilation are summarized this article. suggested frame ranged 7 21 days. Early performed between day 10 14 had beneficial outcome helped reduce ICU occupancy. Decision timing was made after considering viral load course disease. Criteria selection based on suggestions studies were lower oxygen requirement (FiO2<0.4, PEEP< 10), low Sepsis Organ Failure (SOFA) scores, at least days signs improvement. Patient factors, availability facilities expertise decision undertake tracheostomy. outcomes varied centers. Most reported that none workers been infected by utilizing PPE taking precautions during procedure. In conclusion, established but still depend case basis.