Modified Ciaglia and Griggs percutaneous tracheostomy techniques: A retrospective analysis

Abstract

Objective: Many techniques of percutaneous tracheostomy have been described in the literature. The two most popular techniques are Griggs and Modified-Ciaglia percutaneous tracheostomies. In this study we report our experience with percutaneous tracheostomy based on Griggs and Modified-Ciaglia techniques, as well as comparison of these techniques regarding their complication rates. Method: Retrospective evaluation of 158 patients' data undergone elective percutaneous tracheotomy in intensive care unit of our institution between 2007 and 2010 was made. Results: Totally 158 percutaneous tracheostomies were performed, where Modified-Ciaglia technique was used in 114 (72.2%) of them and Griggs technique in the rest. The procedure duration was significantly shorter with Griggs than with Modified-Ciaglia technique, (p=0.04). No significant difference was detected between the groups regarding complication development, (p=0.42). Conclusion: Both Modified-Ciaglia and Griggs percutaneous tracheostomy techniques are good alternatives for surgical tracheotomy, with comparable and acceptable complication rates. Duration of percutaneous tracheostomy procedure is shorter with Griggs technique.