Benefits of Bedside Open Tracheostomy: A Safe and Cost-Effective Alternative to the Operating Room.

Background: Tracheostomy is a commonly performed procedure in Otolaryngology and can be performed in different settings. We evaluate patient characteristics and cost efficacy of tracheostomy at the bedside versus operating room (OR).

Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed for adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients who underwent tracheostomy from 2020 to 2023. Data and cost of procedures were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: One hundred and sixty-five patients were included. One hundred and thirty-four (81.2%) patients underwent bedside tracheostomy. Age, sex, and BMI were not significantly different. Average time from consult to procedure and operative time was significantly shorter (p = 0.03; 0.008). There were no differences in postoperative complications, 30-day mortality, ICU length of stay (LOS), or overall LOS. Tracheostomy at the bedside offered a 73.1% cost reduction compared with performed in the OR.

Conclusions: Advantages of bedside tracheostomy include decreased operative time, time from consult to procedure, and cost reduction for the hospital system. We advocate for consideration of bedside tracheostomy when appropriate. Methods: null