Timing of tracheotomy in ICU patients: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

The optimal timing of tracheotomy in critically ill patients remains a topic of debate. The Authors performed a systematic review to clarify the potential benefits of early versus late tracheotomy. Three categories of timing of tracheotomy (within 4 versus after 10 days, within 4 versus after 5 days, within 10 versus after 10 days) were analyzed. Twelve studies with a total of 2,689 patients were included in this analysis. The Authors have identified that early tracheotomy is associated with more ventilator-free days, shorter ICU stays, less sedation, and reduced long-term mortality, compared to late tracheotomy