Table 2 Potential advantages of tracheostomy compared to endotracheal intubation

Respiratory mechanics

Reduces dead space ventilation

Reduces airway resistance

Reduces work of breathing

Facilitates weaning of mechanical ventilation

Airway injury

Reduces further laryngeal injury

Patient comfort

Facilitates patient mobility

Allows speech

Allows oral nutrition

Infectious complications

Facilitates pulmonary toilet

Reduces the risk of swallowing dysfunction and aspiration

Reduces the risk of nosocomial pneumonia

Resource utilization

Facilitates faster transfer out of intensive care unit

Shortens the hospital length of stay

Shortens the duration of mechanical ventilation