Tracheostomy versus endotracheal intubation

Endotracheal intubation versus Tracheostomy a comparison

Tracheostomy	Endotracheal intubation
Reduced need for sedation	Patient needs to be sedated
Not so easy	Easier & Quicker
Virtually no damage to glottis	Danger of damage to glottis
Reduction of dead space	Dead space reduction not appreciable
Tolerated well for long periods	Patients dont tolerate ET tubes for long periods
Weaning easy	Weaning not so easy after prolonged intubation
Requires skill	Skill can be easily learnt by practice
Bleeding & wound infections common	Virtually no bleeding
Humidification of inspired air a must	Humidification of inspired air is not a must
Scar formation +	No scar formation
Low risk of improper placement of tube	Risk of improper tube placement is rather high