To stab or slash: The percutaneous dilatation or standard surgical approach to cricothyroidotomy in prehospital care

Abstract

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether surgical or percutaneous dilatation techniques offer better success rates in emergency cricothyroidotomy. Altogether 114 papers were found using the reported search, of which two presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date, and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.