A Synergy of Ultrasound and Bronchoscopy in Enhancing Safety in Percutaneous Tracheostomy Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Bronchoscopy-guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (BPDT) and ultrasound-guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (USPDT) are widely employed techniques. However, USPDT provides better vascular mapping and reduces bleeding risk, while BPDT offers better tracheal entry and fewer airway complications. Their comparative efficacy and safety were systematically evaluated, with special consideration for high-risk patients, including obese and critically ill individuals with complex airway anatomy. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, an in-depth literature search was conducted in Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, focusing on adult patients undergoing percutaneous tracheostomy with USPDT, BPDT, or both. Quality assessment indicated that most studies exhibited a low risk of bias, though concerns regarding randomization and selective reporting were noted in some cases. A meta-analysis was conducted using pooled effect sizes, procedural success rates, complication rates, and heterogeneity (I²), applying a random-effects model. Ten studies involving 1,069 patients were analyzed. The pooled analysis demonstrated a moderate positive association between USPDT and BPDT in improving procedural success and reducing complications (CI: 0.41 to 0.55, standardized mean difference = 0.48, 95%, p < 0.05). However, significant heterogeneity (I² = 72.95%) was observed, likely due to variations in study design and patient populations. USPDT and BPDT are both practical and safe for percutaneous tracheostomy, with unique advantages for different clinical scenarios. The findings support a hybrid approach integrating both modalities to enhance procedural safety and efficiency, particularly in high-risk populations. Future large-scale trials should focus on reducing heterogeneity, assessing long-term outcomes, and improving cost-effectiveness to establish best-practice guidelines for broader clinical implementation.