Cricothyroidotomy Training on Cadavers: a Prospective Study

Overview

Objective:
Cricothyroidotomy plays on important role in emergency pathway of the difficult airway algorithm, howeveremergent cricothyroidotomy is performed infrequently and can be difficult because of the lack of training and skill retention.The aim of the study was to assess cricothyroidotomy training on cadavers in anaesthesiologists.Design: prospective observational questionnaire based study.Settings: Tertiary Care Hospital, Hradec Králové.Material and methods: All participants performed cricothyroidotomy training procedure on cadavers under the guidance ofthe physician skilled in cricothyroidotomy. Each participant had to perform one attempt of cricothyroidotomy withoutassistance. All participants were asked to fill in the questionnaire before training – age, sex, certification degree, length ofclinical practice, previous experience with cricothyroidotomy and tracheotomy, degree of willingness (DOW) to performcricothyroidotomy in real life was according to assessed the four point scale: 4 = definitely yes anytime if necessary, 3 =slightly hesitating but yes, 2 = hesitating with great degree of uncertainty, 1 = probably would not perform even if indicated.After training, DOW to perform cricothyroidotomy and training utility were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performedusing SigmaStat Statistical Software (Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, Spearman Rank Correlation, p

Key words:
cricothyroidotomy – training – cadavers