[Percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy or tracheostomy? Two case reports].

In terms of numbers, percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) is the most important tracheotomy technique since it is applied in surgical and nonsurgical disciplines. Where correctly indicated, PDT is a fast, economical and easily reversible procedure. Incorrect indication sometimes necessitates conversion of a PDT into a conventional surgical tracheostomy. In these cases scarring, wound infections and ambiguous anatomical structures can represent a surgical challenge. Where a long-term tracheotomy requirement is predicted, a surgical tracheostomy should be performed.