IntroductionTo evaluate and compare the peri-operative and postoperative complications of the two most frequently used percutaneous tracheostomy techniques, namely guide wire dilating forceps (GWDF) and Ciaglia Blue Rhino (CBR).MethodsA sequential cohort study with comparison of short-term and long-term peri-operative and postoperative complications was performed in the intensive care unit of the University Medical Centre in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. In the period 1997–2000, 171 patients underwent a tracheostomy with the GWDF technique and, in the period 2000–2003, a further 171 patients with the CBR technique. All complications were prospectively registered on a standard form.ResultsThere was no significant difference in major complications, either peri-operative or postoperative. We found a significant difference in minor peri-operative complications (P < 0.01) and minor late complications (P < 0.05).ConclusionDespite a difference in minor complications between GWDF and CBR, both techniques seem equally reliable.