Tracheostomy in children - a 7-year experience at Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Surgery at University Hospital Hradec Králové
Abstract
Introduction: Tracheostomy belongs among the procedures done to secure the airways. Most commonly it is performed for the need of long-term mechanical ventilation and management of airways.
Paediatric tracheostomy has its specifics which need to be taken into consideration to prevent complications, as well as decannulation should have its rules. Methods: The authors present a retrospective study of 50 children that underwent tracheostomy between the years 2012-2018.
They compare indications for tracheostomy, average time of intubation before tracheo-stomy, technique, complications and decannulation rate. Results: The results confirm the main indication for tracheostomy in children: long-term mechanical ventilation and management of upper airways mostly due to polytrauma.
Average time of intubation before tracheostomy was 12,5 days, mostly used technique was inferior tracheostomy. They found only minor complications in 14% of patients, 46% of children stayed long-term tracheostomized.
Conclusion: Tracheostomy in children and adults is linked to higher morbidity, long hospitalization and often to the need of permanent follow-up. Decannulation might be more complicated than in adults, we should discuss a decannulation protocol in the future.