IngentaConnect Tracheostomy in children; a retrospective study

Authors: Van Zanten,¹; Marres¹

Source: Clinical Otolaryngology & Allied Sciences, Volume 23, Number 2, April 1998 , pp. 189-190(2)

Abstract:

Objective. This century the indications for tracheostomy in children have changed from poliomyelitis and diphtheria toother indications. A retrospective study has been conducted to obtain insight not only into these indications but also complication rates, and other aspects of tracheostomy in children.

Materials and methods. From the case-notes of all children up to the age of 16 years who underwent a tracheostomy in the University Hospital Nijmegen between 1980 and 1996 the following items were obtained: age, sex, duration of intubation before tracheostomy, underlying disease, indication, pre- and postoperative complications, duration of tracheostomy and mortality.

Results. In this period a tracheostomy was performed in 65 children (male : female ratio = 34 : 31). Thirty-four per cent of this group were younger than 1 year of age. An acquired disease was the indication for a tracheostomy in 70%. In 30% the tracheostomy was due to a congenital cause. In 35 children (54%) one or more complications were noted during or after the operative procedure. One child died because of related canula problems. At the end of the study 43 children were still alive, only two children still needed a tracheostomy tube.

Conclusion. With well considered indications and a knowledge of all the risks, a tracheostomy is a safe procedure in all age groups.

Keywords: audiometry; otosclerosis; second ear; stapedectomy

Document Type: Abstract

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2273.1998.0119o.x

Affiliations: 1: Nijmegen, The Netherlands