Complications in Pediatric Tracheotomy

Kim, Kwang Hyun; Sung, Myung Whun; Oh, Seung Jun; Jeong, Han Sin; Choi, Byung Yoon; Park, Min Hyun; Kim, In Sang; Kim, Jung joon; Kim, Dong Young; Lee, Dong Wook

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Improvements in the fields of neonatology and surgical subspecialities make tracheotomy possible to the younger population. But complication rates for pediatric tracheotomy are significantly higher than that for adult tracheotomy. This study was designed to present our 14-year experiences of pediatric tracheotomy and to evaluate the effect of several factors of complications.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From 1986 through 1999, 188 tracheotomies were performed on 162 children. The charts were reviewed retrospectively and the results were analyzed.
RESULTS
There was no tracheotomy-related mortality. Intraoperative complications were not developed either. Early and late postoperative complication rates were 7.4% and 44.6% respectively. Wound infection and granulation tissue formation were common complications. Granulation tissue formation was related to the duration of the tracheotomised state, dysfunction of vocal fold and pulmonary infection during tracheotomised state.
CONCLUSIONS
Pediatric tracheotomy had significant morbidities, especially late complications. Granulation tissue formation was related to the duration of the tracheotomised state, dysfunction of vocal fold and pulmonary infection during the tracheotomised state. Our experience of 14 years will be helpful in the management of tracheostoma and the airways in pediatric patients.