Tracheostomy

Abstract

Tracheostomy is a means of managing the airway obstruction caused by various airway lesions. The three major indications for long-term tracheostomy in children are airway obstruction, ventilator support, and pulmonary toilet. Most children with tracheostomy tubes in place for airway obstruction undergo the procedure as infants, either for acquired laryngotracheal stenosis related to prolonged endotracheal intubation or for congenital lesions that compromise the airway. Pediatric tracheostomy should be performed as an elective surgical procedure using conventional dissection technique in the operating room under general anesthesia.