ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION:

The aim of this study was to determine our experience about pediatric tracheostomy indications, timing and complicatons and review of the literature.

METHODS:

Retrospective analysis of 53 patients who underwent tracheostomy from January 2012 to October 2014 were evaluated. Data analyzed included age, gender, indications for tracheostomy, tracheostomy timing and complications.

RESULTS:

Twenty eight(%52.8) female and 25(%47.2) male total 53 patients were evaluated in this study. The median age was 36.88±44.58(2-191 months) months. Neurological diseases were the most common indications for tracheostomy (32 patients, %60.4). Another indications for tracheostomy were prolonged intubation (12 patients,%22.6), upper airway obstruction (6 patients,%11.3), vocal cord paralysis (2 patients,%3.8) and trauma (1 patient, %1.9) in our study. Mechanical ventilation duration times were 29.6±39.12 days before tracheostomy. There were perioperative complications at 14 patients (26%).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:

In our study, neurological diseases were the most common indications for tracheostomy. Trachoestomy has low mortality and morbidity rates when placed at pediatric intensive care units.