Publication:

Retrospective analysis of paediatric tracheostomy in Indian tertiary care centre

Background Tracheostomy is frequently performed surgical procedure. The present study was carried out to assess data on various indications, surgical issues if any, complications and outcomes of paediatric tracheostomy.

Methods This study is a retrospective analysis of 32 paediatric patients between 1 to 12 years of age, who underwent tracheostomy at SAIMS, Indore between June 2015 to June 2019. Data was analysed in terms of patient age, sex, emergency or planned procedure, any surgical challenge, complications and post-operative follow up.

Results Majority of patients were of prolonged intubation due to respiratory and laryngotracheobronchitis (15.6%) each, neuromuscular disease (15.6%), seizure disorder (9.4%), metabolic disease (9.4%) and neurological infection (6.3%). Obstructive causes included head injury (9.4%), sub-glottic stenosis (6.3%), malignancy (6.3%) and craniofacial anomaly (3.1%). Common complication encountered were partial blockage of tube, peri-stomal granulation and accidental decannulation. There was no tracheostomy related mortality in this study. Out of 32 patients, 16 were successfully decannulated, 6 were lost to follow up, 6 could not be decannulated and 4 expired due to worsening of primary disease.

Conclusions There is a changing trend in indications of tracheostomy and overall complications have reduced due to trained team and better care facility.