Tracheostomy in Children: Experience from a Tertiary Care Center in South India.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Data on tracheostomy in children are scarce in India. Hence, our study aimed to determine the indications, timing, complications, and outcomes of tracheostomy in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out a single-center ambispective study in children aged 1 month to 12 years undergoing tracheostomy in the PICU from February 2019 to April 2024. Data on age, gender, indications, complications, outcome, and follow-up of post-tracheostomy patients were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-six patients underwent tracheostomy. Neurological illness (57.4%) was the reason for admission in the majority of children. Prolonged ventilation was the most common indication for tracheostomy (50%). The median (IQR) duration of ventilation before tracheostomy was 21 (14-27) days. The mean (SD) duration of weaning to "T piece" was 9.3 (7.8) days. Forty-six children died in the hospital due to primary illness and 4 (2.9%) tracheostomy-related deaths. Complications were observed in 58 (42.6%) children. Tracheal aspirate growth was observed in 58 (42.6%). Mothers were the primary caregivers in 127 (93.4%). The median (IQR) duration of PICU stay was 28 (20-43.5) days. Forty-nine (36%) children were decannulated.

CONCLUSION

Tracheostomy is a safe procedure in the PICU, and the mortality is mainly due to underlying illness.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE

Subramani S, Varadarajan P, Rangabashyam N, Jayaraman N, Balaji S, Rajajeyavel JM. Tracheostomy in Children: Experience from a Tertiary Care Center in South India. Indian J Crit Care Med 2025;29(7):592-596.