The pediatric tracheostomy: simple roentgen studies of morphology and function.

Following tracheostomy, simple roentgen studies coordinated with decannulation permit accurate evaluation of the pediatric patient. These studies require alertness to the child's clinical condition as well as a selective, monitored roentgen technique. The conventional lateral neck radiograph and the high-kV frontal tracheogram complete the evaluation in most cases. Fluoroscopy and xerography can be of additional value if decannulation is difficult, though xerography should be used only to confirm the presence of a granuloma seen on the conventional radiograph.