Children with tracheostomies in the paediatric intensive care unit

Abstract

Tracheostomy has a long history, and is a procedure that is carried out in ever growing numbers of children. The main indications for tracheostomy can be divided into airway obstruction, rehabilitation, and long term ventilation. The decision to place a tracheostomy is not trivial, and should be made by the multi-disciplinary team working together with the family, as well as the child where possible. Artificial airways such as a tracheostomy can carry significant risks. The National Tracheostomy Safety Project provides guidelines and resources for their management, which aim to mitigate these risks. Standardization of practices across hospital sites supports this. Appropriate training for all individuals involved in the care of a child with a tracheostomy is essential to minimize the risk of problems.