Paediatric tracheostomy

Pediatric tracheostomy (also known as tracheotomy) is a surgical procedure that can help a child breathe by creating an opening in the windpipe. There are many reasons why children may need a tracheostomy. The most common is to relieve severe breathing difficulties due to an obstruction (blockage) or narrowing in the upper airway. It is reported that only just over 2% of pediatric patients will receive a tracheostomy. Tracheostomy is also usually performed much later in the hospital course, and there is no definite consensus about the length of time a child should remain endotracheally intubated before the placement of a tracheostomy.