Indications and Outcomes for Tracheostomies in Pediatric Oncology Patients—A Single Center Study

Abstract

BackgroundChildren with cancer face a high risk of complications including prolonged mechanical ventilation requiring tracheostomies. While tracheostomies have been demonstrated to be a generally safe procedure, there remain significant rare complications and a paucity of literature addressing outcomes specifically for pediatric patients with cancer. The objective of this study was to characterize pediatric patients with cancer who underwent tracheostomies and describe their indications and outcomes for length of stay, decannulation, and complications.ProceduresAt a single large volume children's hospital, retrospective medical record analysis was performed in all pediatric patients with cancer who received tracheostomies from 2004 to 2023.ResultsSixty‐five patients were identified with a median follow‐up time of 763 days (interquartile range 302–1687). Twenty‐one (32%) patients had a tracheostomy placed due to complications from mass effect of the tumor, 16 (25%) due to complications from cancer treatment, and 14 (22%) had a tracheostomy placed for nononcologic reasons. Additionally, a distinct subgroup of 14 (22%) patients underwent tracheostomy perioperatively for elective airway management during surgical resection of their tumors. Twenty‐nine (45%) were decannulated and 17 (26%) patients had a tracheostomy‐associated complication, including tracheitis and tracheocutaneous fistula, and no patients had a tracheostomy‐associated mortality.ConclusionsThe incidence of tracheostomy‐associated complications and decannulation rates in pediatric patients with cancer was comparable with the general pediatric tracheostomy population. This study establishes a reference point for clinicians regarding the anticipated outcomes among pediatric patients with cancer requiring or having undergone a tracheostomy.