Unraveling the Evolving Trends of Pediatric Tracheostomy- An Overview at a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Otolaryngologists have long been concerned with pediatric airway care because of the vast range of problems that can arise in these situations. Tracheostomy was practiced in Greece, according to historical documents, and ever since it has served as the cornerstone of medical administration. Through bypassing any upper airway obstructive pathology, pediatric tracheostomy lessens dead space and, hence, the lung work load. It also gives access to suction and airway clearing. As medical technology has advanced throughout time, the indications and length of tracheostomies done on pediatric patients have changed. Our aim was to study the indications and the timing of performing tracheostomy in paediatric population at a tertiary care set up and to assess the complications and outcome for successful decannulation.The most frequent cause for prologed tracheostomy was Guillain Barre in children. They had good outcomes, including successful decannulation once their general health stabilized. The most frequent cause of death in our research population was cardiac arrest, with tube displacement and lower respiratory tract infection as the most frequent sequelae. Longer tracheostomy durations with a delay in decannulation were linked to longer PICU stays and longer hospital stays. The decannulation was successful in almost all instances, but the socioeconomic status, carer awareness, and general health of the patient determined the speed of weaning off and post-tracheostomy rehabilitation. Even in a developing nation like ours, improved access to intensive care units and medical progress have changed the way that children tracheostomies are thought of.