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. 2004 Dec;131(6):810-3.
doi: 10.1016/j.otohns.2004.07.009.

Complications of neonatal tracheostomy: a 5-year review

Kevin D Pereira  1 , Allison R MacGregor, Ron B Mitchell
Affiliations

Complications of neonatal tracheostomy: a 5-year review

Kevin D Pereira et al. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2004 Dec.

Abstract

Objective: Study the complication rate of tracheostomy in premature infants and identify contributing factors. Setting Two university-based tertiary care children's hospitals.

Methods: The charts of 55 neonates who underwent tracheostomy between January 1997 and December 2002 were reviewed. Group 1 included 32 infants born weighing < 1000 grams. Group 2 included 23 infants born weighing > or = 1000 grams.

Results: Group 1 infants had a higher incidence of comorbidities related to prematurity. Thirty-eight infants underwent tracheostomy due to ventilatory dependence, 13 for airway obstruction, and 4 for neurologic debilitation. Sixteen infants (29%) had a complication related to tracheostomy. There was no tracheostomy-related mortality.

Conclusions: Tracheostomy in the preterm infant has the potential for significant morbidity. Meticulous technique, surgeon experience and specialized care may play a role in reducing the complication rate. Complications are usually minor and do not require additional surgical intervention.

Ebm rating: C.

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