Paediatric tracheostomy in Hospital University Kebangsaan Malaysia - a changing trend.

Full Abstract

Indication for pediatric tracheostomy has changed. Upper airway obstruction secondary to infectious disorders is no longer the commonest indication. The aim of this study was to establish data on indications, outcome and complications of pediatric tracheostomy. A retrospective analysis of pediatric tracheostomies carried out between March 2002 to March 2004 was done. Eighteen patients were identified. The commonest indication was prolonged ventilation (94.5%) followed by pulmonary toilet (5.5%). None was performed for upper airway obstruction. Postoperative complications were encountered in six patients (33.3%), the commonest being accidental decannulation notably in children less than six years of age. Twelve patients (66.6%) were successfully decannulated. The mortality rate was 16.6%. All death were non tracheostomy related. The commonest indication for tracheostomy was prolonged ventilation and tracheostomy in children is relatively safe despite complications.

Author information

Author/s: Primuharsa Putra, S H A (SH); Wong, C Y (CY); Hazim, M Y S (MY); Megat Shiraz, M A R (MA); Goh, B S (BS);

Affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article

Journal: The Medical journal of Malaysia (Med J Malaysia), published in Malaysia. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Jun; vol 61 (issue 2) : pp 209-13

Dates: Created 2006/08/10; Completed 2006/09/26; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 16898313, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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