The infant tracheostomy

Tracheostomy is indicated in infants when other methods of securing the airway have failed, or when prolonged mechanical ventilation or improved pulmonary toilet is required. When performing the procedure, the infant trachea can be difficult to identify. Proper patient positioning and meticulous dissection technique are therefore critical. Stay sutures are placed to facilitate tube replacement in case of accidental decannulation in the early postoperative period. An infant tracheostomy, as compared to an adult tracheostomy, carries higher complication and mortality rates, primarily due to the inability of an infant to signal for help. Adequate caregiver training is essential if an infant is to be discharged from the hospital with a tracheostomy.