Paediatric tracheostomy—An 11 year experience at a Scottish paediatric tertiary referral centre

AimsThe aim of this paper was to review the indications, complications and outcomes for tracheostomy at a Scottish paediatric tertiary referral hospital.MethodsAll patients undergoing tracheostomy between January 2001 and September 2012 were identified. A retrospective case note analysis was performed.Results111 tracheostomies were done in the study period. The mean number per year was 11 (3–12). Full data was available for 95 patients. There were 56 (59%) males and 39 (41%) females. Age at time of tracheostomy ranged from one day to 15 years, the mean age of tracheostomy insertion was 69 weeks. The majority of patients, 75 (79%), were under one year old when they had their tracheostomy. The most common indication was long-term ventilation (20%), followed by craniofacial abnormality causing airway obstruction (18%), followed by subglottic stenosis (14%). 37% of patients were decannulated.ConclusionsThis series reflects current trends in the indications for paediatric tracheostomy, with chronic lung disease of prematurity being the most common indication.