Tracheostomy decision making: from placement to decannulation

Summary Over the last few decades, greater numbers of tracheostomies have been performed in medically complex and fragile children to manage upper airway obstruction, progressive neuromuscular disorders, abnormal ventilatory drive and to facilitate airway clearance. The optimal timing of tracheostomy tube placement and methods to determine suitable patients for the procedure remain unclear. Caring for children with tracheostomies can have a considerable financial and psychosocial impact on a family. Pediatric patients with tracheostomies have a 2-3 fold greater morbidity and mortality compared to adult patients. Clinicians should provide as much clarity as possible for families on the positive and negative aspects of pediatric tracheotomies and long term mechanical ventilation prior to tracheostomy placement. Tracheostomies are often placed as a bridge, whilst time for healing, growth and other therapies are needed to help overcome the indication for tracheostomy. Suitable investigations used to determine the optimal timing of decannulation remain physician and institution dependent.