Pediatric Tracheostomies

This episode takes a closer look at tracheostomies in pediatric patients—why they’re performed, how children are cared for immediately after surgery, and what long-term management looks like. We start with the most common reasons for tracheostomies, including airway obstruction, prolonged ventilation needs, and certain congenital or neurologic conditions.

The discussion then moves into immediate post-operative care, emphasizing airway security, monitoring for complications, and the importance of skilled nursing and respiratory support. From there, we highlight the essentials of continuing care at home and in the hospital, such as routine trach changes, suctioning, infection prevention, and family education.

Finally, we cover the process of decannulation, including readiness assessments, gradual trials, and multidisciplinary involvement to ensure safety and success.

The key message: with proper care and support, pediatric patients with tracheostomies can thrive, and decannulation is a realistic goal for many children.

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References:

Kline-Tilford, A. M., & Haut, C. (2020). Cases in pediatric acute care: Strengthening clinical decision making. Wiley-Blackwell.

Additional Resources:

PICU Essentials on the App Store (apple.com)

PICU Essentials - Apps on Google Play