Introduction: Actually we are attending changes in the concept of pediatric tracheostomy. The most important of them is a change in its indications. The aim of our study is to provide our experience about pediatric tracheostomy.
Methods: We are reporting a retrospective study of 16 patients who underwent tracheotomy between 1994-May 2004, reviewing the indications, their complications and evolution.
Results: In our study we have only managed to close the tracheostomy in 5 patients and one is waiting surgery, in the rest the pathology has nos allowed us to close it.
Discussion/conclusion: Actually the main indication for pediatric tracheostomy is prolonged intubation. Preterm children, the earlier age is done and the longer the intubation is increase the risk of complications but mainly it is the base illness of the patient which will determine the posterior evolution of the tracheostomy.