PEDIATRIC TRACHEOTOMY AND HOME CARE

¹Akdeniz Üniversitesi, Tıp Fakültesi Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları ABD, Antalya, Türkiye
²Akdeniz Üniversitesi, Tıp Fakültesi, Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları ABD, Çocuk Yoğun Bakım Ünitesi, Antalya, Türkiye Tracheotomy, is one of the older surgical invasive procedures. Tracheotomy term is an Ancient Greek etymon and describes to create an opening. Tracheotomy, is a surgical procedure that maintains open airway between trachea and skin and has been performed since ancient times. Recently, with the advances in performed techniques and equipments, tracheotomy procedures are carried out in shorter time and with lesser complications. Numbers of emergent tracheotomies in acute upper airway obstructions are decreased with vaccination programmes, and developments in anesthesia. At the present time, there are three basic indications of tracheotomy in children. First indication is the obstruction of upper airways; second indication is premature or bronchopulmonary dysplasic child with the requirement of accessory respiratory techniques. Third indication is to maintain pulmonary clearance of patients with overt secretions or tendency to aspiration. Special care and talent are needed in tracheotomy procedure and care after procedure with the increase in survival of premature infants and requirement of long term ventilatory support. After the utilisation of tracheotomy for long term ventilatory support, long term care concept has been developed in children. Procedure should be performed carefully and successful home care should be maintained to prevent complications after tracheotomy. Home and parents should be prepared during the discharge period. Parents of the children or other care givers should be expert in the home care of tracheotomy. This review mentions history of tracheotomy, tracheotomy in children and care of tracheotomy. Keywords : Tracheotomy, ventilation, home care services, airway obstruction