Outcomes of Tracheostomy in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Single-Center Experience

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the indications and complications of tracheostomy procedures performed in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a private healthcare institution. Patients and methods: Twenty-one pediatric patients (13 males, 8 females; mean age: 6.7±4.4 years; range, 3 months to 18 years) who underwent surgical tracheostomy between October 1, 2018, and June 1, 2023, were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The mean duration of tracheostomy was 38±16.5 days (range, 9 to 75 days). The most common indication for tracheostomy was prolonged mechanical ventilation due to neuromuscular conditions (cerebral palsy-associated pneumonia) in 17 (80.9%) patients, followed by upper airway obstruction in three (14%) patients. One (4.8%) patient underwent tracheostomy due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Eighteen (85.7%) patients were discharged, while three (14.3%) patients died during intensive care follow-up. Conclusion: Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that can be safely performed in PICUs, particularly in cases requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. The timing of tracheostomy should be individually assessed based on the clinical condition of the patient by the pediatric intensive care specialist. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.