Pediatric Tracheotomy: Comparison of surgical technique with early and late complications in 273 cases

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to compare the early and late complications of tracheotomy in pediatric patient, with respect to surgical techniques. METHODS: The relationship between demographic characteristics, surgical techniques obtained from the files of the children and complications developing after surgery were compared retrospectively. RESULTS: One hundred fifty two out of 273 developed complications after tracheotomy. Among these, 75 were early complications and 77 were late complications. Results obtained concerning early complications showed a significant difference between Skin incision and Bleeding and Accidental decannulation; Tracheal incision and Subcutaneous emphysema; surgical time and accidental decannulation and tube/ventilation problem; Surgeon’s skill level and bleeding. As regards late complications there was a significant difference between Intubation Time and Stomal-tracheal granulation; Tracheal incision and Stomal infection; Surgeon’s skill level and Stomal-tracheal granulation. CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric tracheotomy the preferred skin incision and tracheal incision, surgeon’s experience, tracheotomoy time and intubation time are important as regards development of early or late complications.