[Decanulation of tracheostomised children (author's transl)]

It is described eight tracheostomised patients, advising an early and gradual tracheal decanulation using silver tracheostomy tube with a window in the posterior curvature (fenestrated tube, Alder Hey pattern) and proper sedation at the moment of definitive decanulation. Decanulation techniques and the mechanical and functional difficulties that can occur and how to avoid them are described: Finally the tracheostomy tubes that have been used are mentioned.