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Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications
Published on: March 15, 2024
Complications of neonatal tracheostomy: a 5-year review
Kevin D Pereira1, Allison R MacGregor, Ron B Mitchell
1Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas, Medical School at Houston, USA. kpereira@uth.tmc.edu
Objective:
Study the complication rate of tracheostomy in premature infants and identify contributing factors. Setting Two university-based tertiary care children's hospitals.
Methods:
The charts of 55 neonates who underwent tracheostomy between January 1997 and December 2002 were reviewed. Group 1 included 32 infants born weighing < 1000 grams. Group 2 included 23 infants born weighing > or = 1000 grams.
Results:
Group 1 infants had a higher incidence of comorbidities related to prematurity. Thirty-eight infants underwent tracheostomy due to ventilatory dependence, 13 for airway obstruction, and 4 for neurologic debilitation. Sixteen infants (29%) had a complication related to tracheostomy. There was no tracheostomy-related mortality.
Conclusions:
Tracheostomy in the preterm infant has the potential for significant morbidity. Meticulous technique, surgeon experience and specialized care may play a role in reducing the complication rate. Complications are usually minor and do not require additional surgical intervention.
Ebm Rating:
C.
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