Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications
04:43

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications

Published on: March 15, 2024

Decannulation in children after long-term tracheostomy

G Kontzoglou1, I Petropoulos, G Noussios

  • 1ENT Department, Hippokratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.

B-ENT
|May 9, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Discontinuing tracheostomy (breathing tube) in children requires individualized care. Successful decannulation involves airway assessment and functional trials, with some children needing multiple attempts.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Airway Management
  • Surgical Outcomes

Background:

  • Tracheostomy is a common procedure in pediatric care for airway obstruction.
  • Decannulation techniques and resource utilization vary significantly among institutions.
  • Assessing the effectiveness of decannulation protocols in children is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the process and outcomes of decannulation in pediatric patients.
  • To analyze the methods used for discontinuing tracheostomy in children.
  • To determine the success rates and challenges associated with pediatric decannulation.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of medical records for children who underwent tracheostomy and subsequent decannulation.
  • Review of procedures including airway endoscopy, tracheostomy downsizing, and capping trials.
  • Data collection on patient demographics, tracheostomy duration, and decannulation outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Tracheostomies were placed at a mean age of 4.2 months and discontinued after an average of 26.4 months.
  • All children underwent airway endoscopy and functional trials (downsizing, capping) prior to decannulation.
  • One child failed initial decannulation, and another required a second trial for successful removal.

Conclusions:

  • Individualized approaches are essential for successful pediatric tracheostomy decannulation.
  • Functional trials and airway assessment are key components of the decannulation process.
  • Further research into standardized decannulation protocols may improve outcomes.

More Related Videos

A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation04:46

A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation

Published on: January 17, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Tracheostomy Decannulation01:21

Tracheostomy Decannulation

Tracheostomy decannulation is a significant milestone in the liberation of mechanically ventilated patients. Despite its importance, there is no universally accepted protocol for this procedure. This demands an evidence-based, individualized approach.
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...
Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes01:28

Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes

A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening into the trachea, typically at the second or third cartilaginous ring level. This opening allows the insertion of a tracheostomy tube, which can replace an endotracheal tube, provide mechanical ventilation, bypass an upper airway obstruction, or remove accumulated tracheobronchial secretions.
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen01:16

Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen

Oxygen therapy is a pivotal aspect of medical care, particularly for patients with respiratory ailments. Two prominent oxygen-delivering systems include the Venturi mask and the transtracheal oxygen catheter.
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece01:23

Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece

Oxygen delivery is critical in clinical care, especially for patients with respiratory disorders or those undergoing surgical procedures. Various systems, such as tracheostomy and the T-piece, deliver oxygen to the lungs, ensuring adequate arterial oxygenation.
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps01:16

Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps

A tracheostomy is a surgical technique that involves making an incision in the neck to provide access to the trachea. It is frequently used in medical conditions such as airway obstruction and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Effective nursing management is crucial for the long-term success of a tracheostomy.
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure01:25

Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure

Tracheostomy care is an essential nursing skill that involves cleaning and maintaining a tracheostomy tube to prevent infection and other complications. Here's a step-by-step guide explaining each procedure with its rationale. Note that disposable gloves are to be worn at all times and changed as often as needed to maintain a sterile work environment, and to protect both patient and healthcare worker.
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask and...