Considerations for the successful decannulation of the pediatric patient: A single surgeon's experience

To characterize the steps and interventions necessary for successful decannulation of the chronic pediatric tracheostomy patient.

This retrospective review analyzed one surgeon's (DJK) pediatric tracheostomy decannulation methods and results at a tertiary academic medical center over a thirteen-year period, from October 2002 through November 2015. It also examined which tests and procedures were conducted on patients prior to their successful decannulation.

Over the period of study, 46 patients met inclusion criteria for analysis and underwent decannulation after being followed in the clinic or the hospital. One of these patients had to have the tracheostomy tube replaced. In nearly all cases, these patients underwent a systematic progression from tolerance of daytime tracheostomy capping to a capped sleep study, and endoscopic airway evaluation. In recent years, a subset of patients also underwent sleep endoscopy. In nearly all cases, patients spent a single night in the hospital in a non-acute bed at the time of decannulation. Ninety-eight percent (n = 45) of patients were successfully and safely decannulated after having met the milestones that we employ at our institution.

This study serves as a safe, efficient, and resource-prudent protocol for otolaryngologists to follow when considering tracheostomy decannulation in the pediatric population. Sleep endoscopy can play a helpful role in guiding decannulation decisions. Since it is impossible to employ a single rigid protocol of testing prior to decannulating all patients, clinical judgment must always be exercised in individual circumstances.