[Aspects of infant and child tracheotomy]

A series of 57 tracheotomies in infants and children was subdivided into two categories. Group A consisted of patients who primarily suffered from severe obstruction of the upper airway. The results demonstrated that tracheotomy was an effective procedure in handling these cases. 30 patients were placed into group B. In this series the upper airway was primarily not involved. Considering the severe cardiac, central and nephrogenic underlying diseases tracheotomy did not play a significant role in the healing process except in few cases. Patients in group B had a higher complication rate and death rate than those in group A. Altogether two patients died because of tracheotomy-related complications (haemorrhage and displacement of cannula). For decreasing the complication rate proper surgical technique and regular endoscopic controls are necessary. "pro and contra" of tracheotomies in children are discussed.