Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2025

Seeding and Implantation of a Biosynthetic Tissue-engineered Tracheal Graft in a Mouse Model
Published on: April 1, 2019
Pediatric Tracheotomy Stomal Maturation and Tracheocutaneous Fistulas
Tu-Anh N Ha1, Samagra Jain1, Ari Schuman1
1Bobby R. Alford Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.
Objective:
The purpose of this study is to determine whether tracheostomy stomal maturation affects the risk of tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) in children.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review was conducted for all children who both underwent a tracheostomy and were decannulated between 2012 and 2021 at a tertiary children's hospital. Charts were analyzed for demographics, surgical technique, and development of a TCF. TCF was defined as a persistent fistula following 3 months after decannulation.
Results:
179 children met inclusion criteria. The median (interquartile range) age at tracheostomy was 1.5 (82.4) months, average (standard deviation [SD]) duration of tracheotomy was 20.0 (20.6) months, and length of follow-up after decannulation (range; SD) was 39.3 (4.4-110.0; 26.7) months. 107 patients (60.0%) underwent stomal maturation and 98 patients developed a TCF (54.7%). Younger age at tracheostomy placement was significantly associated with increased risk of TCF, mean (SD) age 28.4 (51.4) version 80.1 (77.5) months (p < 0.001). Increased duration of tracheostomy was significantly associated with increased risk of TCF, 27.5 (18.4) version 11.0 (18.2) months (p < 0.001). Stomal maturation was not significantly associated with the risk of TCF, including on multivariable analysis adjusting for age at tracheostomy and duration of tracheostomy (p = 0.089).
Conclusion:
Tracheostomy stomal maturation did not affect the risk of TCF in children, even after adjusting for age and duration of tracheostomy.
Level Of Evidence:
4 Laryngoscope, 134:2941-2944, 2024.
Related Concept Videos
Tracheostomy Decannulation
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 Tubes
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece
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 II: Procedure
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask...
Tracheostomy Suctioning I: Pre-Procedural Steps
Equipment Required
First, gather all necessary equipment: a sterile suction catheter, a sterile disposable container, sterile gloves, a towel or...

