[Tracheotomy in children and adolescents - results from 15 years of clinical practice]

Tracheostomy in children and adolescents is a rare procedure that differs from tracheostomy in adults in terms of indications, implementation and treatment challenges. This study is a unicentric retrospective analysis of the group of children and adolescents who were treated with a tracheostomy in the ENT Clinic at Hospital between 2007 and 2023. A total of 47 patients were treated with a tracheostomy. Anatomical changes in the airways and long-term ventilation were the most common indications. In 61.7 % of the children, the cannula was removed successfully during the course of treatment. In 38.3 % of cases, complications occurred during treatment, most commonly granulations. 3 children died during the observation period; none of the deaths was related to the tracheostomy. Despite the challenges, tracheostomy may offer an opportunity for seriously ill children and their families to bridge a difficult period of time and secure their airways.