Comparisons of tracheostomy incisions in a pediatric model

Tracheostomy in children causes approximately twice the mortality and morbidity as in the adult. The occurrence of complications correlates closely with the severity of the preoperative tracheal disease, the length of time the tracheostomy is needed, and the age of the patient. Morbidity documented in the postoperative period includes tracheal stenosis and collapsible anterior tracheal wall. The increased incidence of these problems in the pediatric patient may be related to the less rigid nature of the younger cartilage or to partial arrest of the normal tracheal growth rate, and may be aggravated by the style of tracheal incision used. Our study utilized weanling male ferrets in an effort to evaluate the possibly different response of growing, less resilient cartilage to different types of tracheal incision. Animals were randomized into three groups based on the type of incision used: inferiorly based trapdoor, vertical slit, or horizontal H. Endoscopic, radiographic, and airflow studies, as well as cross-sectional areas, were compared on all animals surviving tracheal cannulation for eight days and subsequent decannulation for seven days. Recommendations for pediatric tracheal incision are made on the basis of these studies.