Optimizing Pediatric Tracheostomy Care: A Survey of Peri-Operative Practices and Standardization in ASPO Members

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Surgical Practices
• Airway Management

Background:

• Pediatric peri-operative tracheostomy care lacks standardized guidelines.
• Variability in practice may impact patient outcomes and safety.
• Understanding current practices is essential for improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate current pediatric peri-operative tracheostomy care practices nationwide.
• Identify challenges and variations in care.
• Explore opportunities for standardization to reduce complications.

Main Methods:

• A 19-question online survey was distributed to pediatric otolaryngologists.
• Descriptive statistics were used to analyze respondent demographics and practice patterns.
• 138 responses were collected, with 90% from US-based practitioners.

Main Results:

• Over 60% of surgeons perform fewer than 10 pediatric tracheostomies annually.
• Most use stay sutures (98%) and adhere to post-operative protocols (92%).
• Common complications include false passage creation (46%) and bleeding (41%); routine bronchoscopy is performed by 63%.

Conclusions:

• Significant variability exists in pediatric tracheostomy practices, emphasizing the need for standardization.
• Adherence to institutional guidelines indicates a commitment to safety despite low procedure volume.
• Further research and standardization are needed to improve consistency and clinical outcomes in pediatric tracheostomy care.