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Timing and risk factors for peristomal granulation in pediatric tracheostomy patients
Natsuki Takada1, Hiroshi Okuda2, Nansei Yamada3
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, Japan; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Japan.
Insights
Peristomal granulation is common in pediatric tracheostomy. The Björk flap technique delayed granulation onset, suggesting it may be a safer approach for pediatric airway management and stoma stabilization.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Otolaryngology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Peristomal granulation is a frequent complication in pediatric tracheostomy patients, potentially impacting airway management.
- Developing a tracheostomy technique that minimizes granulation is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare peristomal granulation incidence and timing across different pediatric tracheostomy techniques.
- To identify additional risk factors for granulation and assess long-term outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 42 infants (<12 months) undergoing tracheostomy.
- Evaluation of conventional, Starplasty, and Björk flap techniques.
- Postoperative follow-up for at least one month.
Main Results:
- Peristomal granulation occurred in 40% of patients, with no significant difference in incidence among techniques (conventional 42%, Starplasty 40%, Björk flap 38%).
- The Björk flap technique demonstrated a significantly later onset of granulation compared to conventional and Starplasty methods (p=0.0218).
- Long-term outcomes included successful decannulation (3), achieved oral intake (11), and ongoing home care needs (28).
Conclusions:
- While granulation incidence was similar, the Björk flap method significantly delayed granulation onset.
- The Björk flap technique may offer a safer pediatric tracheostomy approach by reducing early postoperative complications.
- Early stoma stabilization is important, and the Björk flap's delayed granulation onset supports its use in pediatric patients.
Background:
Peristomal granulation occurs more frequently in pediatric than adult tracheostomy patients and may complicate postoperative airway management. Establishing a tracheal stoma resistant to granulation is therefore critical. This study evaluated differences in the incidence and timing of peristomal granulation according to tracheostomy technique, identified additional risk factors, and assessed long-term outcomes.
Methods:
This retrospective cohort study included 42 pediatric patients who underwent tracheostomy at our institution between January 2015 and February 2025. All patients were younger than 12 months at surgery and were followed for at least one month postoperatively. Tracheostomy techniques included the conventional method, Starplasty, and the Björk flap method.
Results:
Peristomal granulation developed in 17 patients (40%). The incidence did not differ significantly among techniques: conventional (42%), Starplasty (40%), and Björk flap (38%). However, the onset of granulation occurred significantly later in the Björk flap group compared with the other two techniques (p = .0218). This association remained significant after adjustment for inflammation-related confounding factors. Regarding long-term outcomes, 3 patients were successfully decannulated, 11 achieved oral intake, and 28 required ongoing home care.
Conclusions:
Although the incidence of peristomal granulation was similar among tracheostomy techniques, the Björk flap method was associated with a significantly delayed onset of granulation. Given the importance of early postoperative stoma stabilization, the Björk flap method may offer a safer tracheostomy approach in pediatric patients by reducing the risk of early complications.
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