Pediatric tracheostomy – A single center experience

Introduction Historically the indication for tracheostomy in children was acute airway inflammation such as in acute epiglottitis, diphteria or croup. Vaccination programs reduced the need of tracheostomy down to nearly zero. In contrast improved neonatal outcomes have resulted in long-term ventilation with weaning procedures. Treatment of laryngeal and tracheal malformations as well as treatment modalities of neuro-muscular disease in children changed resulting in a better chance of survival.