Prolonged endotracheal intubation in infants and children.

A series of sixty-one cases of prolonged pernasal intubation in children for conditions which would otherwise need tracheostomy is presented. One serious complication, namely subglottic cicatricial stenosis of the trachea, has occurred and is discussed. There is a definite place for prolonged pernasal intubation in children under 5 years of age as an alternative to tracheostomy. The most important single element in achieving success with this technique is to choose the smallest size tube which gives a quiet (adequate) airway and reasonable access for aspiration of secretions.