Abstract Up to half of all children with a tracheostomy develop persistent trachea-cutaneous fistula (TCF) after decannulation. Surgical closure it is technically easy but post-operative complications can be immediate and life-threatening. We reviewed our experience in TCF closures identify potential risk factors for complications. Methods Retrospective case records review (0-16 years) who unde...

BACKGROUND Accidental decannulation is a cause of substantial morbidity and mortality in patients in long-term acute care hospitals who require a tracheostomy tube. OBJECTIVE To analyze features of accidental decannulation (AD) following placement of a tracheostomy tube, and to implement strategies to reduce the problem. METHODS An analysis of data collected prospectively for quality manage...

OBJECTIVES We examined a retrospective case series to evaluate the utility of two-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) in the management of subglottic stenosis (SGS) in adults. Operative correction of SGS with LTR has been practiced successfully in the pediatric population. However, in the adult population, cricotracheal resection has been a more common alternative. METHODS We reviewed ...

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Our study evaluates the efficacy of extraluminal bioresorbable plates to treat refractory localized airway malacia in patients undergoing corrective surgery for complex multilevel laryngotracheal stenosis. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS Secondary malacic airway segments were characterized (severity, site, type) by a dynamic transnasal flexible laryngot...

PURPOSE To review the indications for and outcomes of children requiring tracheotomy tube placement following cardiothoracic surgery, charts were reviewed retrospectively at a tertiary care center for fifteen children who had undergone tracheotomy tube placement following cardiothoracic surgery between 1994 and 2000. Outcomes Measure: Morbidity and/or mortality associated with tracheotomy tube ...