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What is a tracheostomy?

The term tracheostomy is used to describe a surgically created hole in the neck that extends to the windpipe, or trachea, to allow for safe breathing. A tracheostomy tube is the curved breathing tube that is placed through the hole in the neck, and into the windpipe.

Who needs a tracheostomy?

The two most common reasons a child might need a tracheostomy are:

1. A blockage in the upper airway
2. The need to support breathing with a machine (ventilator).

What goes into the care and management of a tracheostomy?

Though it is often the safest option available, a tracheostomy often requires significant care to ensure a child’s safety.

What to expect in the hospital:

• Monitoring: Consistent monitoring may be required, especially during bathing.
• Maintenance: The airway may need to be humidified and cleared through maintaining regular suctioning.

Support and care after surgery:

• Caretaker training: Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ Children’s Health provides personalized tracheostomy management and care in the hospital, and we work closely with caretakers to help them manage care once the child is no longer in the hospital.
• Facility visits: Should your child need to transition to a care center or rehabilitation facility, our airway surgeons and pulmonologists make visits to several facilities in the area to provide continuity of care.
• Global coordination: If your child has been referred to our Aerodigestive and Airway Reconstruction Center from out of the state or country, we partner with your child’s home hospital and physicians to ensure a smooth transition of care.

Removing the tracheostomy:

When it is time for your child to work toward permanently removing the tracheostomy, our team will discuss and perform next steps for your child, including:

• Detailed airway examinations.
• Possible reconstructive surgery.
• Removal of the tracheostomy tube (decannulation) in a monitored, safe way.