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Tracheotomy—Child

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Procedure

Tracheotomy—Child

(Tracheostomy)

Definition

A tracheotomy is surgery to create an opening through the neck into the throat. The opening is called a stoma or tracheostomy. It may be temporary or permanent.

A tube called a tracheotomy tube will be inserted into the opening. Air may pass directly through this tube or tubing will be attached to a machine that helps with breathing.

Airflow Through a Tracheostomy.

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Reasons for Procedure

A tracheotomy is done to open a new pathway for air to move into the lungs. It may be needed in children who have damage or illness to the upper airways from things like:

  • Smoke or chemical inhalation, or burns
  • Infection
  • Nerve or muscle problems that affect the airway or breathing
  • Weak chest and diaphragm muscles
  • Narrowing of the airway just below the voice box
  • Abnormal structures of the head, neck, or airway
  • Foreign body obstruction
  • Trauma
  • Tumors

A tracheotomy may also be done if long-term mechanical ventilation is needed. It lets a child move, eat, drink, and speak while receiving ventilation. It can also lower the risk of breathing in foods and liquids.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
  • Infection
  • Damage to nearby structures, such as vocal cords, nerves, or esophagus
  • Lung injury
  • Problems with swallowing, speaking, or eating
  • An abnormal connection (fistula) to the esophagus or other structures

What to Expect

Problems to Look Out For

Call the doctor if your child is not getting better or has:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Cough
  • Mucous that has a bad odor
  • Redness, swelling, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site
  • Pain that cannot be controlled with medicine
  • Shortness of breath
  • New or worsening symptoms

Call for emergency medical services right away if:

  • The tracheostomy tube falls out and you cannot replace it
  • Your child is having problems breathing through the tube

If you think your child has an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Mechanical ventilation. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/procedure/mechanical-ventilation.
  • Tracheostomy and ventilator dependence. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website. Available at: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/tracheostomies-or-ventilators.
  • Tracheostomy service. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/tracheostomy/about/index.html.

Contributors

  • Kari Kuenn, MD
Last Updated:
2022-12-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.