Pediatric tracheotomies: changing indications and outcomes.

Objective/hypothesis: To study the outcomes and complications associated with pediatric tracheotomy, as well as the changing trend in indications and outcomes since 1970.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review at a major tertiary care children's hospital.

Methods: On children who underwent tracheotomy at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters (Norfolk, VA) between 1988 and 1998, inpatient and outpatient records were reviewed.