Paediatric tracheostomy-An 11 year experience at a Scottish paediatric tertiary referral centre.

Aims: The aim of this paper was to review the indications, complications and outcomes for tracheostomy at a Scottish paediatric tertiary referral hospital.

Methods: All patients undergoing tracheostomy between January 2001 and September 2012 were identified. A retrospective case note analysis was performed.

Results: 111 tracheostomies were done in the study period. The mean number per year was 11 (3-12). Full data was available for 95 patients. There were 56 (59%) males and 39 (41%) females. Age at time of tracheostomy ranged from one day to 15 years, the mean age of tracheostomy insertion was 69 weeks. The majority of patients, 75 (79%), were under one year old when they had their tracheostomy. The most common indication was long-term ventilation (20%), followed by craniofacial abnormality causing airway obstruction (18%), followed by subglottic stenosis (14%). 37% of patients were decannulated.

Conclusions: This series reflects current trends in the indications for paediatric tracheostomy, with chronic lung disease of prematurity being the most common indication.