title: Can we develop a protocol for the safe decannulation of tracheostomies in children less than 18 months old?
abstract: Expanding indications for airway and head and neck surgery have led to a number of children under 18 months of age being deemed suitable for decannulation of their tracheostomies. We present four cases to illustrate the particular problems encountered in this age group and suggest modifications to our previously-published decannulation protocol.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, UK. haytham@ihr.gla.ac.uk
authors.forename: Haytham
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kubba
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cooke
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hartley
mesh_terms: D002404:Catheterization; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D012135:Respiratory Sounds; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000379:methods*