Complications of neonatal tracheostomy: a 5-year review.
OBJECTIVE
Study the complication rate of tracheostomy in premature infants and identify contributing factors. Setting Two university-based tertiary care children's hospitals.


METHODS
The charts of 55 neonates who underwent tracheostomy between January 1997 and December 2002 were reviewed. Group 1 included 32 infants born weighing < 1000 grams. Group 2 included 23 infants born weighing > or = 1000 grams.


RESULTS
Group 1 infants had a higher incidence of comorbidities related to prematurity. Thirty-eight infants underwent tracheostomy due to ventilatory dependence, 13 for airway obstruction, and 4 for neurologic debilitation. Sixteen infants (29%) had a complication related to tracheostomy. There was no tracheostomy-related mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
Tracheostomy in the preterm infant has the potential for significant morbidity. Meticulous technique, surgeon experience and specialized care may play a role in reducing the complication rate. Complications are usually minor and do not require additional surgical intervention.


METHODS
C.
Pereira
Kevin D
KD
Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas, Medical School at Houston, USA. kpereira@uth.tmc.edu
MacGregor
Allison R
AR
Mitchell
Ron B
RB
D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome