Reasons for tracheostomies
The need for a tracheostomy is different for every child. A child might need a tracheostomy because they:
- were born with or developed a narrow or blocked airway
- need help to remove excess airway secretions
- need a ventilator to help them breathe [4]
Care in hospital
Tracheostomies are usually performed in the operating theatre.
After the operation, the child will go to the intensive care unit so they can be watched closely.
At first, the child may need to have oxygen through their tracheostomy tube. New tracheostomies may need to be suctioned frequently and sometimes the secretions contain blood [2].
At first, stitches are used to hold the stoma open and to keep the tube in place. These stitches are removed when the tube is changed for the first time. This usually happens after 7 - 10 days. The child may need to stay in the intensive care unit until their first tube change [2].