Browsing by Subject "Paediatric Tracheostomy"

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    Paediatric Tracheostomy
    (University of Cape Town, 2025-03-08) Ismail-Koch, Hasnaa; Jonas, Nico; Fagan, Johan
    Tracheotomy refers to making an opening into the trachea whilst tracheostomy refers to creating a formal stoma and a communication between the trachea and the overlying skin. The open tracheostomy technique in paediatric patients differs from that done in adults. In paediatric patients a formal stoma is created by suturing the tracheal wall to the skin with maturation sutures in addition to safety stay sutures placed in the tracheal wall. Indications: •Upper airway obstruction due to con-genital or acquired causes •Patients requiring long-term ventilation •Failure to wean from conventional orotracheal or nasotracheal ventilation (eliminates dead space) •Pulmonary toilet