Objectives: Tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) is a common occurrence after pediatric tracheostomy decannulation. However, the persistence of TCF after staged reconstruction of the pediatric airway is not well-described. The primary objective was to determine the rate of persistent TCF after successful decannulation in children with staged open airway reconstruction. Methods: A case series with chart review of children who underwent decannulation after double-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction between 2017 and 2019. Results: A total of 26 children were included. The most common open airway procedure was anterior and posterior costal cartilage grafting (84.6%, 22/26). Median age at decannulation was 3.4 years (IQR: 2.8-4.3) and occurred 7.0 months (IQR: 4.3-10.4) after airway reconstruction. TCF persisted in 84.6% (22/26) of children while 15.4% (4/26) of stomas closed spontaneously. All closures were identified by the one-month follow-up visit. There was no difference in age at tracheostomy ( P = .86), age at decannulation ( P = .97), duration of tracheostomy ( P = .43), or gestational age ( P = .23) between stomas that persisted or closed. Median diameter of stent used at reconstruction was larger in TCFs that persisted (7.0 mm vs 6.5 mm, P = .03). Tracheostomy tube diameter ( P = .02) and stent size ( P < .01) correlated with persistence of TCF on multivariable logistic regression analysis. There were 16 surgical closure procedures, which occurred at a median of 14.4 months (IQR: 11.4-15.4) after decannulation. Techniques included 56.3% (9/16) by primary closure, 18.8% (3/16) by secondary intention and 25% (4/16) by cartilage tracheoplasty. The overall success of closure was 93.8% (15/16) at latest follow-up. Conclusions: Persistent TCF occurs in 85% of children who are successfully decannulated after staged open airway reconstruction. Spontaneous closure could be identified by 1 month after decannulation and was more likely when smaller stents and tracheostomy tubes were utilized. Surgeons should counsel families on the frequency of TCF and the potential for additional procedures needed for closure.
Objective The first pediatric tracheostomy tube change often occurs within 7 days after placement; however, the optimal timing is not known. The primary objective was to determine the rate of adverse events of an early tube change. Secondary objectives compared rates of significant peristomal wounds, sedation requirements, and expedited intensive care discharges. Study Design Prospective randomized controlled trial. Setting Tertiary children’s hospital between October 2018 and April 2020. Methods A randomized controlled trial enrolled children under 24 months to early (day 4) or late (day 7) first tracheostomy tube changes. Results Sixteen children were enrolled with 10 randomized to an early change. Median age was 5.9 months (interquartile range, 5.4-8.3), and 86.7% required tracheostomy for respiratory failure. All tracheostomy tube changes were performed without adverse events. There were no accidental decannulations. Significant wounds developed in 10% of children with early tracheostomy tube changes and 83.3% of children with late tracheostomy tube changes (odds ratio [OR], 45.0; 95% CI, 2.3-885.6; P = .01). This significant reduction in wound complications justified concluding trial enrollment. Hours of dexmedetomidine sedation ( P = .11) and boluses of midazolam during the first 7 days ( P = .08) were no different between groups. After the first change, 90% of the early group were discharged from intensive care within 5 weeks compared to 33.3% of patients in the late group (OR, 18.0; 95% CI, 1.2-260.9; P = .03). Conclusion The first tracheostomy tube change in children can occur without adverse events on day 4, resulting in fewer significant peristomal wounds and earlier intensive care discharge.
IMPROVING PATIENT SAFETY has become one of the driving forces in health care delivery. Honest, accurate disclosure of medical errors and close calls is crucial to gain a better grasp of problems, make effective changes, and evaluate progress. ALTHOUGH FEAR OF MALPRACTICE litigation remains a major deterrent to medical-error reporting, disclosure allows organizations to benefit from one another's experiences. Accountability necessitates mandatory reporting to external organizations, but a wide variety of reporting systems exist, each with its own advantages and shortcomings. National standardized reporting is a major objective for the patient safety movement. STAFF MEMBER INVESTMENT is a key factor in the safety process and needs to extend beyond the reporting procedure.
Background: To improve pediatric airway management outside of the operating room, a Hospital-wide Emergency Airway Response Team (HEART) program composed of anesthesiology, otorhinolaryngology, and respiratory therapy clinicians was developed.Aims: To report processes and outcomes of HEART activations in a quaternary academic children's hospital. Methods:A retrospective observational cohort study between January 2017 and December 2019. Local airway emergency database was reviewed for HEART activations. Additional safety data was obtained from patients' electronic health records.Primary outcome: Adverse airway outcomes, either adverse tracheal intubationassociated events or oxygen desaturation (SpO 2 <80%). We compared airway management by primary teams before HEART arrival and by HEART after arrival.
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