Pediatric Tracheostomy Tubes
Pediatric Tracheostomy Tube Services
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening in the trachea (windpipe) through which a tube is placed to provide a stable airway. In children, tracheostomy may be necessary for prolonged ventilator dependence, severe upper airway obstruction, or conditions requiring long-term airway management.
Comprehensive tracheostomy care includes initial placement, routine tracheostomy tube changes, airway surveillance with endoscopy, and management of tracheostomy-related complications such as granulation tissue or tube obstruction. Our team coordinates closely with pulmonologists, intensivists, speech-language pathologists, and home nursing services.
When appropriate, our physicians evaluate children for tracheostomy decannulation (tube removal), performing airway assessments to determine readiness. The goal is to safely manage the tracheostomy and work toward decannulation whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening in the front of the neck into the trachea (windpipe) through which a breathing tube is placed. It provides a stable airway for children who need long-term ventilator support or have severe upper airway obstruction.
A tracheostomy may be needed for prolonged mechanical ventilation, severe upper airway obstruction that cannot be corrected immediately, or conditions requiring long-term airway management such as severe subglottic stenosis or bilateral vocal cord paralysis.
Tracheostomy care includes routine tube changes, suctioning, stoma care, and regular follow-up with your ENT for airway surveillance. Our team coordinates with pulmonologists, speech therapists, and home nursing services to provide comprehensive care.
Many children can eventually have their tracheostomy tube removed (decannulation). Your pediatric ENT will perform airway evaluations to determine when it is safe to remove the tube, based on the underlying condition and airway maturity.
Call (509) 624-2326 to schedule an appointment with one of our otolaryngologists for tracheostomy placement, management, or decannulation evaluation.