Awake Tracheostomy in a Pediatric Patient

Ear Nose Throat J. 2024 Sep;103(2_suppl):22S-25S. doi: 10.1177/01455613241281550. Epub 2024 Sep 24.

Abstract

Awake tracheostomy is rare in the pediatric population. We describe the case of a 10-year-old male who underwent awake tracheostomy due to airway obstruction from an oropharyngeal rhabdomyosarcoma. Given the varying medical understanding and communication skills in children, advanced planning and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to keep the patient calm and safe during awake tracheostomy.

Keywords: cancer; head and neck; otolaryngology; pediatrics; tracheostomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Airway Obstruction* / etiology
  • Airway Obstruction* / surgery
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma* / surgery
  • Tracheostomy* / methods
  • Wakefulness*