Abstract
Percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) is a well-established procedure in adult patients who require long-term airway control. Because experience with this procedure is scarce in pediatrics, we report the results of PT by means of a progressive dilatational method with endoscopic guidance in three critically-ill adolescents with severe head injury. PT was performed by means of the Ciaglia Blue Rhino method at the bedside, guided by fiberoptic bronchoscopy by the pediatric intensive care unit staff. No hemodynamic or respiratory compromise was observed during the procedure. No complications were attributable to PT. Two patients were decannulated without incidents. The reported cases indicate that PT can be performed safely, at least in adolescents.
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