Abstract
We set out to assess the attainment of and problems associated with home medical care in six months after performance of pediatric tracheostomy at our hospital over the last six years. Most of the patients were toddlers. Twenty-three of the 47 patients who underwent tracheostomy and were followed for over six months achieved home care, but 24 of the patients did not. Excluding 6 deaths, 8 patients (20%) were unable to return home even after one year. Patients who needed mechanical ventilation after tracheostomy and those who required emergency tracheostomy were less likely to attain home care. In 42% of the patients, home care was not possible because of nursing problems. It is not only important to establish a home medical care system, but also to discuss home care with patients and their parents before performing tracheostomy.
