Okhakhu, A.L.,Emma-Nzekwue, N.H.Afolabi, O.A.,2020-02-202020-02-202012Okhakhu, A.L., Emma-Nzekwue, N.H. Afolabi, O.A., (2012): Changing Indications for Paediatric Tracheostomy in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital. Port Harcourt Medical Journal. 6(3);264-268.http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/3781Paediatric Tracheostomy Changing patternBackground – Paediatric tracheostomy is a common surgical procedure whose indications are evolving. This study seeks to establish updated data on the indications, outcome and complications of paediatric tracheostomy as seen in a Nigerian tertiary health institution. Materials and Methods- A retrospective review of medical records of all paediatric patients who had tracheostomy at the University Of Benin Teaching Hospital Benin City between January 2004 and June 2010. Results- A total of 49 children, 25 (51%) females and 24 (49%) males had tracheostomy during the period under review. The age ranged from 11 months to 13 years with mean age of 3.5 ±2.7 years. The indications for tracheostomy were upper airway obstruction secondary to foreign body aspiration 40(81.6%), infections in 8 (16.3%) and prolonged intubation 1 (2%). When compared with a similar study 2 decades ago, a change in the indication for tracheostomy is noted and this was statistically significant with p<0.001. A large proportion of the tracheostomies were done as emergency procedures while 4(8.1%) were elective. The complications encountered were apnoea 8 (16%), accidental decannulation (extubation) 1 (2%), difficult decannulation 4 (8.1%) and tracheocutaneous fistula in 1(2%). Conclusion: The main indication for paediatric tracheostomy is relief of upper airway obstruction secondary to foreign body aspiration.enPaediatric tracheostomy;indication;emergency;upper airway obstruction.Article