PROLONGED ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATION IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN

A series of sixty-one cases of prolonged pernasal intubationin children for conditions which would otherwise need tracheostomyis presented. One serious complication, namely subglottic cicatricialstenosis of the trachea, has occurred and is discussed. Thereis a definite place for prolonged pernasal intubation in childrenunder 5 years of age as an alternative to tracheostomy. Themost important single element in achieving success with thistechnique is to choose the smallest size tube which gives aquiet (adequate) airway and reasonable access for aspirationof secretions.