To provide recommendations to otolaryngologists, pulmonologists, and allied clinicians for tracheostomy decannulation in pediatric patients.
An iterative questionnaire was used to establish expert recommendations by the members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group.
Twenty-six members completed the survey. Recommendations address patient criteria for decannulation readiness, airway evaluation prior to decannulation, decannulation protocol, and follow-up after both successful and failed decannulation.
Tracheostomy decannulation recommendations are aimed at improving patient-centered care, quality and safety in children with tracheostomies.