Transitions of care: An aerodigestive provider assessment survey.

OBJECTIVE: To create, validate, and apply an aerodigestive provider assessment survey. METHODS: A survey assessing provider knowledge and current practice in the transition of patients with chronic aerodigestive disorders from pediatric to adult care was drafted by a multidisciplinary expert panel. Once agreement of the initial survey items was obtained, the survey was distributed to a national multidisciplinary panel of aerodigestive experts for review. Responses from the national panel were systematically quantified and a content validity index (CVI) was calculated. A final survey was developed and distributed to pediatric and adult aerodigestive providers. RESULTS: From the initial 22 items presented to the national panel, 20 of the initial questions were included in the final instrument. Two additional questions were developed as a result of feedback from the expert panel. All items included in the survey had an Item Content Validity Index (I-CVI) of >0.85. The average Scale CVI in proportion to the average proportion of relevance (S-CVI/Ave) for the tool was 0.88. The average Scale CVI in proportion to universal agreement (S-CVI/UA) was 0.52. The survey was then administered to pediatric and adult specialty providers at our institution. Twenty-two providers completed the final survey. CONCLUSION: The content validity index measurements from this newly developed survey suggest that it is a valid tool for assessing current knowledge and practice in care transitions among patients with complex aerodigestive needs. The survey developed in this project has been used to identify knowledge gaps and process issues that can be addressed to ease the transition of adolescents from pediatric specialty care into adult specialty care.

Pediatric tracheostomy decannulation: what's the evidence?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pediatric decannulation failure can be associated with large morbidity and mortality, yet there are no published evidence-based guidelines for pediatric tracheostomy decannulation. Tracheostomy is frequently performed in medically complex children in whom it can be difficult to predict when and how to safely decannulate. RECENT FINDINGS: Published studies regarding pediatric decannulation are limited to reviews and case series from single institutions, with varying populations, indications for tracheostomy, and institutional resources. This article will provide a review of published decannulation protocols over the past 10 years. Endoscopic airway evaluation is required to assess the patency of the airway and address any airway obstruction prior to decannulation. There is considerable variability in tracheostomy tube modification between published protocols, though the majority support a capping trial and downsizing of the tracheostomy tube to facilitate capping. Most protocols include overnight capping in a monitored setting prior to decannulation with observation ranging from 24 to 48 h after decannulation. There is debate regarding which patients should have capped polysomnography (PSG) prior to decannulation, as this exam is resource-intensive and may not be widely available. Persistent tracheocutaneous fistulae are common following decannulation. Excision of the fistula tract with healing by secondary intention has a lower reported operative time, overall complication rate, and postoperative length of stay. SUMMARY: Pediatric decannulation should occur in a stepwise process. The ideal decannulation protocol should be safe and expedient, without utilizing excessive healthcare resources. There may be variability in protocols based on patient population or institutional resources, but an explicitly described protocol within each institution is critical to consistent care and quality improvement over time. Further research is needed to identify selection criteria for who would most benefit from PSG prior to decannulation to guide allocation of this limited resource.

Implications of traumatic unilateral aryepiglottic fold injury on swallowing: A case series.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective case series examines the effect of traumatic unilateral aryepiglottic fold injury on swallowing and airway protection. It focuses on the longitudinal care of five pediatric patients to determine the dietary modifications required to maintain a safe, functional swallow. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients with a diagnosis of unilateral aryepiglottic fold injury was performed. Cases were clinically identified by pediatric otolaryngologists at a single quaternary care pediatric hospital upon operative endoscopic evaluation. Clinical swallow outcomes were measured with the Rosenbek Penetration Aspiration Scale. RESULTS: Average age at diagnosis was 10 months with mean follow-up of 30 months. Eighty percent of patients were female. All patients had right-sided aryepiglottic fold injuries. Four patients were intubated for an average of 3 months and a fifth patient had a traumatic intubation event. All currently take nutrition by mouth, albeit to varying degrees. Four patients adequately protect their airway from aspiration with all oral consistencies. Optimized delivery of thin liquids yielded a Rosenbek penetration aspiration scale (PAS) score of 1 in four patients and 4 in the remaining patient. Four patients required gastric tube placement during severe illness, and three remain partially dependent. Surgical correction was attempted for one patient without improvement. CONCLUSION: Based on a limited and somewhat heterogeneous case series, the data suggests that traumatic unilateral aryepiglottic fold injury does not prohibit oral intake in most cases. While the PAS score under optimized conditions is impressive, implications for a safely tolerated diet remain. There is sparse published literature upon this topic, and the longitudinal data presented may serve as a pilot study for future investigation by shedding light on the consequences of this airway injury.

Glottic and Subglottic Injury and Development of Pediatric Airway Stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how often children with airway injury at the time of tracheostomy develop airway stenosis. STUDY DESIGN: A 7-year retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of pediatric patients who underwent endotracheal intubation followed by tracheostomy with concurrent and follow-up direct laryngoscopy. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Outcomes included glottic or subglottic injury and progression to stenosis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed via SPSS. RESULTS: Of the 222 patients (median age at surgery, 0.6 years; 54% male) who met study criteria, 46% had airway injury at the time of tracheostomy. Patients with congenital cardiovascular disease had 2.33-times increased risk of developing airway injury (P = .01). Patients with airway injury on initial direct laryngoscopy developed stenosis significantly more frequently than those without injury (30% vs 12%, P < .01). Risks factors for developing stenosis in children with airway injury include prematurity (P = .02), younger age at time of surgery (P < .01), endotracheal tube size (P < .01), Down syndrome (P = .03), and neonatal (P = .02) and/or congenital cardiovascular (P < .01) diagnosis. However, none of these variables were significant on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Intubated patients with evidence of glottic or subglottic injury at the time of tracheotomy are more likely to develop airway stenosis than those without. Congenital heart disease was associated with twice the risk of developing airway injury, while progression to stenosis was associated with younger age, prematurity, and/or comorbid diagnoses.

Development and implementation of a pre-tracheostomy multidisciplinary conference: An initiative to improve patient selection.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our institutional experience in implementing a pre-tracheostomy multidisciplinary conference and assess its effects on patient selection and communication between team members and with families. METHODS: Descriptive study and retrospective review of patient outcomes in a period prior to (4/2016-1/2018) and following (2/2018-11/2019) implementation of the conference and conference participant survey. RESULTS: In the 21 months prior to the conference, 53 patients out of 67 consults (79%) went on to have a tracheostomy. After implementation, 96 patients, 42 females and 54 males, between 2 weeks and 22 years of age were discussed. 58 (60%) of patients referred for tracheostomy ultimately underwent surgery. Of those managed without tracheostomy, 16% were extubated, 11% were managed with noninvasive respiratory support, and 13% of families chose to redirect care. There was no difference in time between consultation and surgery (p = 0.9), or post-surgical length of stay after the conference was implemented (p = 0.9). Survey responses were gathered from 34 conference participants. Respondents agreed that the conference was useful in facilitating communication among the care team (91%), promoting understanding of the patient's treatment options (85%), promoting understanding about long-term outcomes and progression of underlying disease process (79%), clarifying risks, benefits, and alternatives of treatment options (82%), and informing discussions with the family (70%). DISCUSSION: Potential benefits of a multidisciplinary pre-tracheostomy conference include improved provider communication and shared decision making between the medical team and family. We found a reduction in the proportion of patients who ultimately underwent tracheostomy as a result of a formal multidisciplinary discussion, but did not find either any delays in care, or reduction in post-operative length of stay. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: A multidisciplinary team approach to patient selection can foster communication between team members, identify barriers to discharge and quality care at home, and provide caregivers with information necessary to make an informed decision about their child's care.

A multi-disciplinary approach to chronic cough in children.

Objectives: (1) To highlight the important causes of chronic and recurrent cough in children. (2) To discuss multidisciplinary approach to management of chronic/recurrent pediatric cough. Methods: Review of scholarly articles, guidelines, expert panels via PubMed and Google Scholar. Conclusion: Chronic cough (CC) in children is mainly attributed to persistent bacterial bronchitis, asthma, nonspecific cough, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. A multi-disciplinary approach is cost-effective and aids with earlier diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Congenital or acquired narrowing of the subglottis is the leading ENT cause for recurrent croup (RC) in children. Laryngeal cleft-type 1 is commonly seen in children with recurrent aspiration and CC. Children are usually referred to pulmonologists for wet cough not responding to treatment. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and GERD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of CC in children with both respiratory symptoms and failure to thrive.Level of Evidence: 2a.

Fetoscopic Balloon Dilation and Stent Placement of Congenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome Leading to Successful Cesarean Delivery.

INTRODUCTION: Without fetal or perinatal intervention, congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) is a fatal anomaly. The ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure has been used to secure the fetal airway and minimize neonatal hypoxia but is associated with increased maternal morbidity. CASE PRESENTATION: A 16-year-old woman (gravida 1, para 0) was referred to our hospital at 31 weeks gestation with fetal anomalies, including echogenic lungs, tracheobronchial dilation, and flattened diaphragms. At 32 weeks, fetoscopic evaluation identified laryngeal stenosis, which was subsequently treated with balloon dilation and stent placement. The patient developed symptomatic and regular preterm contractions at postoperative day 7 with persistent sonographic signs of CHAOS, which prompted a repeat fetoscopy with confirmation of a patent fetal airway followed by Cesarean delivery under neuraxial anesthesia. Attempts to intubate through the tracheal stent were limited and resulted in removal of the stent. A neonatal airway was successfully established with rigid bronchoscopy. Direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy confirmed laryngeal stenosis with a small tracheoesophageal fistula immediately inferior to the laryngeal stenosis and significant tracheomalacia. A tracheostomy was then immediately performed for anticipated long-term airway and pulmonary management. The procedures were well tolerated by both mom and baby. The baby demonstrated spontaneous healing of the tracheoesophageal fistula by day of life 7 with discharge home with ventilator support at 3 months of life. CONCLUSION: Use of repeated fetoscopy in order to relieve fetal upper airway obstruction offers the potential to minimize neonatal hypoxia, while concurrently decreasing maternal morbidity by avoiding an EXIT procedure. Use of the tracheal stent in CHAOS requires further investigation. The long-term reconstruction and respiratory support of children with CHAOS remain challenging.

Decannulation protocol for short term tracheostomy in pediatric head and neck tumor patients.

BACKGROUND: While the majority of pediatric tracheostomies are performed in the setting of chronic and complex medical comorbidities, perioperative tracheostomies following head and neck tumor ablation are generally short-term. Deliberate planning is required for decannulation in this setting and no published protocols currently exist. Our study outlines a management strategy for short-term tracheostomy in pediatric patients following head and neck surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study of pediatric head and neck tumor patients undergoing tracheostomy was performed at a quaternary children's hospital from February 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018. Charts were reviewed for demographics, surgical operation, relevant tracheostomy-related complications, and time to decannulation. RESULTS: Eleven patients with a mean age of 10.4 years (st.dev. 6.7, range: 0.5-23) underwent tracheostomy during their primary ablative/reconstructive surgery. Trans-tracheal pressure monitoring helped direct the need for tracheostomy downsizing and readiness for capping trials. All patients were decannulated before hospital discharge after a mean of 12.8 days (st.dev. 2.5, range: 9-18) and were discharged after a mean of 14.8 days (st.dev. 2.5, range: 11-20). CONCLUSION: Pediatric head and neck surgery patients can be quickly and safely decannulated with an instructive protocol and multidisciplinary care.

Extracapsular versus intracapsular tonsillectomy: Outcomes in children with a focus on developmental delay.

INTRODUCTION: Outcomes following intracapsular tonsillectomy (IT) have not been well established in children with developmental delays. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes and complications between intracapsular and extracapsular tonsillectomy (TT) in pediatric patients with developmental delay (DD) in comparison to non-developmentally delayed children. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of pediatric patients with DD undergoing tonsillectomy between 2016 and 2019 at a tertiary care hospital. This group included patients with Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, other genetic syndromes, and patients with a diagnosis of global developmental delay. Outcomes and complications were analyzed for IT and TT. RESULTS: 2267 charts were reviewed, and 320 patients were identified with DD. Of those, 72 patients underwent IT and 248 underwent TT. In the DD cohort, the IT group had a shorter length of stay (0.97 vs 1.7 days, p < .0001) and was less likely to receive post-operative narcotic medication (2.8% vs 35%, p < .0001) and corticosteroids (9.7% vs 64%, p < .0001) during their hospital stay. Reductions in emergency room (ER) visits (5.6% vs 10%, p = .21) and post-op bleeding (PTH) (1.4% vs 4.8%, p = .31) for IT vs TT were not statistically significant in the DD group. In the NDD group, fewer patients undergoing IT returned to the ER (11% vs 2.3%, p < .0001) or had PTH (4.8% vs 0.25%, p, 0.0001) as compared to those children undergoing TT. There was no difference between parental report of symptom improvement between the groups (39% vs 33%, p = .39). Analysis of 180 patients with preoperative and postoperative sleep study data revealed post-op Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) improved with both techniques (74% TT vs 79% IT, p = .7). There were no differences noted for persistent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among the two techniques for both study groups (p = .63). CONCLUSION: Children with DD undergoing IT have reduced length of stay and reduced inpatient administration of post-operative opioids and steroids. IT has comparable efficacy to TT in treating symptoms of pediatric sleep apnea with a better safety profile. Overall, children undergoing IT return to the operating room less frequently than those undergoing TT. Longer follow-up studies will be needed to evaluate rate of tonsil regrowth, risk of revision surgery and persistence of OSA in these patients.

Multidisciplinary management of a previously unreported presentation of severe aplasia cutis congenita.

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is characterized by the complete or partial absence of skin at birth, with 85% of cases of ACC involving the scalp vertex. The etiology of ACC is unclear and appears to be multifactorial. We present the case of a 3-month-old boy who presented with a diagnosis of non-scalp ACC affecting approximately 80% of his total body surface area at birth. This case adds to the literature due to the patient's survival beyond the first day of life and his unique and severe distribution of defects, which led to respiratory compromise and required multidisciplinary management.

Multidisciplinary Safety Recommendations After Tracheostomy During COVID-19 Pandemic: State of the Art Review.

OBJECTIVE: In the chronic phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, questions have arisen regarding the care of patients with a tracheostomy and downstream management. This review addresses gaps in the literature regarding posttracheostomy care, emphasizing safety of multidisciplinary teams, coordinating complex care needs, and identifying and managing late complications of prolonged intubation and tracheostomy. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Google Scholar, institutional guidance documents. REVIEW METHODS: Literature through June 2020 on the care of patients with a tracheostomy was reviewed, including consensus statements, clinical practice guidelines, institutional guidance, and scientific literature on COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 virology and immunology. Where data were lacking, expert opinions were aggregated and adjudicated to arrive at consensus recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Best practices in caring for patients after a tracheostomy during the COVID-19 pandemic are multifaceted, encompassing precautions during aerosol-generating procedures; minimizing exposure risks to health care workers, caregivers, and patients; ensuring safe, timely tracheostomy care; and identifying and managing laryngotracheal injury, such as vocal fold injury, posterior glottic stenosis, and subglottic stenosis that may affect speech, swallowing, and airway protection. We present recommended approaches to tracheostomy care, outlining modifications to conventional algorithms, raising vigilance for heightened risks of bleeding or other complications, and offering recommendations for personal protective equipment, equipment, care protocols, and personnel. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Treatment of patients with a tracheostomy in the COVID-19 pandemic requires foresight and may rival procedural considerations in tracheostomy in their complexity. By considering patient-specific factors, mitigating transmission risks, optimizing the clinical environment, and detecting late manifestations of severe COVID-19, clinicians can ensure due vigilance and quality care.

EXIT (ex utero Intrapartum Treatment) to Airway Procedure for Twin Fetuses With Oropharyngeal Teratomas: Lessons Learned.

Ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) to airway has been described as a safe method to secure challenging fetal airways while on placental support. Herein, we present a unique case of a monochorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancy where both fetuses presented with oropharyngeal tumors requiring airway securement on placental bypass. A multidisciplinary tabletop simulation was convened to allow for personnel coordination between multiple services, OR equipment allocation, and preparation for a range of possible clinical scenarios. A tabletop simulation was chosen for planning since this is a simulation methodology commonly used for preparation in acute, high intensity multidisciplinary situations such as disaster preparation, and allows for exploration of multiple potential scenarios when outcomes are uncertain. The twins were urgently delivered for decreased fetal movement and decelerations in Twin B at 28 weeks 6 days. Twin A was delivered via EXIT to airway while Twin B had debulking of the tumor on placental support, with subsequent airway securement through a tracheostomy. In conclusion, for complex fetal procedures, detailed pre-operative planning with tabletop simulation may be a useful tool in achieving successful patient outcomes.

Predictors of surgical management for paediatric orbital subperiosteal abscesses.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Many paediatric orbital subperiosteal abscesses (SPA) are effectively managed conservatively with systemic antibiotics, but surgical drainage is required in some patients. This review aims to summarize the current literature to determine predictors of surgical intervention. RECENT FINDINGS: Nearly all the data regarding this topic come from analysis of retrospective case series. There is consensus that large volume SPAs require surgical drainage; however, the cutoff for volume differs between studies. Proptosis more than 5 mm, superior location of SPA and patient age more than 9 years are also all factors that may predispose towards surgical treatment. SUMMARY: A conservative approach may be trialled in younger patients with medial, smaller volume SPAs. Larger volume SPA, presence of proptosis, superior location of SPA and patient age more than 9 years should lower the threshold for considering surgical intervention. Given that many studies have been retrospective, future studies should be prospective and specifically aim to determine a cutoff for SPA volume.

International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) consensus recommendations: Management of suprastomal collapse in the pediatric population.

INTRODUCTION: Suprastomal Collapse (SuStCo) is a common complication of prolonged tracheostomy in children. There is a paucity of literature on this subject, especially regarding how to manage significant suprastomal collapse that prevents safe decannulation. OBJECTIVE: Provide a definition, classification system, and recommend management options for significant suprastomal collapse in children with tracheostomy. METHODS: Members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) who are experts in pediatric airway conditions were surveyed and results were refined using a modified Delphi method. RESULTS: Consensus was defined as > 70% agreement on a subject. The experts achieved consensus: CONCLUSION: This consensus statement provides recommendations for medical specialists who manage infants and children with tracheostomies with significant Suprastomal Collapse. It provides a classification system to facilitate diagnosis and treatment options for this condition.

Global Tracheostomy Collaborative: data-driven improvements in patient safety through multidisciplinary teamwork, standardisation, education, and patient partnership.

There is growing recognition of the need for a coordinated, systematic approach to caring for patients with a tracheostomy. Tracheostomy-related adverse events remain a pervasive global problem, accounting for half of all airway-related deaths and hypoxic brain damage in critical care units. The Global Tracheostomy Collaborative (GTC) was formed in 2012 to improve patient safety and quality of care, emphasising knowledge, skills, teamwork, and patient-centred approaches. Inspired by quality improvement leads in Australia, the UK, and the USA, the GTC implements and disseminates best practices across hospitals and healthcare trusts. Its database collects patient-level information on quality, safety, and organisational efficiencies. The GTC provides an organising structure for quality improvement efforts, promoting safety of paediatric and adult patients. Successful implementation requires instituting key drivers for change that include effective training for health professionals; multidisciplinary team collaboration; engagement and involvement of patients, their families, and carers; and data collection that allows tracking of outcomes. We report the history of the collaborative, its database infrastructure and analytics, and patient outcomes from more than 6500 patients globally. We characterise this patient population for the first time at such scale, reporting predictors of adverse events, mortality, and length of stay indexed to patient characteristics, co-morbidities, risk factors, and context. In one example, the database allowed identification of a previously unrecognised association between bleeding and mortality, reflecting ability to uncover latent risks and promote safety. The GTC provides the foundation for future risk-adjusted benchmarking and a learning community that drives ongoing quality improvement efforts worldwide.

Outcomes of Vocal Fold Motion Impairment and Dysphagia after Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI), respiratory outcomes, and swallowing outcomes in children following congenital heart surgery (CHS). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, Medline, and CINAHL databases. REVIEW METHODS: Data sources were searched from inception to November 30, 2018. Studies that described recovery of VFMI and swallowing function following CHS were included, and a qualitative analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 1371 studies were identified, of which 8 met inclusion criteria for VFMI and 5 met inclusion criteria for swallowing outcomes. Studies including patients who underwent isolate patent ductus arteriosus ligation were excluded. VFMI was present in 8% to 59% of subjects, and rates of recovery ranged from 9% to 96% at 6 months to 6 years of follow-up. Inability to maintain an oral diet occurred in 14% to 100% of subjects with VFMI and 11% to 61% without VFMI following surgery. Tolerance of an oral diet without tube feeding was present in 66% to 75% of subjects with VFMI and 88% to 100% without VFMI at 24 days to 3.2 years of follow-up. Limited data suggest that time to extubation is longer in VFMI subjects, but overall hospital length of stay and mortality may not be affected by VFMI status. CONCLUSIONS: Data evaluating dysphagia and VFMI after CHS are limited. Most studies suggest significant improvement in swallowing function, while rate of recovery of VFMI is variable. Future prospective studies with standardized screening and follow-up are needed to better elucidate outcomes to help develop algorithms for identification and management of VFMI after CHS.

Multidisciplinary Tracheostomy Care: How Collaboratives Drive Quality Improvement.

There have been reports of successful quality-improvement initiatives surrounding tracheostomy care for more than a decade, but widespread adoption of best practices has not been universal. Five key drivers have been found to improve the quality of care for tracheostomy patients: multidisciplinary synchronous ward rounds, standardization of care protocols, appropriate interdisciplinary education and staff allocation, patient and family involvement, and use of data to drive improvement. The Global Tracheostomy Collaborative is a quality-improvement collaborative dedicated to improving the care of tracheostomy patients worldwide through communication, dissemination, and implementation of proven strategies based on these 5 key drivers.

Association of Recurrence of Infected Congenital Preauricular Cysts Following Incision and Drainage vs Fine-Needle Aspiration or Antibiotic Treatment: A Retrospective Review of Treatment Options.

Importance: Treatment modalities for preauricular sinus tract infections vary.  Effort should be taken to decrease methods that lead to increased recurrence after surgical excision. Objective: To determine whether incision and drainage (I & D) of infected congenital preauricular cysts is associated with increased rate of recurrence when compared with fine-needle aspiration or antibiotic treatment. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a 9-year (2006-2014) retrospective cohort study undertaken at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Children treated for preauricular sinus tract infections were identified using the procedure code for excision of preauricular pit, cyst, or sinus tract. Main Outcomes and Measures: Postexcision recurrence. Results: Sixty-nine children ranging in age from 4 months to 17 years (mean age, 5.9 years) underwent excision of a preauricular cyst. Thirty-seven of 69 patients (54%) were female. Fifty-seven of 69 (83%) had a preoperative history of infection; the remainder had chronic drainage. Of children with preoperative infection, 27 were initially treated with incision and drainage (I & D), 12 were treated with fine-needle aspiration only, and 18 received antibiotic therapy alone. Overall, the recurrence rate was 8 in 69 (11.6%). Among the 27 patients with a preoperative history of infection treated with I & D, 5 lesions (18.5%) recurred, and among those who only received preoperative antibiotic therapy or fine-needle aspiration 1 in 30 lesions (3.3%) recurred (absolute difference of 15.2%; 95% CI, -1.7% to 33.6%). Conclusions and Relevance: Among infants and children undergoing excision of preauricular cysts, a history of infection was not associated with a higher recurrence rate. There was, however, evidence to suggest that a higher rate of recurrence exists among children who had a preoperative history of infection treated with I & D. Our results suggest a more conservative treatment of infected preauricular pit and/or sinus.

Laryngomalacia.

Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of stridor in neonates. It typically presents with inspiratory stridor and is often associated with feeding problems. Severe cases present with stridor, apnea, significant respiratory distress, and failure to thrive. Most patients are managed conservatively and can expect to see symptom resolution by 12-24 months of age. About 10% of patients require surgical treatment for their symptoms. Supraglottoplasty is the surgical technique of choice. Results of this surgery are excellent, and severe complications, such as supraglottic stenosis and aspiration, are uncommon. Supraglottoplasty is less effective in patients with significant comorbidities such as neurologic conditions and syndromes.

The Global Tracheostomy Collaborative: one institution's experience with a new quality improvement initiative.

OBJECTIVE: Given the low frequency of adverse events after tracheostomy, individual institutions struggle to collect outcome data to generate effective quality improvement protocols. The Global Tracheostomy Collaborative (GTC) is a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary organization that utilizes a prospective database to collect data on patients undergoing tracheostomy. We describe our institution's preliminary experience with this collaborative. It was hypothesized that entry into the database would be non-burdensome and could be easily and accurately initiated by skilled specialists at the time of tracheostomy placement and completed at time of patient discharge. METHODS: Demographic, diagnostic, and outcome data on children undergoing tracheostomy at our institution from January 2013 to June 2015 were entered into the GTC database, a database collected and managed by REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture). All data entry was performed by pediatric otolaryngology fellows and all post-operative updates were completed by a skilled tracheostomy nurse. Tracked outcomes included accidental decannulation, failed decannulation, tracheostomy tube obstruction, bleeding/tracheoinnominate fistula, and tracheocutaneous fistula. RESULTS: Data from 79 patients undergoing tracheostomy at our institution were recorded. Database entry was straightforward and entry of patient demographic information, medical comorbidities, surgical indications, and date of tracheostomy placement was completed in less than 5min per patient. The most common indication for surgery was facilitation of ventilation in 65 patients (82.3%). Average time from admission to tracheostomy was 62.6 days (range 0-246). Stomal breakdown was seen in 1 patient. A total of 72 patients were tracked to hospital discharge with 53 patients surviving (88.3%). No mortalities were tracheostomy-related. CONCLUSION: The Global Tracheostomy Collaborative is a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary collaborative that collects data on patients undergoing tracheostomy. Our experience proves proof of concept of entering demographics and outcome data into the GTC database in a manner that was both accurate and not burdensome to those participating in data entry. In our tertiary care, pediatric academic medical center, tracheostomy continues to be a safe procedure with no major tracheostomy-related morbidities occurring in this patient population involvement with the GTC has shown opportunities for improvement in communication and coordination with other tracheostomy-related disciplines.