Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation facilitates tracheal extubation after laryngotracheal reconstruction in children

Tracheal extubation after laryngotracheal reconstruction in children may be complicated by postoperative tracheal edema and pulmonary dysfunction, The replacement of a tracheal tube in this situation may exacerbate the existi ng injury to the tracheal mucosa, complicating subsequent attempts at trach eal extubation. We present two cases where noninvasive positive-pressure ve ntilation was employed to treat partial airway obstruction and respiratory failure in two children following laryngotracheal reconstruction. Noninvasi ve positive-pressure ventilation served as a bridge between mechanical vent ilation via a tracheal tube and spontaneous breathing, providing ail-way st enting and ventilatory support while tracheal edema and pulmonary dysfuncti on were resolved, Under appropriate conditions, noninvasive positive-pressu re ventilation may be useful in the management of these patients.