Lack of utility of postoperative chest radiograph in pediatric tracheotomy

OBJECTIVE., To assess the incidence of pulmonary complications after noneme rgent pediatric tracheotomy and to determine whether obtaining a routine po stoperative chest radiograph is warranted. STUDY DESIGN., Retrospective review of the records of 107 consecutive patie nts (age I month to 18 years) who underwent tracheotomy from October 1994 t o June 2000. Main outcome measures included frequency of pulmonary complica tions and use of information obtained from postoperative chest radiograph f or intervention. SETTING: Tertiary care university children's hospital. RESULTS: No pneumothoraces or significant pulmonary complications were dete cted in the immediate postoperative period. No management changes were unde rtaken as a result of information obtained from any chest radiograph in thi s period. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of significant pulmonary complications after ped iatric tracheotomy is low. Little information is obtained from chest radiog raph after tracheotomy, and this information does not change management. SIGNIFICANCE. Routine postoperative chest radiograph after pediatric trache otomy is not indicated in all patients.