PEDIATRIC AIRWAY CLINIC - AN 18-MONTH EXPERIENCE

Objective: The management of paediatric airway disease is an integral aspect of paediatric otolaryngology. Recently, paediatric tertiary ref erral centres have developed centres of excellence for various aspects of paediatric care. The Pediatric Otolaryngology Airway Clinic at The Children's Hospital of Alabama, was developed as a regional referral centre for the management of children with difficult airway problems. Primary participants include the paediatric otolaryngologist, the airw ay management nurse, and the speech pathologist, in addition to other health care personnel. Over an 18-month period, 195 patients were seen in the clinic. The purpose of this study was to assess both the demog raphy and the airway pathology in this patient population-specifically evaluating presenting diagnoses, diagnostic evaluation techniques, su rgical intervention, geographic and racial distribution, insurance cov erage, and referral patterns. Conclusion: This multidisciplinary appro ach to the management of children with chronic tracheotomies and other conditions involving the airway provides a unique environment that op timizes care for these complex patients.