Predictive Factors for Post-Operative Tracheostomy Requirement in Children Undergoing Surgical Resection of Medulloblastoma
Abstract Purpose: Medulloblastoma is the most common pediatric malignancy. Postoperative respiratory failure is an important complication in post-operative recovery of patients undergoing medulloblastoma resection. We aimed to identify factors predicting tracheostomy requirement in children post-operatively.Methods: Retrospective chart review of all patients under 18 undergoing medulloblastoma resection from 2012 to 2020 at Namazi hospital was conducted.Results: 45 patients (26%) needed tracheostomy after the operation. The most common indications were brainstem compression and absence of gag reflex prior to operation. Patients who had brainstem compression and infiltration by medulloblastoma, bilateral absence of gag reflex prior to operation, subtotal resection of tumor, and post-operative brainstem contusion were more likely to require tracheostomy. No statistically significant difference was observed between males and females and different ages. Conclusion: The results show that if we prevent the invasion of the brainstem by the tumor and resect the tumors totally and accurately, tracheostomy, a highly costly and stressful post-operative complication can be prevented.