Primary versus secondary closure of tracheocutaneous fistula in pediatric patients

Objective: Up to 50% of pediatric patients have a persistent tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) after tracheostomy decannulation. Classically these fistula tracts were excised and completely closed in a multilayered fashion, but recently closure by secondary intention has become the standard of care. However, variations in postoperative care still exist. The primary objectives of this study were to compare outcomes between patients who had a primary closure versus closure by secondary intention after excision of a TCF in children with a tracheostomy placement at one year old or less and to determine if closure by secondary intention will be equally efficacious compared to traditional primary closure. Methods: Patients ages 0-21 years who had a primary or secondary closure of a TCF at a tertiary care children's hospital following decannulation of a tracheostomy tube were reviewed and those with a tracheostomy placement <= 1 year old were included. Demographic information, comorbidities, and surgical information were extracted from inpatient and outpatient charts. Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's Exact test, and logistic regression to compare outcomes across the two TCF surgical groups. Results: A total of 64 patients met inclusion with primary closures in 25 (39.1%) patients and secondary closures in 39(60.9%) patients. Patients who underwent secondary closure had a significantly shorter surgery duration (p < .001), shorter ICU length of stay (p < .001), and shorter postop LOS (p < .001). There were no differences in cardiac complications, respiratory complications, and the need for additional closure surgery between the two techniques, p > .05. Time from decannulation to TCF in months increased with primary closure, p = .010. Conclusion: Closure of tracheocutaneous fistula by secondary intention is safe and effective and can allow for shorter hospital stays in children with a tracheostomy placement at a year old or less.