Prevention and treatment of tracheal injuries in children.

Endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy, both procedures used to treat life-threatening respiratory problems, may in themselves produce internal tracheal or laryngeal injury and subsequent airway obstruction. A knowledge of the anatomy of the larynx and trachea in children and the proper techniques and equipment which are available for infants and small children is mandatory if complications are to be prevented. It is essential that all physicians who deal with respiratory problems in children be aware of the differences between children and adults and knowledgeable of special techniques and equipment necessary for children.