In 12 patients, ranging in age from newborn to 4 years, endotracheal intubation has been used as a substitute for tracheostomy. Using plastic tubes it was possible to maintain a good airway for periods of up to 7 weeks. Painstaking care was necessary to prevent the tubes becoming blocked or malpositioned. The tubes were tolerated well. Good laryngeal function has been regained by all 9 survivors. If permanent laryngeal changes have occurred, they show no signs of being severe.
It is concluded that many cases customarily managed with tracheostomy can be equally well managed with intubation. Intubation may prove to be the preferred management in some cases of laryngeal oedema.
