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Double Stage Laryngotracheal Reconstruction

What Happens After Surgery?

Your child will go to the recovery room (PACU) after surgery. You will be reunited with your child as soon as possible.

Your child will have an IV while in the hospital. Their pain level will be checked and pain medications will be given to help keep your child comfortable. Children with a stent or T-tube often have difficulty swallowing after the surgery. Increased secretions, drooling and coughing is common. A speech therapist will work with your child to assist with swallowing and eating after the surgery. They will check swallowing before your child eats by mouth to make sure that it is safe. Tube feeds are started after surgery (if the tube is new for your child, it may take a couple days to adjust to the feedings). It is not uncommon to go home with a feeding tube still in place. A feeding plan will be in place for you before going home.

Being active helps healing. Daily activities for your child are encouraged, like sitting up in a chair or walking.

The hospital stay is usually five to seven days. Before going home, your child must: be breathing comfortably, tolerate oral or tube feedings, and have acceptable pain control.

You will also be shown any changes you need to make in your child's care, or review any care that you would like to discuss. It is important to know that while the stent is in place it blocks the upper part of your child’s airway. In an emergency, you must replace the trach tube.