In recent decades, the patient survival is increased due to the advances
in intensive care units and development of modern mechanic ventilators.
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to wean these children from
mechanical ventilation. Recently, after placement a tracheostomy tube,
they can support at home with non-invasive or invasive mechanical
ventilation. Most of the children who need ventilation support at home
have neurological impairment. The nutritional issues and
gastrointestinal complications are well defined in critically ill
patients, but there are very limited studies on the children with
tracheostomy. Considering that majority of the patients has
neuromuscular disorders, the nutritional and gastrointestinal problems
of the children with tracheostomy are discussed, in the light of the
knowledge on critically ill patients.