Pathogenic Bacteria in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Cultures and Pediatric Laryngotracheal Reconstruction Outcomes.

Pathogenic bacteria are common in BAL cultures from tracheostomy-dependent children prior to dsLTR. Treatment keeps respiratory infections and decannulation rates similar to children with negative cultures, suggesting continued benefit of flexible bronchoscopy and BAL in preparation for these surgeries. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.