We reviewed all tracheostomies performed at Sainte-Justine Hospital between 1970 and 1975, and between 1980 and 1985. The study indicates a significant decrease in the number of tracheostomies for the last period and an increase in the decannulation time from 28 to 91 days. Acute infection of the upper respiratory tracts was the major indication in the early 1970s whereas complications of prolonged intubation and congenital malformation predominated in the early '80s. Complications and mortality rate are also compared.