Tracheotomy

A tracheotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the neck and opening a direct airway through an incision in the trachea, or windpipe. This procedure is usually performed when the usual routes for breathing are somehow blocked or narrowed.

Tracheal stoma

USMC-111018-M-VG363-281

Tracheostoma

Indications

Tracheotomy is typically performed in the following situations:

Obstruction: Blockage of the upper airway due to conditions like laryngeal cancer, laryngeal stenosis, or significant trauma. Long-term ventilatory support: In cases where a patient requires prolonged mechanical ventilation. Pulmonary hygiene: When a patient has ineffective clearance of bronchial secretions.

Procedure

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a horizontal incision in the lower part of the neck, then a smaller vertical incision in the trachea, where a tracheostomy tube is inserted.

Complications

While tracheotomy is generally safe, it can be associated with several complications, both immediate and late. Immediate complications can include bleeding, pneumothorax, or subcutaneous emphysema. Late complications can involve infection, tracheal stenosis, or tracheoinnominate artery fistula.

Aftercare

Post-tracheotomy care includes ensuring the patency of the airway, regular cleaning and changing of the tracheostomy tube, and monitoring for potential complications.

Summary

Tracheotomy is a surgical operation that creates an opening into the trachea with a tube inserted to provide a passage for air; performed when the pharynx is obstructed by edema or cancer or other causes.

See Also

• Trachea
• Mechanical ventilation
• Airway management