Tracheostomy

A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure which consists of making an incision on the anterior aspect of the neck and opening a direct airway through an incision in the trachea. The resulting stoma is used to insert a tracheal tube or tracheostomy tube; this tube allows a person to breathe without the use of the nose or mouth. It is recommended when the patient has been on the ventilator for a prolonged interval and is performed to avoid damage to the upper airway by the tube initially placed through the mouth (endotracheal tube). Tracheostomy tube may be temporary and removed once the patient is strong enough to breath on their own or may be left as permanent tubes in cases in which the patient does not improve and require long ventilator support.