tracheotomy

(noun)

A surgical procedure in which an incision is made into the trachea, through the neck, and a tube inserted so as to make an artificial opening in order to assist breathing.

Related Terms

Examples of tracheotomy in the following topics:

  • Tracheotomy and Intubation

    • Tracheotomy consists of making an incision on the anterior aspect of the neck and opening a direct airway via an incision in the trachea.
    • In the acute setting, indications for tracheotomy include such conditions as severe facial trauma, head and neck cancers, large congenital tumors of the head and neck (e.g., branchial cleft cyst), and acute angioedema and inflammation of the head and neck.
    • In the context of failed orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation, either tracheotomy or cricothyrotomy may be performed.
    • In the chronic setting, indications for tracheotomy include the need for long-term mechanical ventilation and tracheal toilet (e.g. comatose patients, or extensive surgery involving the head and neck).
    • A Completed tracheotomy: 1 - Vocal folds. 2 - Thyroid cartilage. 3 - Cricoid cartilage. 4 - Tracheal rings. 5 - Balloon cuff.

  • Intubation During Anesthesia

    • Tracheotomy consists of making an incision on the front of the neck and opening a direct airway through an incision in the trachea.
    • In order to limit the risk of damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerves (the nerves that control the voicebox), the tracheotomy is performed as high in the trachea as possible.