Tracheostomy

A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure in which a small opening, called a tracheostomy or stoma, is created in the front of the neck to provide an alternative airway. This opening allows direct access to the trachea (windpipe) and is typically done to bypass upper airway obstructions, assist with breathing, or facilitate long-term mechanical ventilation. It is often performed when a person has difficulty breathing through their nose or mouth due to injury, illness, or other medical conditions.

An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist or a surgeon experienced in performing tracheostomy is the right doctor to consult for this procedure.

• A scalpel or electrocautery may be used to make the incision for the tracheostomy.

• A fiberoptic bronchoscope may be used to visualize the trachea during the procedure.

• A cricothyrotomy kit may be used for emergency tracheostomy in some cases.