Tracheotomy Exploration: Purpose, Preparation Steps, and Post-Procedure Expectations
In certain medical situations, a procedure known as a tracheotomy or tracheostomy may be necessary. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings.
A tracheotomy is the surgical incision into the trachea (windpipe) to create an airway, while a tracheostomy refers to the actual opening (stoma) created by this procedure. The purpose of a tracheotomy is to open up the airways so a person can breathe or breathe better, but it can cause complications such as bleeding, infection, and more serious issues.
The procedure is typically performed to bypass an obstruction of the upper airway caused by infections, anaphylaxis, foreign bodies, tumors, vocal cord paralysis, or trauma. It can be temporary or permanent and is utilized to facilitate breathing, especially when the patient cannot breathe adequately through the nose or mouth.
During the tracheotomy procedure, a surgeon works past muscles and other tissue in the neck to reach the trachea and makes an incision through the outer rings on the structure. This incision is usually made vertically or horizontally around the midline of the neck, just below the larynx. After the procedure, it typically takes about 7 days for the opening to stabilize.
Following the procedure, a person will need to spend a few days in the hospital for regular checks and care. After release from the hospital, it's crucial to follow all care instructions from the doctor, including keeping the tubing clean and attending follow-up care appointments.
In some cases, a doctor may perform the procedure using only local anesthesia, known as an awake tracheotomy or percutaneous tracheotomy. This method involves injecting local anesthesia into the neck, using a needle to insert a guide wire, and potentially using imaging technologies, such as ultrasound, to help guide the procedure.
The use of a tracheotomy can have various applications, including weaning a person from ventilation, facilitating mechanical ventilation, managing secretions, opening the airways in an emergency, preparing for head and neck cancer treatment, managing obstructive sleep apnea, managing infections, and managing airway burns.
In summary, a tracheotomy is the surgical incision into the trachea, and a tracheostomy is the opening created by this incision. Both terms are often used interchangeably in clinical practice. They are primarily used to ensure airway patency in cases of obstruction, respiratory failure, or secretions clearance.
- In the management of head and neck cancer, tracheotomies may be employed to prepare for surgeries involving the neck and throat, such as other respiratory surgeries.
- Following a tracheotomy, it's essential to attend medical-condition check-ups and maintain a strict health-and-wellness routine, which includes regularly cleaning the tubing and attending follow-up appointments.
- Science continues to advance our understanding of various medical-conditions, and tracheotomies play a significant role in alleviating issues like obstructive sleep apnea, infections, and airway burns.
