Guide To A Tracheostomy

How The Procedure Works

Surgeons typically choose from two methods when performing a tracheostomy. In a surgical tracheostomy, a horizontal incision is made on the lower portion of the front part of the neck. The surgeon carefully pulls back the underlying muscles and makes a small incision on a tiny part of the thyroid gland to expose the trachea. Once the surgeon locates a specific point on the trachea near the base of the neck, the tracheostomy hole is created. In a minimally invasive tracheostomy, sometimes known as a percutaneous tracheostomy, a tiny incision is made near the base of the front part of the neck. Then, the surgeon inserts a special lens down the patient's mouth so they can see the inside of the throat. Guided by the images from the lens, the surgeon places a needle into the patient's trachea to form the tracheostomy hole. The hole is widened to the appropriate size for the breathing tube. In both surgical methods, a tracheostomy tube is inserted into the tracheostomy hole. A neck strap is attached to the faceplate of the tube so it doesn't slip, and temporary sutures may be placed to keep the faceplate safely fastened to the skin of the patient's neck.

Uncover the risks linked to a tracheostomy next.