Tracheotomy Information

A tracheotomy is a surgical procedure wherein an opening is created in the trachea, or windpipe, with a tube inserted through it to enable the continuation of breathing in case the airway happens to become obstructed. Once the emergency situation is resolved, the tracheotomy tube can be taken out and the opening closed. It was back in 1825 that the first tracheotomy procedure was performed. It was done by Pierre Bretonneau, a French physician, who performed it on a girl of four years of age, whose air passage in the throat had become blocked due to the scar tissue of diphtheria forming there.

What are the Reasons for Tracheotomy to be Performed?

As is apparent, a tracheotomy is usually performed as a bypass when the upper airway gets obstructed, it is also carried out to cleanse secretions in the airway, and enable oxygen to be delivered to the lungs.

Some of the conditions that lead to the requirement of a tracheotomy are:

• If an object blocks the airway
• Cancer of the throat or neck, resulting in obstruction of breathing
• Severe injuries of the mouth or neck
• If harmful substances, such as steam or smoke, have been breathed in
• Swallowing being affected due to muscular paralysis
• Being unconscious or in a coma for a long period of time

How is the Tracheotomy Procedure Performed?

Generally, the tracheotomy is performed in the operating room or in the intensive care unit. In order to make the procedure comfortable for the patient, usually a local anesthesia and an intravenous medication is used. An incision is made in the lower part of the neck, then the trachea is located and an opening is made into it. After that, a tracheotomy tube is inserted just below the larynx, or the voice box. More modern techniques have been devised wherein a percutaneous approach is taken, which is less invasive, which involves just piercing through instead of an open incision.

How Long does it take to Recover from a Tracheotomy?

The recovery time is generally 1-3 days, which patients usually need to learn how to breathe through the tracheotomy tube. Learning how to communicate with others takes a longer time. At first, the patient may find it impossible to make sounds or talk. However, with training as well as practice, patients generally learn how to talk with a tracheotomy tube. During their stay at the hospital, the patients, or if it is a child, the parents, learn the procedures of taking care of the tracheotomy. Medical institutions even offer home care service. Patients can resume most of their activities, and in fact they are encouraged to lead as normal a lifestyle as possible. When they go outdoors, it is recommended that they cover the tracheotomy hole, or stoma, with a loose scarf or any other protective gear. Patients are also given advice about the safety precautions they need to follow regarding exposure to food particles, water, powder, aerosols, and so on.

What is the Prognosis of a Tracheotomy?

In case the tracheotomy has been performed as a temporary measure, the tube will be removed later. Healing occurs quickly, with hardly any scarring. In case the tracheotomy tube has been inserted as a permanent measure, the hole stay open, and closed surgically when it is no longer required.