Gourt > Health > Medicine > Surgery > Otorhinolaryngology > Tracheostomy
Tracheotomy_neck_profile.png|thumb|166px|Completed tracheostomy:
1 - Vocal cords
2 - Thyroid cartilage
3 - Cricoid cartilage
4 - Tracheal cartileges
5 - Balloon cuff]]
A tracheotomy or tracheostomy is a surgical procedure performed on the neck to open a direct airway through an incision in the trachea (the windpipe). (Technically, the former term, with the Greek root tom- meaning "to cut," refers to the procedure of cutting into the trachea, whereas the latter term, with the root stom- meaning "mouth," refers to the procedure of making a semipermanent or permanent opening. Tracheostomy can also refer to the result of the procedure, i.e. the opening itself.)
Indications for a tracheotomy
The indications for tracheotomy are:
- Acute setting - maxillofacial injuries, large tumors of the head and neck, congenital tumors, e.g. branchial cyst, acute inflammation of head and neck, and
- Chronic / elective setting - when there is need for long term mechanical ventilation and tracheal toilet, e.g. comatose patients, surgery to the head and neck.
Aaron's Tracheostomy Page - Guide to home care for children with a tracheostomy. Includes a good clear description of what tracheotomy is. Brief FAQs, message board, mailing list and family stories.
Meta Description: [ The Internet's leading tracheostomy resource since 1996. A guide to home care for a child with a tracheostomy or for anyone seeking to learn about tracheostomies. Includes tracheostomy listserv and message board. ]
Living with a Tracheostomy Factsheet - Information from the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London. Written for parents of children having the operation done, but helpful for anyone with a loved one who may have to undergo the procedure. Available in pdf and html format.
Meta Description: [ Press Office ]
Pediatric Otolaryngology: Learning Center - Tracheotomy - Western Florida practice explains what this surgery is, who may perform it, and answers common concerns.
Meta Description: [ Western Florida practice exclusively dedicated to the care of congenital or acquired ear, nose and throat disorders in children and adosescents ]
Tracheostomy - Explains some possible reasons for the procedure and risks involved. A patient factsheet from the American Thoracic Society.
Tracheostomy Care - Includes what to expect and when to call the doctor.
Meta Description: [ A complete explanation of Tracheostomy Care including risks, what to expect and when to call the doctor ]
Tracheostomy Ward Decannulation Factsheet - Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children explains how they do this process for removing a tracheostomy.
Meta Description: [ Press Office ]
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