Tracheotomy
In a tracheotomy, the trachea at the neck is opened by an incision in a small operation, thus providing access to the airways and the lungs connected to them. Such an operation is also called tracheotomy (lat. trachea = windpipe).
A tracheotomy is used, among other things, for long-term ventilation. In this case, the breathing tube does not have to be inserted through the mouth, but can be placed directly through the incision in the trachea, thus ensuring an adequate supply of oxygen to the affected person. In cases of severe pneumonia and an artificial coma, mechanical long-term ventilation with a tracheotomy can be used to maintain the oxygen supply. For further, more detailed information on this topic, the editors recommend the article: Tracheotomy
Prognosis
A prognosis depends on various factors. Besides pneumonia, age and other diseases also play a role. Therefore, it is not possible to make a general prognosis.
In this context, only the treating physician can make a statement about the course of the disease or its outcome. Taking into account the above-mentioned factors in combination with the current values of blood and vital parameters or circulation parameters, the doctor can then make a statement about the course of the disease and the associated prognosis of the person affected. In general, a long period of stay in an artificial coma is associated with a rather worse prognosis than a short treatment.
How quickly does the patient wake up again?
An artificial coma is a “sleep” induced by medication – it could also be called artificial sleep.In addition to sleep-inducing drugs, painkillers are usually also administered. The duration of sleep is related to the medication administered. If the sleep is to be interrupted or terminated, it is necessary to discontinue or reduce the dose. This is carried out by special specialists, so-called intensive care physicians. How quickly a patient wakes up depends on the previously given dose of the sleeping pill, known as narcotics in medical terminology, and can be actively controlled by the treating physician.
