Definition
The tracheotomy is a surgical procedure to create an artificial airway. It is used when it is not possible to insert a breathing tube (called a tube in medicine) through the mouth. The tracheotomy usually requires only a minor operation, in which a small incision is made under the larynx at the neck and access to the trachea is gained through the soft tissue.
Often, even doctors confuse the so-called tracheotomy with the coniotomy, which has the same purpose, but the incision is made above the trachea. Thus, the term coniotomy is not the same as tracheotomy. Moreover, this method is actually outdated because the risks (bleeding, nerve injury) are greater here and is therefore only used in rare emergencies. Both methods are to be performed by doctors and not a first aid measure by laymen.
Indication
The indications for tracheotomy are manifold. Tracheal incision is used, for example, for obstructing the airways by swallowing small toys, as is often the case with children, or for swelling in the mouth/throat area, as well as to secure the airways during planned operations in the mouth/throat area, for example tumor operations. A tracheotomy is used, among other things, for long-term ventilation. During this procedure, the patient is often put into an artificial coma.
The Operation
There are two ways to secure the airway, one is through a tracheotomy and the other through a tracheotomy. In an emergency, tracheotomy has proven to be a simpler and safer method. A hollow needle is taken and inserted below the larynx, between the cricoid cartilage and the thyroid cartilage.
A guide wire can then be inserted, around which a breathing tube (tube) is pushed. The guide wire is then removed. In a tracheotomy, an incision is made underneath the thyroid cartilage, cutting the skin up to the trachea.
Afterwards a suitable tube is inserted to make breathing possible again. Once the airway has been restored, the tube can usually be removed without major problems. The incision can be closed again with sutures.
All articles in this series:
