Tracheostomy, also called tracheotomy, is a surgical airway management procedure that consists of making an incision on the front of the neck to open a direct airway to the trachea. The resulting stoma, or hole, can serve as an airway on its own or as the site for a tracheostomy tube to be inserted, allowing a person to breathe without using the nose or mouth.
Facts
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracheotomy, lead sectionQuote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracheotomy, lead section
Tracheotomy, or tracheostomy, is a surgical airway management procedure which consists of making an incision on the front of the neck to open a direct airway to the trachea.
2. Wikipedia: Tracheotomy
WikipediaHistory section, Brassavola caseQuote, History section, Brassavola case
The patient apparently made a complete recovery, and Brassavola published his account in 1546. This operation has been identified as the first recorded successful tracheostomy, despite many ancient references to the trachea and possibly to its opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a tracheostomy always need a tube?
No, the stoma can serve as an airway by itself or hold a tube.
No. A tracheostomy is a surgical airway procedure that makes an incision on the front of the neck to open a direct airway to the trachea. The resulting stoma, or hole, can serve as an airway on its own or as the site where a tracheostomy tube is inserted. Either way it allows a person to breathe without using the nose or mouth.
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