What Is a Tracheostomy?
A tracheostomy is a surgically created hole running through the front of the neck and into the trachea. A small tube is placed here to keep the airway open so you can breathe.
The term “tracheostomy” refers to the opening made in the trachea, but the procedure in which this is done is called a “tracheotomy.” Sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably.
Depending on the reason for a tracheotomy, the tracheostomy itself may be temporary or permanent. A permanent tracheostomy may be needed if part of your voice box (larynx) is removed due to conditions such as cancer.
There are two types of tracheotomies: open or percutaneous.
In non-emergency tracheotomies, technique choice depends on a patient’s physique and ability to hyperextend their neck. The severity of respiratory disease is also an important variable.
Open Tracheotomy
In an open tracheotomy, a surgeon makes a small horizontal cut at the front of the neck. After exposing the neck muscles and cutting into the windpipe, a tube is inserted into the tracheostomy hole.
Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheotomy
A percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy is minimally invasive. It still requires a small incision, but a practitioner doesn’t cut into the windpipe.
Instead, a camera is inserted into the mouth to visualize the inside of the trachea (windpipe). Then, a needle is used to create an opening in the windpipe. This opening is dilated to place the tracheostomy tube.
A percutaneous tracheotomy may have lower rates of infection and scarring than an open tracheotomy.
However, according to research, there’s no difference in mortality or severe adverse effects between open and percutaneous tracheotomies.
In addition, both types involve a long-term concern for tracheal stenosis,
a narrowing of the trachea that can be caused by inflammation, making it harder to breathe.
