Tracheotomy

A tracheotomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the neck in order to access the trachea (windpipe) and provide an airway for breathing. It is a life-saving procedure in cases where the airway is blocked and other methods are inadequate. It is often used for people with chronic respiratory diseases, such as COPD, cystic fibrosis and sleep apnea, as well as for those who have suffered a serious trauma to the neck area and need to be intubated, or who have had a tracheal tumor surgically removed. The procedure is carried out by a specialist surgeon and involves cutting through the neck to access the windpipe, then either inserting a tube to allow air to flow freely through the trachea or completely replacing the trachea with a prosthesis. The tracheotomy can help to improve oxygenation levels and can also be used to remove mucus or other secretions, allowing patients to breathe more freely.