Tracheotomy

For a similar procedure, see Cricothyrotomy.

Tracheotomy
Completed tracheotomy:

1 – Vocal folds
2 – Thyroid cartilage
3 – Cricoid cartilage
4 – Tracheal rings

5 – Balloon cuff
ICD-10-PCS0B110F4
ICD-9-CM31.1
MeSHD014140
MedlinePlus002955

Tracheotomy (/ˌtreɪkiˈɒtəmi/, UK also /ˌtræki-/), or tracheostomy, is a surgical airway management procedure which consists of making an incision (cut) on the anterior aspect (front) of the neck and opening a direct airway through an incision in the trachea (windpipe). The resulting stoma (hole) can serve independently as an airway or as a site for a tracheal tube or tracheostomy tube[1] to be inserted; this tube allows a person to breathe without the use of the nose or mouth.

  1. ^ Molnar, Heather (11 April 2023). "Types of Tracheostomy Tubes".