Tracheotomy

• Tracheotomy is a permanent or temporary stoma between cricoid cartilage and sternal notch
• Indication
  • Long-term mechanical ventilation
  • Obstruction outside larynx or trachea
    • Struma
    • Cervical or mediastinal tumor
  • Obstruction in the wall of larynx or trachea
    • Laryngeal oedema
    • Foreign body
  • Prophylactic
• Procedure
  • Vertical skin incision between cricoid cartilage and sternal notch
  • Separation of pre-laryngeal muscles
  • Cut thyroid isthmus
  • Insertion and fixation of tracheostomy tube
  • X-ray to confirm placement