Tracheotomy is the surgical procedure to make an opening in the trachea.
Tracheostomy refers to the resulting hole (stoma) into which a tracheostomy tube is inserted and secured. However, both terms are often used interchangeably.
Tracheostomy is one of the oldest surgical procedures, and has been documented as far back as 3600 BC. Tracheostomy was originally used for upper airway obstructions. In the late 1800s the procedure had more widespread acceptance and was common for children with diphtheria. Chevalier Jackson, a Laryngologist from Pittsburgh, introduced clear guidelines for the open tracheotomy procedure in 1908. The first percutaneous dilatation procedure is credited to Ciaglia in 1985 (Engels, P., 2009). However, the tried and true method of Dr. Jackson is still the most preferred method of performing the tracheotomy procedure today. Tracheostomy is now reported to be the most frequently performed procedure on ICU patients today.
Effective management of the patient with a tracheostomy requires a comprehensive understanding of tracheostomy tubes and the physiological complications that may occur. The tracheotomy procedures and the placement of a tracheostomy tube or specialty airway have important and significant effects on the combined functions of the aero-digestive system. The decisions of when and how the tracheotomy procedure is performed, as well as choice of tracheostomy tube, are patient specific. The risks to benefits should be considered thoughtfully by the patient care team with a clear understanding of the short and long-term effects of a tracheostomy tube. To effectively address these considerations in the care of individuals with a tracheotomy, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the tracheotomy procedures, indications and complications associated with a tracheostomy, and the various types of tracheostomy tubes, speaking valves, and specialty airways.
Tracheostomy refers to the resulting hole (stoma) into which a tracheostomy tube is inserted and secured. However, both terms are often used interchangeably.
Tracheostomy is one of the oldest surgical procedures, and has been documented as far back as 3600 BC. Tracheostomy was originally used for upper airway obstructions. In the late 1800s the procedure had more widespread acceptance and was common for children with diphtheria. Chevalier Jackson, a Laryngologist from Pittsburgh, introduced clear guidelines for the open tracheotomy procedure in 1908. The first percutaneous dilatation procedure is credited to Ciaglia in 1985 (Engels, P., 2009). However, the tried and true method of Dr. Jackson is still the most preferred method of performing the tracheotomy procedure today. Tracheostomy is now reported to be the most frequently performed procedure on ICU patients today.
Effective management of the patient with a tracheostomy requires a comprehensive understanding of tracheostomy tubes and the physiological complications that may occur. The tracheotomy procedures and the placement of a tracheostomy tube or specialty airway have important and significant effects on the combined functions of the aero-digestive system. The decisions of when and how the tracheotomy procedure is performed, as well as choice of tracheostomy tube, are patient specific. The risks to benefits should be considered thoughtfully by the patient care team with a clear understanding of the short and long-term effects of a tracheostomy tube. To effectively address these considerations in the care of individuals with a tracheotomy, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the tracheotomy procedures, indications and complications associated with a tracheostomy, and the various types of tracheostomy tubes, speaking valves, and specialty airways.