tracheotomy

a surgical procedure in which a hole is made in the TRACHEA to allow direct access of air to the lower respiratory passages. This may be performed in an emergency if there is an obstruction in breathing. However, usually this operation is carried out in hospital, especially on patients in intensive therapy who require long-term artificial VENTILATION . This is to avoid the damage to the trachea that is caused by the long-term use of an endotracheal breathing tube (inserted through the nose or mouth) which would normally be used first. Once the opening has been made, a double tube is inserted and held in place by tapes around the neck. The inner can tube be freely withdrawn and replaced and needs to be kept scrupulously clean and free from any obstruction.