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A tracheostomy is a medical procedure that involves making an opening in the front of the throat to place a tube into the trachea.
This allows direct access to the airways and is used in cases where normal breathing through the nose or mouth is impossible or insufficient.
Did you know that the words "tracheostomy" and "tracheotomy" are often used interchangeably?
However, tracheostomy technically refers to the medical procedure itself, while tracheotomy refers to the incision made during the procedure.
In this blog post, you will discover what a tracheostomy is, when it is used, the complications that can arise and how we should care for a patient with a tracheostomy.
What is a tracheostomy?
A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure in which a hole (stoma) is made in the front of the throat, just below the larynx, and a tube is placed into the trachea. This tube provides direct air passage to the lungs, bypassing the upper respiratory system.
The procedure can be temporary or permanent, depending on the patient's need. Temporary tracheostomies are often used to help patients breathe after serious injuries or infections, while permanent tracheostomies may be necessary in cases of chronic breathing problems or diseases that affect breathing.
When is a tracheostomy performed?
A tracheostomy is performed in a variety of situations, including:
In cases of severe respiratory failure, when breathing through the nose or mouth is not possible or is insufficient, a tracheostomy can ensure an immediate and effective supply of oxygen to the lungs.
Patients who require prolonged mechanical respiratory support (eg, patients with severe neurologic conditions or severe infections) may benefit from a tracheostomy, as it reduces the risk of infections and complications associated with prolonged endotracheal intubation.
In cases of tumors, injuries, or other conditions that cause obstruction of the upper airway, a tracheostomy can provide an alternative airway.
Patients with chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other neuromuscular diseases may need a tracheostomy to keep their airways open.
Tracheostomy Complications
Despite the significant benefits of tracheostomy, there are some complications that can occur. These complications can be immediate or delayed and include:
Immediate Complications
Delayed Complications
Tracheostomy Patient Care
Caring for a patient with a tracheostomy requires care and diligence. Here are some basic guidelines for daily stoma care:
Cleanliness of the stoma
The area around the stoma should be kept clean and dry to avoid infections. Use sterile materials and follow the instructions of the doctor or nursing staff.
Change the Tube
The tracheostomy tube should be changed regularly, as directed by the doctor, to keep it clean and functional. This procedure must be done with sterile tools and under appropriate hygienic conditions.
Moisture and Oxygen
It is important to maintain humidity and oxygen supply at the correct level for patient comfort and safety. Some patients may require additional humidification/warming filters or oxygen delivery systems.
Monitoring and Identifying of Complications
Continuous monitoring of the patient's condition is essential for early recognition and treatment of possible complications. Symptoms such as increased temperature, redness, swelling or increased discharge from the stoma should be reported to the doctor immediately.
Training and Support
Patients and their families should receive education about tracheostomy care, as well as ongoing support from medical and nursing staff. Good communication and education can help to better manage the condition and improve the patient's quality of life.
Read more in our article: Cleaning the tracheal tube
Conclusions on Tracheostomy
Tracheos/c/tracheiostomiatomy is a critical medical procedure that can save lives and improve the quality of life of patients with severe breathing problems.
Although it may come with some complications, proper care and ongoing monitoring can reduce the risks and ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.
If you or someone you know is going to have a tracheostomy, it is important that you are fully informed and work closely with the medical staff for the best possible care and support.
In the physical store and in the e-shop of Germanos Medicals you will find a wide variety of tracheostomy aids and tracheal tubes of exceptional durability.
Our company is one of the most specialized companies in Greece in the field of Tracheostomy and Laryngectomy.
In the variety of Germanos Medicals in tracheostomy items you will also find NOPHS Reimbursed items. This is a series of necessary materials, which you are entitled to free of charge for the condition of Tracheostomy.
With over 15 years of experience in serving tracheostomized and laryngectomized patients, we have a wide variety of items, which are essential for their therapeutic rehabilitation and care.
Contact us for more information about tracheostomy aids, tracheal tubes and their use.
Sources:
“Tracheostomy - What It Is, Procedure & Purpose” - Cleveland Clinic
"What You Need to Know About Tracheostomy" - Healthline
Frequently asked questions
When your tracheostomy is no longer needed, your doctor may remove the tracheostomy tube. The hole often closes on its own within about two weeks. But if this is not done, it can be surgically closed.
If the tracheostomy is permanent, the hole will remain open for life, as in cases of laryngectomy. However, the opening tends to narrow over time and may require further surgery to widen the opening. The outer tube of the tracheostomy tube should be changed every few months and the site should be inspected at each change.
A temporary tracheostomy is an alternative airway until the medical problems that led to its application are resolved. After a certain period of time, the mouth converges (closure of the hole).
You can talk with a tracheostomy, but it will take some practice. You can talk by covering your tracheostomy hole with a finger and forcing air out of your mouth. A speech pathologist can teach you how to do this using speech therapy techniques.
There are also speech valves that can help you speak. These allow you to speak without using your finger to cover your tracheostomy hole.
A tracheostomy offers remarkable benefits—especially compared to tracheal intubation (when a tube is placed down your throat and into your windpipe).
Advantages include:
Feeding safely for people with a stoma requires careful adherence to specific guidelines to avoid complications such as dysphagia and aspiration. During meals, it is important to sit up straight to facilitate swallowing and reduce the risk of aspiration.
You should eat small bites and make sure you eat slowly, giving enough time to chew the food thoroughly before swallowing. This careful process ensures that the food is broken down sufficiently, making swallowing safer and preventing food from entering the trachea, which could cause serious breathing problems.