What is a tracheostomy?
A tracheostomy (say "trayk-ee-AW-stuh-mee") is surgery to put a breathing tube directly into your windpipe (trachea). This tube helps you breathe when something is making it difficult or impossible to breathe through your nose or mouth. For example, it may be done if you have throat cancer, a lung or nerve problem, trouble handling secretions, or something blocking your airway, or if you injured your mouth or neck. The terms tracheostomy, tracheotomy, and "trach" (say "trayk") are all used to talk about the surgery itself and the opening created by the surgery. The opening is also called a stoma.
You may need a trach for a short time. Or you may need a trach permanently.
How is a tracheostomy done?
During the surgery, the doctor makes a few small cuts (incisions) to create an opening in your neck. Then the doctor puts a breathing tube through the opening and into your trachea. This tube, called a tracheostomy or trach tube, makes it easier for air to get to your lungs. It also helps remove mucus and other fluids from your lungs.
After the trach tube is put in, the opening may be left open. Or it might be made smaller around the tube with stitches or clips. If you no longer need the tube, the doctor will remove it. You will have a small scar on your neck that fades over time.
You may get medicine so you will be asleep during the surgery. Or you may be awake, but you will get medicine so you don't feel pain.
After tracheostomy: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have severe trouble breathing, and coughing and suctioning do not help.
- Your trach falls out and you cannot get it back in, and you are not able to breathe.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your trach falls out and you cannot get it back in, but you can still breathe.
- You have trouble breathing after suctioning.
- Your skin around your trach (stoma) has signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You are sick to your stomach and cannot drink fluids.
- Your secretions change.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
Make sure you have your emergency supplies, including the obturator, available when help arrives or when you arrive at the doctor's office.
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