Tracheotomy

. ‚
A tracheotomy may be done: ‚

To help you breathe easier. This may be helpful if you have been on a breathing machine for more than a few of weeks.
If something is blocking your airway
If you cannot breathe on your own

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What will the results be?

Helps you breathe easier ‚

What happens before the procedure?

Sometimes, a tracheotomy may be done in an emergency. ‚
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to the doctor about: ‚

All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.

Your doctor may order: ‚

Lab tests
Chest X-ray

What happens during the procedure?

Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. Another drug may also be given to numb your throat and help your muscles relax when the tube is put in.
Your doctor will make a small cut on your neck and into your windpipe. A trach tube is put through the opening and into your windpipe.
Your doctor will do a chest x-ray to make sure that the tip of the tube is in the right place. The doctor will listen to your lungs and may take a blood test to make sure the oxygen level in your blood is good.
Your doctor will close your cut with stitches around the breathing tube.
You will breathe through the trach tube as long as it is in place.
Your tracheostomy may be short-term or long-term based on your condition.
The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes.

What happens after the procedure?

You will go to the Recovery Room for a few hours. The staff will watch you closely. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain.
You will have a little discomfort because of the tube. It may bother your throat and make you cough.
If you have a short-term trach, the staff will take your breathing tube out when you are awake or strong enough to breathe on your own. You may have a sore throat and pain afterwards. Your doctor will give you drugs for pain.
Coughing and deep breathing exercises will help keep your lungs clear. The staff will teach you how to do these exercises.
The length of your hospital stay will depend on the reason why you have this procedure. It may be a few hours, few days, or weeks based on your condition.

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to: ‚

Help with pain
Fight an infection

What problems could happen?

Bleeding
Lung infection
Damage to your windpipe or lungs
Trouble swallowing
Scarring
Tube damage or tube comes out

Where can I learn more?

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/trach/ ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Tracheostomy/Pages/Complications.aspx ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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