What Is A Tracheostomy?

A tracheostomy is one of the oldest medical procedures known today

. It is also known as pharyngotomy and laryngotomy. The procedure involves making a surgical cut in the trachea on the outside of the neck to create a direct airway. This produces a stoma (opening) to work independently as an air passageway. It is also used to allow a tracheostomy breathing tube to be inserted. The opening and the tube let an individual breathe without using their mouth or nose. Current medical procedures use either a needle-puncture or a surgical incision method.

A tracheostomy tube is a two- to three-inch plastic or metal device used to keep the trachea and stoma open to let air flow through to the lungs. It is also called a trach tube device.

When Is This Procedure Necessary?

The tracheostomy incision is typically performed for any one of these reasons:

- To get past a blocked upper air passageway that is stopping oxygen from reaching the lungs

- To take out and clean sections from the air passageway

- To safely and more easily bring oxygen into the lungs

After the procedure, the surgeons will check for a couple of days to see how the incision is healing. Often, the first trach device inserted during surgery will be replaced with a new one about 10 to 14 days after the surgery, depending on the patient's condition. Further replacements are typically performed by the attending doctor or nurses on staff.

Recovery After Surgery

The patient can have a hard time talking until they have a special, smaller tube inserted. The smaller one can let air to flow upwards to the vocal cords. Whenever a patient needs a mechanical ventilator, the air is blocked from flowing past the tubular device by a balloon. This makes the patient unable to produce any oral sounds. Eating by mouth may also be difficult until the smaller one is inserted.

When a trach tubular device is needed for an extensive length of time, the family and the patient are instructed on how to care for it at home. This includes how to properly use homecare medical equipment to suction the trachea, clean it and safely change the tube.

Some of the home healthcare supplies needed may include the following:

- Tracheostomy tube (one size smaller)

- Tracheostomy tubes

- Trach ties

- Hydrogen peroxide, sterile water, normal saline

- Blunt-end bandage scissors

- Gauze, dressing supplies

- KY Jelly or another water soluble lubricant

When the time comes, the patient will be provided with plenty of information, specific instruction and hands on practice. Home healthcare equipment may be provided by the hospital or through a home healthcare supplies company.

by: Christine Harrell

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