Name of the Procedure:

Tracheostomy, planned (separate procedure)

• Common names: Tracheotomy, Tracheostoma
• Medical terms: Surgical tracheostomy

Summary

A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure where an opening (stoma) is created through the neck into the trachea (windpipe) to allow direct access for breathing. It involves placing a tube into this opening to maintain an open airway, which can be crucial for patients with certain medical conditions affecting their breathing.

Purpose

• Addresses medical conditions such as obstructed airways, severe respiratory issues, or the need for prolonged mechanical ventilation.
• Goals: To secure an open airway, improve breathing, and reduce the risk of respiratory complications.

Indications

• Severe airway obstruction (e.g., tumors, trauma to the neck)
• Chronic respiratory conditions requiring long-term ventilation (e.g., COPD, neuromuscular diseases)
• Acute respiratory distress unmanageable with other methods
• Difficulties in swallowing, posing a high risk of aspiration

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
• Adjustment of medications, especially blood thinners, as per doctor's advice.
• Diagnostic tests like blood work and imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, CT scans) for surgical planning.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is commonly administered.
2. Incision: A horizontal or vertical incision is made on the lower front part of the neck.
3. Trachea Access: Muscles and tissues are separated to expose the trachea.
4. Tracheostomy Tube Insertion: An opening is made in the trachea, and the tracheostomy tube is inserted.
5. Securing the Tube: The tube is secured in place with sutures or a flange and connected to a ventilator if needed.
6. Closing: Surrounding tissues are closed, leaving the stoma open for the tube.

• Tools: Scalpel, retractors, tracheostomy tube, sutures
• Anesthesia: General anesthesia or deep sedation with local anesthesia

Duration

The procedure typically lasts between 30 to 45 minutes.

Setting

Performed in a hospital setting, usually in the operating room or at bedside in an intensive care unit (ICU).

Personnel

• Surgeons (e.g., otolaryngologists, thoracic surgeons)
• Anesthesiologists
• Operating room nurses and surgical technologists
• Respiratory therapists (post-procedure)

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Bleeding, infection, tube displacement or blockage
• Rare complications: Damage to surrounding structures (e.g., esophagus, large blood vessels), persistent stoma after tube removal
• Management: May include antibiotics for infection, surgical correction for severe complications

Benefits

• Immediate improvement in airway management and breathing
• Reduced dependence on a ventilator over time
• Potential to speak and swallow with proper rehabilitation
• Benefits can be realized almost immediately following the procedure

Recovery

• Immediate post-procedure monitoring in ICU or hospital
• Tube care and cleaning instructions provided by healthcare staff
• Gradual transition to speaking and swallowing over weeks to months
• Follow-up appointments for tube changes, airway evaluation, and rehabilitation

Alternatives

• Non-surgical alternatives: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP), pharmacological management
• Pros: Less invasive
• Cons: May not be effective for severe cases requiring direct airway access, higher risk of long-term complications from prolonged use of non-invasive ventilation

Patient Experience

• During the procedure: Under general anesthesia, the patient will not experience any pain or discomfort.
• After the procedure: Discomfort at the incision site, needing pain management (e.g., medication)
• Long-term: Adjusting to the tracheostomy tube, learning to speak and swallow, constant care of the stoma to prevent infections and blockages.