Tracheostomy

Abstract

Tracheostomy is the creation of an opening in the trachea through the neck to facilitate the passage of air. A temporary tracheostomy, where a nonreactive tube is inserted into the trachea, can be performed to provide an alternate route for air during surgery or as an emergency measure in patients with a severe difficulty to breath. The tube must be secured by suturing it to the skin. After a tube tracheostomy the patient must be observed closely to prevent tube obstruction or dislodgement. If the trachea is irritated, increased mucous production may occur and the tube may require cleaning.REFERENCES: Fossum, TW, Johnson, AL, Schulz, KS, Seim, HB, Willard, MD, Bahr, A & Carroll, GL 2002, ‘Small animal surgery’, 2nd ed, Mosby Elsevier, St. Louis, pp. 825-826.