About Tracheostomy
Learn about the disease, illness and/or condition Tracheostomy including: symptoms, causes, treatments, contraindications and conditions at ClusterMed.info.
Tracheostomy
Tracheostomy |
---|
Tracheostomy InformationTracheostomy definition and facts
What about tracheostomy care at home after the procedure?The surgeons will monitor the healing for several days after the tracheostomy. Usually, the initial tube that was placed at the time of surgery will be changed to a new tube sometime between 10 and 14 days following surgery, depending on the specific circumstances. Subsequent tube changes are usually managed by the treating physician or nursing staff.Speech will be difficult until the time comes for a special tube to be placed which may allow talking by allowing the flow of air up to the vocal cords. Any time a patient requires mechanical ventilation, air is prevented from leaking around the tube by a balloon. Therefore, while the patient is on a mechanical ventilator, he/she will be unable to talk. Once the doctors are able to decrease the-size of the tube, speaking may be possible. At the appropriate time, instructions will be given. Oral feeding may also be difficult until a smaller tube is placed.If the tracheostomy tube will be necessary for a long period of time, the patient and family will be instructed on home care. This will include suctioning of the trachea, and changing and cleaning the tube. When the time comes you will be provided with ample information, instruction, and practice. Often, home healthcare will be provided, or the patient will be transferred to an intermediate health care facility.In some cases (especially when performed during an emergency or prolonged intubation) the tracheostomy will not be a permanent situation. If the patient can tolerate breathing without the tracheostomy tube the surgical site can be closed, leaving a scar at the outside of the neck. What are risks and complications of a tracheostomy procedure?It is important to understand that a tracheostomy, as with all surgeries, involves potential complications and possible injury from both known and unforeseen causes. Because individuals vary in their tissue circulation and healing processes, as well as anesthetic reactions, ultimately there can be no guarantee made as to the results or potential complications. Tracheostomies are usually performed during emergency situations or on very ill patients. This patient population is, therefore, at higher risk for a complication during and after the procedureThe following complications have been reported in the medical literature. This list is not meant to be inclusive of every possible complication. It is listed here for information only in order to provide a greater awareness and knowledge concerning the tracheostomy procedure.
What are the reasons for a tracheostomy procedure?A tracheostomy is usually done for one of several reasons:
What happens during a tracheostomy procedure?In most situations, the surgery is performed in the intensive care unit or in the operating room. In either location, the patient is continuously monitored by pulse oximeter (oxygen saturation) and cardiac rhythm (EKG). The anesthesiologists usually use a mixture of an intravenous medication and a local anesthetic in order to make the procedure comfortable for the patient.The surgeon makes an incision low in the neck. The trachea is identified in the middle and an opening is created to allow for the new breathing passage (tracheostomy tube) to be inserted below the voice box (larynx). Newer techniques utilizing special instruments have made it possible to perform this procedure via a percutaneous approach (a less invasive approach using a piercing method rather than an open surgical incision). What is a tracheostomy?A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening in the neck leading directly to the trachea (the breathing tube). It is maintained open with a hollow tube called a tracheostomy tube. |
More Diseases
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Diseases & Illnesses Definitions Of The Day
- Giant Cell Arteritis (Polymyalgia Rheumatica) ‐ How do health care professionals make a diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica? …
- Syndrome, Prader-Willi (Prader-Willi Syndrome) ‐ Can Prader-Willi syndrome be inherited?, How common is, and what causes Prader-Willi syndrome? …
- Colitis Surgery (Ulcerative Colitis Surgery) ‐ How Common Is Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis?, How Is Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosed? …
- Foot Problems (Diabetes) ‐ Can diabetes-related foot problems be prevented?, Diabetes and foot problems facts …
- Reading Disorder (Learning Disability) ‐ For more information, How common are learning disabilities?, Is there any treatment for learning disabilities? …
- Body Clock (Biorhythms) ‐ Angina, Asthma, Can drug therapy be matched to the "body clock?" …
- Stem Cells ‐ Adult stem cells, Embryonic stem cells, Fetal stem cells, Induced pluripotent stem cells …
- Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of the Thyroid ‐ Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the thyroid gland; why is it done? …
- Pregnancy Flu Shot Side Effects (Pregnancy Flu Shot Side Effects and Safety) ‐ Early treatment is important for pregnant women, How can I protect my baby once he or she is born? …
- LASIK (LASIK Eye Surgery) ‐ Am I a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery?, Are there different types of LASIK? …