Question 1

what's a tracheotomy?

Accepted Answer

Air passage: Tracheostomy refers to creating a passage for air directly over the trachea from the front of the neck, thus bypassing the nose and throat.  This is performed to overcome obstruction in the throat or to improve breathing efficiency in patients with severe lung disease.

Question 2

how do i perform tracheotomy?

Accepted Answer

You don't!: Tracheotomy should only be performed by a physician who is trained to do this.  There are teaching tools using mannequins that can be used to teach this skill, and then real life experience in the operating room.

Question 3

can a tracheotomy be reversed?

Accepted Answer

Yes : The reversal is better achieved shortly after placement. A good question is should it be reversed and when?  Speak to your doctor

Question 4

is having an emergency tracheotomy painful?

Accepted Answer

Somewhat at first: Like anything it can be initially but with time and good care, keeping it free from infection, it will heal and not hurt at all.

Question 5

what are the pros and cons of a tracheotomy?

Accepted Answer

Many: A tracheostomy is a tube or opening from the neck into the windpipe.  It is frequently performed when someone can't breath without a ventilator or when their larynx (voice box) isn't functioning well.  It allows them to breath through the neck.  It is associated with rare but fatal complications as well as trouble clearing secretions from the lungs and requires special care.

Question 6

how to cope with with a loved one who has tracheotomy?

Accepted Answer

TLC: Tender , loving, care . Needs constant attention if they are not able to take care of themselves. Frequent suctioning, oxygen administration etc. But it is not as bad as it sounds.

Question 7

what happens when a tracheotomy is removed? does it close?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Following removal of a tracheotomy tube, the hole in the neck will usually close without any further treatment over days or weeks.

Question 8

what is it like to have a tracheotomy in your throat?

Accepted Answer

Throat?: Tracheostomy is done in the neck just under the thyroid cartilage.

Question 9

what are tracheotomy instruments?

Accepted Answer

Knife, dilator: it doesn't take much. A skin incision, a dilator to open the trachea and an airway (or tube) to put in the trachea hole

Question 10

what gives voice after a tracheotomy?

Accepted Answer

A few possibilities: There are a number of ways to speak after a trach.  If the trach tube is not filling the entire airway, then the person can put their finger on the opening and speak when exhaling.  Another good option is the passy muir valve which allows speech and can even be used on a ventilator for some people.  There are also various talking trach tubes.

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Can a tracheotomy be reversed?

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Is having an emergency tracheotomy painful?

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What are the pros and cons of a tracheotomy?

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How to cope with with a loved one who has tracheotomy?

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What happens when a tracheotomy is removed? does it close?

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What is it like to have a tracheotomy in your throat?

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What are tracheotomy instruments?

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What gives voice after a tracheotomy?

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