Is the tracheostomy a risky thing to do?

Low risk: In the hands of a careful and experienced surgeon, a tracheostomy is a low risk procedure in a patient with normal anatomy of the neck and trachea.

Usually not...: A tracheostomy is a fairly straight forward procedure performed by either a surgeon or an ear/nose/throat doctor. As with any procedure, there are always risks but for this procedure, the benefits usually outweigh any risks involved. Speak with the doctor prior to the procedure so the potential risks can be explained and your questions/concerns addressed.

Depends on airway: If securing the airway is difficult, due to mass or severe airway alteration, then it can be quite dangerous and need to be done emergently or without general anesthesia. If already intubated or with straightforward anatomy, shouldn't be a problem. Surgical risks include bleeding, infection, damage to neck structures.

Usually not.: Tracheostomy is not considered a high risk procedure. However, if the patient has significant risk factors, this could change. Risk factors include obesity, bleeding disorders, severe cardiac disease, etc.