A tracheotomy is a temporary or permanent treatment for a variety of causes of BREATHING DIFFICULTIES in which the creation of a new breathing pathway is required, by-passing the nose, mouth, and throat. A tracheotomy is usually considered when an endotracheal (ET) tube (a tube that goes in the throat through the mouth) either will not be effective (in some emergency situations for example), or would be required for a long time. Sometimes, a tracheotomy is performed when an ET tube cannot be placed due to narrowing of the windpipe or blockage of the voice box (larynx).
The reasons for performing a tracheotomy generally falls into three major categories:
To bypass an obstruction in the airway (most common reason)
To help with long term ventilation in patients who cannot do this on their own (patients with respiratory muscle problems or lung problems)
To provide a temporary airway while reconstructive surgery is performed that may cause breathing problems





