tracheostomás

A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening, called a stoma, through the neck into the trachea, or windpipe. This opening allows air to enter the lungs directly, bypassing the upper airway. Tracheostomies are performed for a variety of reasons, including to facilitate breathing in patients with airway obstruction, to manage secretions in the lungs, or to provide long-term mechanical ventilation.

The procedure typically involves making an incision in the front of the neck, below the larynx. A small incision is then made in the trachea, and a tracheostomy tube is inserted into the opening. The tube is secured in place with sutures or a tie that wraps around the neck. The tracheostomy tube allows for breathing and can also be used for suctioning secretions from the lungs.

Patients with a tracheostomy may have difficulty speaking, as air bypasses the vocal cords. Various speaking valves can be attached to the tracheostomy tube to allow for airflow through the vocal cords, enabling speech. The tracheostomy tube is usually removed once the underlying condition is resolved, and the stoma typically closes on its own. In some cases, a tracheostomy may be permanent. Management of a tracheostomy requires regular cleaning of the tube and stoma to prevent infection and ensure proper airway patency.