Tracheostomy

An operation in which an opening is made in the trachea and a tube is inserted to maintain an effective airway. A tracheostomy is used for the emergency treatment of airway problems involving the larynx. A planned tracheostomy is most commonly performed on a person who has lost the ability to breathe naturally and is undergoing long-term ventilation or is unable to keep saliva and other secretions out of the trachea. Permanent tracheostomy is needed after laryngectomy.