TRACHEOSTOMY PROCEDURE

Tracheostomy and the whole process

Tracheostomy is done to open a restricted airway and to enable breathing in case of a prolonged respiratory problem. It is a surgery in which a hole is made into to your neck that goes into your windpipe. There are quite a few reasons because of which tracheostomy is performed:

·         Cancer in the neck

·         Chronic lung disease

·         Facial burns or surgery

·         Obstruction of the airway by a foreign body

·         Injury in the chest wall

·         Severe neck or mouth injuries

·         Vocal cord paralysis

Somebody who is on a ventilator for a long time might also need to go through tracheostomy.

Before a tracheostomy procedure is performed a patient is given anaesthesia. The procedure is only started after the anaesthesia has started working.

TRACHEOSTOMY PROCEDURE

·         Then a cut is made into the neck just below the Adam’s apple

·         The cut will go through the windpipe

·         Then the tube is introduced, the smallest feasible tube should be used

·         The hole  is then opened wide to fit the tracheostomy tube inside

·         The tube will be secured with a band while the skin around it heals

After the tracheostomy is performed it is important to take care of the tracheostomy tube very carefully, one should do the following after the surgery because self care is the most important.

TRACHEOSTOMY CARE

·         Don’t do any type of exercise for 6 weeks after the surgery

·         After the surgery small amount of mucus is found around the tube, so it is important to keep the tube free from the mucus

·         While coughing keep a tissue with you to catch the mucus coming from the tube

·         Put a few drops of salt water in the tube and the windpipe and then cough this will help to bring the mucus up

·         Protect the hole in your neck with a cloth while going out , this will also save your clothes from the mucus

·         Put a wet cloth outside the tube to keep it moist

·         Avoid swimming

·         Cover the hole with a traheostomy cover while having a shower

·         Clean the hole at least once a day with cotton ball to avoid infection

·         While speaking cover the hole with your fingers, cap or a valve.

These are the few things a person can do after tracheostomy. You should call the doctor if you have fever, redness, swelling, nausea, vomiting or pain. It is important to act immediately rather than delaying it.

It is important to consult the doctor and do everything accordingly. Those who have breathing problems and have to get tracheostomy done should talk to the doctor about any infection they have or allergy, before the surgery is performed. They should also know about the risks that tracheostomy involves so that they are mentally prepared. In temporary tracheostomy only a small scar is left near the neck while  the permanent one might need doctor’s assistance to get used to the stoma.