Tracheotomy

Abstract

The tracheotomy is an established procedure to obtain secure airway access. If a patient is expected to require invasive ventilation for more than 10–14 days, a decision will usually be made to perform a tracheotomy. In intensive care units, patients are often treated with a dilatation tracheostoma. This is feasible there and usually resolves quickly without major complications. Other procedures include surgical tracheotomy and tracheostomy. People who are transferred to out-of-hospital care by tracheostomy should receive a plastic tracheostoma. Tracheal cannulas differ in cannulas without cuff and with cuff. The former are suitable for keeping a tracheostoma open safely. Patients can also change the cannula themselves. The cuff ensures reliable administration of the ventilation air. Before a tracheal cannula is removed, the patient must be clinically stable and there must be no obstruction of the air way.