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Tracheotomy is an otolaryngological procedure involving cutting open the trachea. In most cases, it is performed urgently to save the life of a person at risk. During the procedure, a tube is inserted into the airways to ventilate the lungs. In what situations is a tracheotomy performed? What complications are we at risk of?
What is a tracheotomy?
Tracheotomy is a surgical procedure that opens the front wall of the trachea to insert a tube into it, allowing you to breathe. Air rises to the lungs, but the nose, throat and larynx are bypassed. While tracheotomii the skin is cut first, then the superficial muscles of the neck and the subglass muscles.
Tracheotomy relatively often it is performed on unconscious patients breathing through an endotracheal tube and a ventilator. For them, artificial respiration carried out in this way is less harmful.
Tracheotomy it can also be used for self-breathing. A short tube is inserted into the trachea. It is fastened around the neck and additionally sewn to the skin. Indications patients with an obstruction in the respiratory tract, who cannot breathe through the nose and mouth, have this type of surgery.
Indications for tracheotomy
Tracheotomy is performed when there is a need for replacement breathing. Such cases include: laryngeal edema, shortness of breath; burn of the upper respiratory tract; some injuries of the skull; lumen narrowing trauma; laryngeal cancer; foreign bodies located in the larynx; excessively residual bronchial secretions; chronic use of artificial ventilation; prolonged intubation; laryngeal surgery.
Tracheotomy can be performed in the mode sudden. This applies to patients with sudden laryngeal dyspnea. This type of procedure is also used in the case of people poisoned with sleeping pills, with foreign bodies in the lower respiratory tract.
Tracheotomy in cases non-emergency however, it is performed as an anesthetic preparation before the procedure, during which breathing should be monitored for a long time, e.g. during neurosurgical procedures of the skull, neck, chest. Tracheotomy protects against bleeding into the lower respiratory tract and against shortness of breath. Treatments not sudden have a much higher success rate.
Complications after tracheotomy
Tracheotomy it is a theoretically not complicated procedure, but it carries a risk complications. They can be of varying severity. Factors that increase the risk complications po tracheotomii are: obesity, smoking, malnutrition, taking certain medications. Complications after the procedure, it is divided into several groups depending on the time of their occurrence.
Complications immediate occur during execution tracheotomii or shortly thereafter. These include: tracheal bleeding; pneumothorax; air retention in the deep layers of the chest or subcutaneous tissue; damage to the esophagus or larynx.
They occur after the procedure, while the tracheostomy tube is being inserted or used complications late. Among them, the following are distinguished: accidental removal of the tracheostomy tube; damage to the esophagus associated with inadequate pressure and infection; infection of the trachea with bacteria.
Several days, weeks or months after ENT surgery occur complications delayed. The following are classified as such: tracheomalacia, that is, laxity of the trachea; difficulty breathing due to narrowed esophagus.
The most common complications postoperative patients include obstruction of the tracheostomy tube, dyspnea resulting from the residual discharge in the tube, but also narrowing of the larynx and trachea, infection, bedsores, and dysphagia.
Infants, young children and the elderly, patients suffering from chronic diseases are much more likely to experience complications after treatment.
Adequate care after treatment tracheotomii definitely reduces the risk of occurrence complications. It involves regularly checking the tube and airway. Proper patient care prevents infections and obstruction of the respiratory tract.