Definition

1. Noun:
   • A surgical procedure to create an opening in the trachea: A tracheotomy is a medical operation where an incision is made through the neck into the trachea (windpipe) to establish an airway. A tube is typically inserted into this opening to allow a person to breathe, especially when the normal airway through the nose and mouth is blocked or compromised.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The patient required an emergency tracheotomy after the severe allergic reaction caused his throat to swell shut.
  • A tracheotomy is sometimes performed in intensive care units for patients who need long-term mechanical ventilation.

Advanced Usage

• "to perform a tracheotomy": to carry out the surgical procedure.
  • The surgeon had to perform a tracheotomy quickly to save the patient's life.

Variants and Related Words

• Tracheostomy (n): Often used interchangeably with tracheotomy, though it can specifically refer to the opening itself or the procedure of creating a permanent opening.
  • After the tracheotomy, the tracheostomy tube was carefully maintained.

Synonyms

• Tracheostomy: The surgical creation of an opening into the trachea.
• Cricothyrotomy: A related emergency procedure involving an incision through the cricothyroid membrane, often performed when a standard tracheotomy is not feasible.

Related Phrases

• Percutaneous tracheotomy: A minimally invasive technique for performing a tracheotomy using a needle and guidewire, often done at the bedside.
  • The ICU team opted for a percutaneous tracheotomy to reduce surgical risk.

Noun

1. a surgical operation that creates an opening into the trachea with a tube inserted to provide a passage for air; performed when the pharynx is obstructed by edema or cancer or other causes