What Is A Tracheotomy?
A tracheotomy is a surgery in which a doctor places a tube for breathing into a child's trachea (windpipe). Developed almost 500 years ago, the surgery is done for many reasons. The reasons may include:
- Bypassing a blockage in the airway
- Assisting patients who cannot cough out the mucus from their lungs
- Aiding patients who need to be on a ventilator (breathing machine) for a long time
The surgery usually is done in an operating room under a general anesthetic. Drawings are included below to help you see where the surgery is actually performed. As you can see, the tracheotomy tube is placed below the larynx (voice box). Because of where the tube is placed, most children do not lose the ability to speak once the tracheotomy tube is inserted. However, speech may not be possible in some children after surgery due to:
- Swelling around the tracheotomy tube
- Size of tracheotomy tube needed for the child to breathe easily
- If there is already a blockage in the airway
Although the tracheotomy tube is placed in front of the esophagus (swallowing tube), most children are able to eat normally. However, some children, because of their other medical conditions or feeding history, may have problems eating, choking or coughing after swallowing. Discuss your child's specific feeding needs with your doctor, nurse, dietician or therapist.
Depending on the reason your child needs the tracheotomy, it may be temporary. Most conditions that require tracheotomies in children can be outgrown or surgically corrected. However, a tracheotomy may be needed for a long time for those children who cannot cough out mucus from their lungs or need a ventilator (breathing machine). Discuss your child's condition with your doctor to understand better how long your child will require a tracheotomy.
Charles M. Myer III, MD
Revised 7/07
