Tracheotomy

[[Image:Tracheotomy_neck_profile.png|thumb|166px|Completed tracheotomy:

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1 - Vocal cords

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2 - Thyroid cartilage

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3 - Cricoid cartilage

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4 - Tracheal cartileges

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5 - Balloon cuff]]

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A tracheotomy or tracheostomy is a surgical procedure performed on the neck to open a direct airway through an incision in the trachea (the windpipe). (Technically, the former term, with the Greek root tom- meaning "to cut," refers to the procedure of cutting into the trachea, whereas the latter term, with the root stom- meaning "mouth," refers to the procedure of making a semipermanent or permanent opening. Tracheostomy can also refer to the result of the procedure, i.e. the opening itself.)

Related Topics:
Surgical - Trachea

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