Tracheotomy

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

Indications for tracheostomy

The indications for tracheostomy are:

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• Acute setting - maxillofacial injuries, large tumors of the head and neck, congenital tumors, e.g. branchial cyst, acute inflammation of head and neck, and
• Chronic / elective setting - when there is need for long term mechanical ventilation and tracheal toilet, e.g. comatose patients, surgery to the head and neck.

In emergent settings, in the context of failed endotracheal intubation or where intubation is contraindicated, cricothyrodotomy or mini-tracheostomy may be performed in preference to a tracheostomy..

Related Topics:
Cricothyrodotomy - Mini-tracheostomy

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