Tracheostomy

Definition
A surgical opening in the trachea which bypasses the nose and mouth

• Vertical or horizontal incision in the trachea
• Stay sutures placed near the end of the incised tracheal ring post operatively
• Stoma is the opening of the tracheostomy. The tract is usually established and healed in about 5 days
• Stoma kept open with a tracheostomy tube

A tracheostomy is performed in children for several reasons:

to bypass airway obstruction manage chronic aspiration allow for long term ventilation

Post operative care includes:

• Stay sutures taped to the child's chest to aid placement of the trach tube if decannulation occurs before the first tube change.
• Trach ties are not changed post operatively until ordered by the surgeon.
• The first trach tube change is done by the surgeon five to seven days after surgery.

Image retrieved from Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children Living with a Tracheostomy