Etymed
tracheotomy
Definition
surgical incision into the trachea to create an opening for breathing
Clinical context
A 65-year-old man with severe throat cancer requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation undergoes emergency tracheotomy due to airway obstruction. The procedure creates a direct surgical airway bypassing the upper respiratory tract. Post-operatively, the patient requires careful monitoring for complications including bleeding and infection at the surgical site.
Mnemonic
TRACH - Take Rapid Airway Clearance - Trauma, Reanimation, Airway, Cancer, Haloperidol