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Tracheostomy Surgery in Bhubaneswar

Tracheostomy

Tracheostomy Surgery in Bhubaneswar

Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating a hole in the windpipe or trachea through the neck and inserting a tube to facilitate breathing. Tracheostomy surgery in Bhubaneswar is usually performed in emergency or non-emergency situations.

Pre-procedure: In an emergency Tracheostomy, the patient is directly admitted to the operating room. However, a proper evaluation is made for non-emergency cases. 

Procedure: In an emergency Tracheostomy, local anaesthesia is administered, and the surgeon will open either the trachea or the cricothyroid membrane (Cricothyroidectomy). The airway tube is inserted through the hole and connected to the oxygen supply. Compared to a non-emergency Tracheostomy, the procedure is performed as quickly as possible. In a non-emergency Tracheostomy, general anaesthesia is administered, and a cut is made horizontally down the neck, below the Adam’s apple. The muscles are moved to expose the trachea. Surgeons may cut or pull back the thyroid gland for easy visualisation. A hole is created in the trachea, and the tube is placed through the opening. In both cases, surgeons will employ imaging scans to see if the tubes are placed correctly. The incisions are then covered with stitches to secure the tube.

Post-procedure: You will be shifted to the recovery room for further observation. 

 

FAQ's

A Tracheostomy procedure is necessary for emergency or non-emergency cases, some of which include:

  • Acute upper airway obstruction with failed endotracheal intubation procedure
  • Post-emergency Cricothyrotomy procedure as a Tracheostomy, is more stable for long-term airway management.
  • Laryngeal trauma caused by penetrating objects
  • Severe accidents and fractures, such as the Lefort III fracture
  • Ventilator dependence for a prolonged period of time 
  • Planned Tracheostomy before major surgeries for patients with head and neck cancers. 
  • Chronic aspiration
  • Subglottic stenosis
  • Neuromuscular diseases
  • For patients with refractory obstructive sleep apnoea, where conventional treatments do not work, particularly for morbidly obese patients. 
     

Similar to any procedure, the Tracheostomy procedure possesses complications that range from mild to severe, some of which include:

  • Intraoperative complications such as bleeding, pneumothorax, and pneumomediastinum.
  • Infections
  • Tube dislodgement
  • Tube blockage due to blood clots, mucus, or airway pressure
  • Pressure necrosis, caused by increased pressure by the cuff on the surrounding tissue
  • Subglottic or tracheal stenosis
  • Tracheoesophageal and tracheoinnominate fistula

Most complications are rare and outweigh the benefits of the procedure. Our specialists will inform you of possible complications based on individual evaluation and will assure you of prompt intervention and assistance during and after the procedure. 
 

The duration of a Tracheostomy tube depends on the cause and whether the tube placed is permanent or temporary. In the case of a temporary Tracheostomy, tubes are removed after a few days or weeks, or until they can breathe without any assistance. The site where the tracheostomy tube is inserted may take at least 7 to 10 days to heal. It is common to experience pain or discomfort after the removal of the tube. Our specialists will address any pain that may arise by prescribing pain medications. Moreover, our specialists will give personalised instructions for changing and cleaning the tracheostomy tube. 
 

Changing your tracheostomy tube depends on the amount of secretion buildup. Generally, tube change is performed 5 to 7 days after the Tracheostomy procedure, followed by every 7 to 14 days. It is advised to change the tracheostomy tube regularly if secretions are dry or the patient has chest infections that produce more or thicker secretions. Moreover, you have to clean your tracheostomy tube once a day. Additionally, it is recommended to change the tracheostomy tube prior to eating or wait for at least 2 hours after eating to avoid any complications of vomiting or aspiration. Instructions will be given to your caregivers regarding changing your tracheostomy tubes, precautions, care, and follow-up appointments. 
 

You will be instructed by our specialists in case your Tracheostomy tube becomes dislodged. A spare or emergency tube will be given. If the dislodgement causes any bleeding or complications, it is necessary to seek immediate medical attention.

General post-care instructions you have to follow after undergoing the Tracheostomy procedure include:

  • Keeping your tracheostomy site clean to avoid any infections and free from thick mucous
  • Covering your tracheostomy site while bathing or showering
  • Breathing moist air by using a wet gauze or cloth outside the tube or using a humidifier at home when the air is dry.
  • Replacing the inner cannula of the tracheostomy tube to prevent any blockage
  • Refraining from swimming, splashing water, or submerging with a tracheostomy tube
     

You should seek medical assistance in case you exhibit any one or a combination of the following symptoms following a Tracheostomy procedure, which include:

  • High-temperature fever or chills
  • Swelling or persistent pain at the tracheostomy site
  • Developing regular thick secretions or mucous that block the tube
  • Trouble breathing
  • Bleeding, drainage of bodily fluids such as pus, or infections
  • Cough
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Other unusual symptoms