Tracheotomy
Tracheotomy, surgical operation in which an incision, or opening, is cut through the front of the neck and into the trachea , or windpipe. The oldest mention of the operation in medical literature is found in the writings of the Greek physician Galen (2nd century ad). A tracheotomy creates an alternate passage to the lungs for air that cannot flow from the nose and mouth through the trachea because of an obstruction. Obstructions may occur when a foreign body lodges in the larynx , or voice box, above the trachea; as a result of swelling or spasm of the larynx or vocal cords; or from infection and swelling of the epiglottis , the thin flap of cartilage covering that keeps food and liquid out of the trachea. The purpose of a tracheostomy is to keep the airway from closing prematurely and to enable the physician to take further measures, if necessary, to ensure that the patient has a patent airway. When a tracheotomy is performed on a patient suffering from severe bronchial or lung co...