Tracheostomy

Abstract

Tracheostomy is to establish an artificial airway by making an opening at anterior tracheal wall. Due to the blossom of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit after 1950s, tracheostomy is the most favorable surgical method to access airway at present. In addition to traditional surgical tracheostomy, percutaneous dilational tracheostomy have gained increasing popularity and become an alternative procedure because of its merits such as easier manipulation, shorter operative duration and less complications. This review summarized tracheostomy from definition, history and current status, anatomy and physiology, indications, contraindications, timing, complications and management. We also elaborate our understanding of current contraercy and give some suggestions based on our clinical experience.