Tracheostomy - series

The indications for tracheostomy include:

• prolonged intubation during the course of a critical illness
• subglottic stenosis from prior trauma
• obstruction from obesity for sleep apnea
• congenital (inherited) abnormality of the larynx or trachea
• severe neck or mouth injuries
• inhalation of corrosive material smoke or steam
• presence of a large foreign body that occludes the airway
• paralysis of the muscles that affect swallowing causing a danger of aspiration
• long term unconsciousness or coma

Review Date: 01/23/2005
Reviewed By: Kevin Fung, M.D., FRCS(C), Department of Otolaryngology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.