Tracheostomy
Patient Education
What Is a Tracheostomy?
A tracheostomy creates a new pathway for air to flow
into and out of the lungs. To create this pathway,
surgeons make a small opening in the neck. They place
a tracheostomy tube (also called a trach tube) into the
opening. Air flows into and out of the lungs through
the trach tube.
Reasons for a Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy may be needed in these situations:
• Swelling of the throat that blocks the airway
(such as an allergic reaction or after surgery)
• An object or growth that blocks the throat
or trachea
• Surgery on the larynx or mouth area
• Paralysis of the abdomen, chest, neck, or throat
that affects breathing
• Need for long-term ventilation
Throat Before Tracheostomy
How a Tracheostomy Works
Surgeons make a small opening through the front of
the neck into the trachea, which carries air to the lungs.
This opening is called a stoma. A trach tube is placed
into the stoma. One end of the trach tube rests outside
the neck. The other end rests inside the trachea. When
you breathe in, air flows through the trach tube into
the trachea and to the lungs. When you breathe out, air
flows back out the trach tube. Some people need the
trach tube for only a short time, while others may need
it permanently.
Important Points
• Most patients who have a tracheostomy can be
fitted with a tube that allows them to speak.
• Most patients can eat normally with a tracheostomy,
but some precautions are needed.
• When no longer needed, a trach tube can be
removed by gently pulling on it. The stoma will
generally heal in a few days.
Throat After Tracheostomy
Larynx (voice box)
Esophagus
Trach tube in stoma
Trachea
Air can’t flow into
or out of lungs
Blockage
Air can flow into
and out of lungs
through trach tube
Blockage
For more information call 1-888-424-2100 or go to www.huntsmancancer.org
Produced by HCI © 2013 • Approved by a team of medical, health, and communications specialists • September 2013 • Revision Date September 2016