A tracheostomy or tracheotomy is a surgical procedure performed on the neck to open a direct airway through an incision in the trachea (the windpipe).

(Technically, the former term, with the Greek root tom- meaning "to cut," refers to the procedure of cutting into the trachea, whereas the latter term, with the root stom- meaning "mouth," refers to the procedure of making a semipermanent or permanent opening. Tracheostomy can also refer to the result of the procedure, i.e. the opening itself.)

Uses for a Tracheostomy
The conditions in which a tracheostomy may be used are:

• Acute setting - maxillofacial injuries, large tumors of the head and neck, congenital tumors, e.g. branchial cyst, acute inflammation of head and neck,
  
• Chronic / elective setting - when there is need for long term mechanical ventilation and tracheal toilet, e.g. comatose patients, surgery to the head and neck.

In emergency settings, in the context of failed endotracheal intubation or where intubation is contraindicated, cricothyroidotomy or mini-tracheostomy may be performed in preference to a tracheostomy.

How a tracheostomy is performed