Tracheostomy - series
Indications
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
Update Date: 1/5/2011
Updated by: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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