Surgical airway management
(Redirected from Laryngostomy)
Surgical airway management is a critical procedure in the field of emergency medicine and anesthesiology that involves creating a direct airway through an incision in the trachea. This procedure is typically performed when conventional methods of airway management such as endotracheal intubation are not feasible or have failed.
Indications[edit | edit source]
Surgical airway management is indicated in several scenarios, including:
- Airway obstruction due to trauma, foreign bodies, or swelling.
- Severe facial trauma that precludes the use of non-surgical methods.
- Failed intubation attempts in emergency situations.
- Certain cases of anaphylaxis where swelling obstructs the airway.
Techniques[edit | edit source]
There are several techniques for surgical airway management, including:
- Cricothyrotomy: An emergency procedure where an incision is made through the cricothyroid membrane.
- Tracheostomy: A more permanent solution where an incision is made in the trachea and a tube is inserted to maintain the airway.
Cricothyrotomy[edit | edit source]
Cricothyrotomy is often performed in emergency settings. The procedure involves:
- Identifying the cricothyroid membrane.
- Making a vertical incision through the skin.
- Making a horizontal incision through the cricothyroid membrane.
- Inserting a tube to secure the airway.
Tracheostomy[edit | edit source]
Tracheostomy is usually performed in a controlled environment such as an operating room. The steps include:
- Making a horizontal incision in the neck.
- Dissecting down to the trachea.
- Creating an opening in the trachea.
- Inserting a tracheostomy tube.
Complications[edit | edit source]
Complications of surgical airway management can include:
Postoperative Care[edit | edit source]
Postoperative care is crucial for patients who have undergone surgical airway management. This includes:
- Regular cleaning and suctioning of the airway.
- Monitoring for signs of infection.
- Ensuring the tube remains patent and secure.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD