How is the Tracheotomy Procedure Performed?
Generally, the tracheotomy is performed in the operating room or in the intensive care unit. In order to make the procedure comfortable for the patient, usually a local anesthesia and an intravenous medication is used. An incision is made in the lower part of the neck, then the trachea is located and an opening is made into it. After that, a tracheotomy tube is inserted just below the larynx, or the voice box. More modern techniques have been devised wherein a percutaneous approach is taken, which is less invasive, which involves just piercing through instead of an open incision. How Long does it take to Recover from a Tracheotomy? The recovery time is generally 1-3 days, which patients usually need to learn how to breathe through the tracheotomy tube. Learning how to communicate with others takes a longer time. At first, the patient may find it impossible to make sounds or talk. However, with training as well as practice, patients generally learn how to talk with a tracheotomy tube. D
