Challenges in Tracheostomy

Abstract

Tracheostomy is a life saving procedure of placement of a surgical airway. It is imperative for every medical personnel to be conversant with it as it helps secure airway, the first step in resuscitation when necessary. It is not only thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the neck and procedural technique but also the awareness of the unusual challenging situations likely during this procedure that can help avoid complications and enable one to be better prepared for any eventuality. This chapter aims to draw the attention to the likely challenges during tracheostomy including pediatric tracheostomy and percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy. An encounter with pseudoneurysm of the internal carotid artery helps understand the gravity of the likely challenges that a surgeon must be prepared to manage.