Overview

The word tracheostomy often evokes feelings of fear and anxiety in patients. The thought of a hole in the front of the neck is overwhelming, especially in connection with a cancer diagnosis. It is hard to imagine returning to a normal life after this procedure, and contemplating the care required can be daunting. These concerns are natural. However, while having a tracheostomy can be life altering, it is not debilitating. The tracheotomy procedure is performed fairly commonly in head and neck cancer patients. In this procedure, a hole is surgically created in the front of the neck and into the trachea (windpipe) to establish an airway in the neck. This hole, or stoma, is referred to as a tracheostomy. Once the stoma is created, it is maintained by inserting a tracheostomy tube. Becoming informed about the initial procedure and management of your tracheostomy will help alleviate your anxieties and fears. That is the objective of this handbook. It will assist in the transition from the hospital to home and provide you with information you will need to manage your tracheostomy appropriately.