- Go to slide 1 out of 5
- Go to slide 2 out of 5
- Go to slide 3 out of 5
- Go to slide 4 out of 5
- Go to slide 5 out of 5
Overview
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
Review Date 2/12/2021
Updated by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.