need advice

my mother has had anoxal brain injury in the hospital. she is on life support. some of her dr. beilive that we should put a trach in so that they can take her of the vent.  so we let them do that.

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi

A tracheostomy is a surgical opening (a tubular passageway) into the trachea (the windpipe, located in the lower front part of the throat. It is used to facilitate ventilation. I am assuming that your mother is already on ventilation and in intubated via a endotracheal tube (tube usually inserted via mouth to the trachea).

Some of the advantages of tracheostomy over endotracheal tube for long term ventilation are:
• Speech is possible, whether by deflation of the cuff, or by change of the canula for a fenestrated canula after a minimum of 5 days, in order to let the tracheostomy wound heal sufficiently
• Oral hygiene is easier and respiratory secretions are easier removed. The patient is able to cough
• Decrease in airway resistance, anatomical dead space and work of breathing
• Better security of the airway, because in general a tracheostomy tube can be changed more easily than an endotracheal tube
• Easier to manage in the hospital wards (this is dependent on the hospital protocols)

However, tracheostomy is an invasive procedure and has got operative risks which could be considered after discussion with your doctor.
Take Care and do write in if you need more information.
Regards