tracheostomy

[ trey-kee-os-tuh-mee ]

noun

, Surgery.

, plural tra·che·os·to·mies.

1. the construction of an artificial opening through the neck into the trachea, usually for the relief of difficulty in breathing.
2. the opening so constructed.

tracheostomy

/ ˌtrækɪˈɒstəmɪ /

noun

1. the surgical formation of a temporary or permanent opening into the trachea following tracheotomy

tracheostomy

/ trā′kē-ŏs′tə-mē /

1. Surgical construction of an opening in the trachea, usually by making an incision in the front of the neck, for the insertion of a catheter or tube to facilitate breathing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tracheostomy¹

First recorded in 1920–25; tracheo- + -stomy

Example Sentences

At two months old, he had his first major surgery, a tracheostomy - a hole in his windpipe to give him an alternative airway for breathing.

From BBC

A few months earlier, autopsy records show, a man with a history of suicide attempts tried to kill himself by removing his tracheostomy tube and stuffing Q-Tips into his airway.

From Los Angeles Times

After an emergency tracheostomy operation, he was unable to breathe without the iron lung machine that now encased his small body.

From BBC

They may get ventilator coverage by entering hospice care or having a tracheostomy.

From Seattle Times

Lewis was admitted to the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath after a seizure and underwent a tracheostomy - a hole inserted in the front of his neck.

From BBC