US Medical Term · procedures
Tracheotomy
Traqueotomía
Also: Traqueostomía (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Tracheotomy |
| Spanish (Español) | Traqueotomía |
| Chinese (中文) | 氣管切開術 |
| Korean (한국어) | 기관절개술 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Phẫu thuật mở khí quản |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Tracheotomy |
| Portuguese (Português) | Traqueotomia |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การผ่าตัดเปิดหลอดลม |
| Japanese (日本語) | 気管切開術 |
What it means
A tracheotomy is a surgical procedure in which an opening is made in the front of the neck into the windpipe (trachea) to create an airway. A tube is inserted through this opening to allow breathing when the upper airway is blocked or to assist patients who need long-term mechanical ventilation. It may be performed as an emergency or as a planned procedure in patients with serious respiratory problems. The procedure is done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. A nurse or respiratory therapist will teach caregivers how to clean and care for the tracheostomy tube at home. Swallowing and speaking may be affected. A speech therapist may be involved in recovery.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My father is on a ventilator and the doctors are recommending a tracheotomy so he can breathe without the mouth tube.
Mi padre está en un ventilador y los médicos recomiendan una traqueotomía para que pueda respirar sin el tubo en la boca.
Will my family member be able to speak after the tracheotomy?
¿Mi familiar podrá hablar después de la traqueotomía?
What home care is needed for a tracheostomy tube?
¿Qué cuidados en casa necesita el tubo de traqueostomía?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026