“What are the risks of a tracheostomy?”
My father will need long-term ventilation and the doctors have advised a tracheostomy. What are the risks involved?
6 Answers
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the risks are bleeding and infection, but they are small and a trach will help with the weaning process.
the risks are bleeding and infection, but they are small and a trach will help with the weaning process
Wrong insertion of a tracheostomy tube outside the trachea (wind pipe) injury to adjacent blood vessel can cause bleeding, hematoma (blood clots around the neck). Accidental removal after placement is an emergency. Injury to the thyroid gland. Long-term narrowing of the trachea (wind pipe). Experience of the surgeon is important. Otherwise, it is usually safe.
If you do not keep it clear and clean it can get infected. If you do what the doctor says he should be alright.
In the short-term after the procedure, there is a risk that the tracheostomy can pop out before the tract has time to develop. Many times, it requires a return to the operating room to replace. In the long-term, there is a small risk of erosion into the major blood vessels in the neck and upper chest, although I have never seen this happen in my experience.
A tracheostomy makes it difficult to swallow, and many times a feeding tube is also required to allow for adequate nutrition.
A tracheostomy makes it difficult to swallow, and many times a feeding tube is also required to allow for adequate nutrition.
