Indications

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: 1/30/2007
Reviewed By: Ravindra Uppaluri, MD. Otolaryngologist, Private Practice, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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