Sunday, October, 25, 2009

Tracheotomy

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Surgery: Tracheotomy

By Allen Blaivas, M.D. Health Expert

We spoke extensively about the surgical treatment options for OSA in our last blog. I wanted to hit upon one last type of surgery and complete a discussion of other treatment options.

The most successful surgery for OSA is called a tracheotomy. It entails making a small whole in the trachea (wind pipe), which effectively bypasses the entire upper airway, and is able to cure sleep apnea. Despite its great success at treating sleep apnea, it is not commonly used because of the poor acceptance in ...

View all »

Expert & Community Posts

The Basics of CPAP

By Michael Rack, MD , Health Expert

...treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Except for tracheotomy, it is also the most... Read more »

Patrick Swayze smokes despite having cancer

By Anne Mitchell , Health Expert

Reports have been surfacing that despite a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, Patrick Swayze is... Read more »

Don't Pull the Plug Too Soon!

By Jacqueline Marcell , Health Expert

...going to be okay. Do you understand?” She had a tracheotomy and couldn’t talk so somehow I... Read more »

Go to Posts »

Health Guide

Laryngeal nerve damage

... Thyroplasty Arytenoid adduction If both left and right nerves are damaged, an immediate tracheotomy may be needed to allow breathing, followed by additional surgery at a later date. ... Read more »

Head and face reconstruction

...neck, the airway can become blocked. If this is anticipated, the patient may have what is called a tracheotomy placed, in which a small hole is made in the neck through which a tube (endotracheal... Read more »

Note: All clinical content on this site is physician-reviewed, except material generated by our community members.

Featuring Content From:

By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on COPDConnection.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2005-2009. The HealthCentral Network, Inc. All rights reserved.