Avoiding problems in tracheotomy.
The surgeon can minimize postoperative problems that may develop after tracheotomy by 1. ligating the veins that cross the midline (over-dependence on cautery often results in postoperative bleeding); 2. dividing and suture-ligating the thyroid isthmus; 3. avoiding sharp dissection or blind clamping at the sternal notch; 4. leaving the deep layers of the wound open, to avoid subcutaneous or mediastinal emphysema; 5. avoiding a low horizontal skin incision; and 6. using guide sutures at tracheal opening in the infant.
D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008026:Ligation / Q000379:methods; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000517:prevention & control; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000517:prevention & control; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014140:Tracheotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*