Guide To A Tracheostomy

Preparing For The Procedure

Patients having a tracheotomy performed in the hospital with general anesthesia will typically be asked not to eat anything after midnight on the night before their operation. Those having the procedure completed this way should ask their doctor for instructions about if drinking a few sips of water is permitted. The patient should ensure the surgeon is aware of their complete medication list. Anticoagulants and some other medications may need to be discontinued for a few days before the surgery, and the patient needs to ask their medical team for guidance on this. Since the patient will not be able to talk immediately after the surgery, doctors recommend bringing a smartphone, computer, or notebook to the hospital so the patient can communicate with others after the operation. Patients should also bring personal care items and all of their medications to the hospital with them, and it can be soothing to have a comfortable robe, pajamas, and slippers from home.

Get the details on how the procedure works next.