Tracheotomy vs. Cricothyroidotomy — What's the Difference?

Tracheotomy (, UK also ), or tracheostomy, is a surgical procedure which consists of making an incision (cut) on the anterior aspect (front) of the neck and opening a direct airway through an incision in the trachea (windpipe). The resulting stoma (hole) can serve independently as an airway or as a site for a tracheal tube or tracheostomy tube to be inserted; this tube allows a person to breathe without the use of the nose or mouth.

(medicine) an emergency surgical procedure, a form of tracheotomy, in which a hole is cut through the patient's neck into the windpipe in order to allow air into the lungs

Surgical incision of the trachea through the neck, as to make an artificial opening for breathing.

(surgery) A surgical procedure in which an incision is made into the trachea, through the neck, and a tube inserted so as to make an artificial opening in order to assist breathing.

The operation of making an opening into the windpipe.

A surgical operation that creates an opening into the trachea with a tube inserted to provide a passage for air; performed when the pharynx is obstructed by edema or cancer or other causes