Definition: Tracheotomy vs Tracheostomy

While oral and maxillofacial surgeons deal with tracheotomy management frequently, many medical and dental professionals don’t know much about the procedure. This conversation with oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Ben Hechler, can equip listeners of all levels with a basic understanding of the tracheotomy process, when it is appropriate, and what challenges to expect along the way. Tuning in, you’ll learn about the difference between the terms tracheotomy and tracheostomy and gain insights on when it is appropriate to administer an anesthetic. Dr. Hechler distinguishes between temporary and permanent treatments and offers advice on what to do if irregularities occur during surgery. We also talk about planning for post-tracheotomy treatment and emergencies and differentiate between a tracheotomy and a crike and when each is relevant. Whether you’re a surgeon or a dental practitioner, this episode is sure to provide you with everything you need to know to understand this essential procedure when it next arises. Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Reintroducing Dr. Ben Hechler, oral and maxillofacial surgeon. 
• Today’s topic: tracheotomy management. 
• Why this is a helpful area in which to grow your knowledge. 
• Differentiating between tracheotomy and tracheostomy. 
• An overview of the tracheotomy process.
• Different options to attend to I or H cuts.
• Choosing not to anesthetize a patient during the tracheotomy. 
• Tracheotomy tubes. 
• Differentiating between the outer and inner cannula. 
• Downsizing tracheostomy tubes. 
• The benefits of a cuffed tube. 
• What a capping trial consists of and why it can be beneficial. 
• Temporary tracheotomies.
• Permanent tracheostomy treatments.
• Major concerns to keep in mind with tracheotomy surgery, including bleeding.
• What to do if there is any bleeding.
• How to attend to problems with ventilation.
• Determining whether or not a patient requires a tracheotomy.
• Planning for post-tracheotomy emergencies. 
• The difference between a tracheotomy and a crike. 
• Why it is so valuable to know even a little about this procedure. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Ben Hechler — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hechler

Shiley Tracheostomy Products — https://www.medtronic.com/covidien/en-us/products/tracheostomy.html

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

KLS Martin Bien Air Power Systems— https://www.klsmartin.com/en-na/products/power-systems/bien-air/

Promo Code — EOSSummer2023