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Frequent Asked Questions
What is a Tracheostomy?
A tracheostomy can refer to the surgery in which a hole is
created in the neck for a long-term breathing tube OR the
tube inserted into the neck itself.
What is a “trach”?
The term “trach” is shorthand for tracheostomy.
Are tracheostomy and tracheotomy the same things?
The terms usually mean the same things.
Why might my loved one need a tracheostomy?
A tracheostomy allows patients to be connected to a breathing machine for a longer period of time than a breathing tube in the mouth.
When will my loved one come off the ventilator?
This is one of the most important question that families tend to ask. Some patients can eventually breathe on their own. Some patients need to stay attached to machines forever. Unfortunately, it can be very hard to predict if your loved one will come off the breathing machine. However, older patients, patients with chronic health issues, and patients with severe brain injuries are less likely to be able to breathe on their own. Also, the longer someone needs a breathing machine, the less likely it is that the patient will ever come off.
Is a tracheostomy permanent?
Tracheostomies can be temporary for patients who recover and are able to breathe on their own again. If a patient successfully comes off the breathing machine, the tracheostomy tube can be removed and, usually, the hole in the neck heals on its own.
How do people with a tracheostomy eat?
Initially, patients with a tracheostomy will receive nutrition through a tube into their stomach. Some patients with a tracheostomy can learn to eat by mouth again IF they are awake and recovering. Very few patients who are still connected to a breathing machine can eat by mouth.
How can patients with a tracheostomy talk?
Most patients with a tracheostomy can only talk again when they can come off the breathing machine. For patients with a tracheostomy who still need the breathing machine, other forms of communication are often used including writing or mouthing words.
If we choose a tracheostomy for our loved one and they do not get better, do they have to stay attached to life support forever?
Sometimes families want to give their loved ones more time to see if they get better. However, families can talk to the medical team about transitioning to a comfort-focused only approach at any time in a patient’s care. Make sure you are clear with the medical team about your goals for your loved one especially when those goals may change.
How can I learn more about long-term hospitals?
Long-term hospitals can offer multiple different types of services. Long-term hospitals vary by region. A patient’s eligibility is also dependent on their medical status as well as their insurance. You have to talk to the medical team to learn about options after the hospital.
Why must my loved move to a long-term hospital? Why can’t they stay where they are?
The best place for your loved is the place where they can receive the care they need. Most acute care hospitals are not designed to help patients slowly come off a ventilator. While all ICU teams have experience with the weaning process, some long-term hospitals may be better. Additionally, some long-term hospitals are able to provide more physical therapy to help a patient recover.
Do people go home after a tracheostomy?
Where patients go after a tracheostomy depends on multiple factors. Two of the biggest issues are whether a patient can breathe without a breathing machine and whether a patient can care for themselves (bathroom, dressing, etc.). In very rare situations patients with a tracheostomy who still need a breathing machine can return home. Usually, this requires lots of medical equipment and support at home. Patients who can successfully come off the breathing machine can return home, but some will still require help with activities of basic living like going to the bathroom and dressing. In some cases, patients may need a nursing home after a tracheostomy if they still need lots of help.