What does tracheotomy mean?
Tracheotomy is the surgical incision made into the trachea, or windpipe, usually to establish or maintain an open airway. It may be required when swelling, trauma, infection, or another obstruction prevents normal breathing, and in emergency medicine the word can denote the entire procedure rather than only the incision. The term belongs primarily to specialized medical language, including surgery, anesthesiology, and emergency care. Although tracheotomy and tracheostomy were once often used interchangeably, modern usage commonly distinguishes the incision itself from the creation of a more permanent opening between the trachea and the exterior of the neck. Tracheotomy is also the source of several related medical terms, including tracheal, tracheitis, and tracheoscope. Its history reflects early attempts to understand the passage of air through the body and to overcome threats to breathing.
nounA surgical incision into the trachea through the neck, usually performed to establish or maintain an open airway.
- The surgical incision made into the trachea to establish or maintain an open airway.
"The emergency team performed a tracheotomy when swelling began to obstruct the patient's airway."
"An emergency tracheotomy was necessary when the patient could no longer breathe through the obstructed airway."
"The surgeon discussed the possible need for a tracheotomy before beginning the operation."
The plural is used when referring to multiple tracheotomies or to the procedure as a category.
"The surgeon's notes documented three tracheotomies performed during the night."
Its Greek ancestor meant “artery,” reflecting the ancient belief that the windpipe carried air rather than blood.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tracheotomy come from?
The word was formed in English during the 17th century from trachea and the Greek-derived combining form -otomy, meaning “a cutting.” Trachea comes from Greek tracheia, meaning “artery,” a term associated with the ancient belief that the windpipe carried air. Its Greek relatives include tracheitis and tracheoscope, while English cognates such as tracheal preserve the same trache- root.
Related word forms
How tracheotomy is actually used
This is a technical medical term used chiefly in surgery, emergency medicine, and anesthesia. It normally refers to the incision itself, although it can also refer metonymically to the operation in which that incision is made.
Easily confused with tracheotomy
A tracheotomy is the surgical incision made into the trachea, whereas a tracheostomy is the procedure of creating an opening through which the trachea communicates with the outside of the body.