Tracheostomy

n. creation of an opening in the trachea (Medicine)

[Image:Tracheotomy_neck_profile.png|thumb|166px|Completed tracheotomy: 1 - Vocal cords 2 - Thyroid cartilage 3 - Cricoid cartilage 4 - Tracheal cartilages 5 - Balloon cuff]]A tracheotomy or tracheostomy is a surgical procedure performed by paramedics, emergency physicians and surgeons in order to secure an airway. The procedure is performed on the neck to open a direct airway through an incision in the trachea (the windpipe). (Technically, the former term, with the Greek root tom- meaning "to cut," refers to the procedure of cutting into the trachea, whereas the latter term, with the root stom- meaning "mouth," refers to the procedure of making a semipermanent or permanent opening. Tracheostomy can also refer to the result of the procedure, i.e. the opening itself.)
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Tracheostomy /tra·che·os·to·my/ creation of an opening into the trachea through the neck, with the tracheal mucosa being brought into continuity [more]Tracheostomy - Community and Resources

Noun
1. 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
(synonym) tracheotomy
(hypernym) operation, surgery, surgical operation, surgical procedure, surgical process
(part-meronym) stoma

Surgery to create an opening (stoma) into the windpipe. The opening itself may also be called a tracheostomy.