Definitions
- A surgical procedure that involves creating an opening in the neck to access the trachea. - Used to help patients breathe when they have difficulty breathing through their nose or mouth. - May be performed in emergency situations or as a planned procedure for long-term respiratory support.
- A surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the neck to access the trachea. - May be performed in emergency situations to establish an airway or remove an obstruction. - May also be used to access the trachea for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve surgical procedures on the trachea.
- 2Both may be performed in emergency situations.
- 3Both may be used to establish an airway or remove an obstruction.
What is the difference?
- 1Location: Tracheostomy involves creating an opening in the neck while tracheotomy involves making an incision in the neck.
- 2Purpose: Tracheostomy is primarily used for long-term respiratory support while tracheotomy may be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
- 3Procedure: Tracheostomy involves creating a stoma (an opening) in the neck and inserting a tube while tracheotomy involves making an incision in the neck to access the trachea directly.
- 4Reversibility: Tracheostomy is generally considered a permanent procedure while tracheotomy may be reversible depending on the reason for the procedure.
- 5Usage: Tracheostomy is more commonly used in medical settings while tracheotomy is more commonly used in general language.
Remember this!
Tracheostomy and tracheotomy are both surgical procedures that involve accessing the trachea through an incision in the neck. However, tracheostomy involves creating an opening in the neck and inserting a tube for long-term respiratory support, while tracheotomy may be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes and involves making an incision in the neck to access the trachea directly.
