Minimizing complications in tracheostomy and cricothyrotomy

Surgical airway management Surgical airway management is an essential skill for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. There are two main surgical airway procedures: tracheostomy Tracheostomy and cricothyrotomy Cricothyrotomy . Technique-related complications are preventable. Emergency surgical management of the airway Emergency surgical management of airway is associated with more complications. Complications include bleeding, tracheal-esophageal communication Tracheal-esophageal communication , a false passage between the trachea Trachea and sternum Sternum , emphysema Emphysema , pneumothorax Pneumothorax , pneumomediastinum Pneumomediastinum , accidental decannulation Accidental decannulation , and tracheal stenosis Tracheal stenosis . Preventing complications is easier than managing them. The purpose of this chapter is to explain the surgical technique for tracheostomy and cricothyrotomy and how to avoid intraoperative and postoperative complications.