Noun: tracheostomy ,trey-kee'ós-tu-mee
- 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 oedema, cancer or other causes
"An emergency tracheostomy was performed to help the patient breathe";
- tracheotomy
Derived forms: tracheostomies
Type of: op [informal], operation, surgery, surgical operation, surgical procedure, surgical process
Encyclopedia: Tracheostomy