Tracheostomy in palliative care

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2009 Feb;42(1):133-41, x. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2008.09.002.

Abstract

The use of tracheostomy in palliative care offers a viable option for airway control. Through a dialogue with the patient, family, and a multidisciplinary set of providers, this procedure can be a useful component to a patient's overall palliative care plan. The authors discuss techniques for placing a tracheostomy tube and indications for placement in palliative care for alleviation of chronic and acute symptoms.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Airway Obstruction / etiology
  • Contraindications
  • Cricoid Cartilage / surgery
  • Humans
  • Palliative Care*
  • Thyroid Cartilage / surgery
  • Tracheostomy* / methods