This procedure involves making a small hole in the neck, just below the vocal cord. A small tube is inserted into the hole and connected to the ventilator. It is performed either in the ICU or in the operating room. When the patient no longer requires the ventilator, the tube is removed and the hole in the neck eventually heals. A tracheotomy is comfortable for the patient and prevents damage to the trachea.
Nutrition is very important for the critically ill.
Adequate nutrition is essential to the healing process. Nutritional solutions can be administered through feeding tubes inserted through either the nose or the mouth into the stomach or through central venous catheters . Special nutritional preparations are available to provide the nutritional needs of the critically ill. The nutritional needs are calculated and monitored closely by the nutritionist on the critical care team and are adjusted accordingly. Except in emergency situations, physicians obtain consent directly from patients.