Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Tracheostomy?
A surgeon performs a tracheostomy. An ear, nose, and throat surgeon, a doctor who treats problems of the head and neck, often does this surgery. A critical care doctor, who treats very sick patients in the hospital, often helps with breathing care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure to create an opening through the neck into the trachea, or windpipe. A tube is most often placed through this opening to provide an airway and to remove secretions from the lungs. If you need the hole for just a short time, it will be closed later. Some people need the hole for the rest of their life.
Why a doctor might recommend it
A tracheostomy may be done if you have one of these problems.
- A large object blocking the airway.
- An inability to breathe on your own.
- Harmful material that was breathed in, such as smoke, steam, or toxic gases, that swells and blocks the airway.
- Cancer of the neck, which can restrict breathing by pressing on the airway.
- Severe neck or mouth injuries.
You may also need one if you are on a breathing machine, called a ventilator, for a long time.
How to prepare
Before you leave the hospital, your providers will teach you how to do the following.
- Clean, replace, and suction the tube.
- Keep the air you breathe moist.
- Change the dressing around the hole.
What happens during it
General anesthesia is used unless the situation is critical, and then a numbing medicine is used to ease pain. Surgical cuts are made to reveal the tough cartilage rings that form the outer wall of the trachea. The surgeon creates an opening into the trachea and inserts a tracheostomy tube. A ribbon is tied around the neck to keep the tube in place.
Recovery
A person may feel panic and feel unable to breathe and speak when first waking up after the procedure. Most people need 1 to 3 days to adapt to breathing through a tracheostomy tube. Do not do strenuous activity or hard exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. You should always carry an extra tube with you in case your tube gets plugged. When you take a shower, cover the hole with a tracheostomy cover. If the tracheostomy is temporary, the tube will eventually be removed.
Contact your provider if you have any of these signs.
- Fever or chills.
- Redness, swelling, or pain that is getting worse.
- Too much mucus that is hard to suction or cough up.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Any new or unusual symptoms.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop, or if your tracheostomy tube falls out and you cannot replace it.
Risks and side effects
Risks of a tracheostomy include the following.
- Problems breathing from the anesthesia.
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Scarring.
- Puncture of the lung and lung collapse.
- Scar tissue in the trachea that causes pain or trouble breathing.
Who performs it
A surgeon makes the opening in the neck and inserts the tube. You can ask your provider for a referral to a speech therapist to help you learn to talk with your tracheostomy.
Common questions
How long does it take to get used to a tracheostomy tube?
Most people need 1 to 3 days to adapt to breathing through a tracheostomy tube. It will take some time to learn how to communicate with others.
Can you talk with a tracheostomy?
After training and practice, most people can learn to talk with a tracheostomy tube, many times by using special speaking valves. To speak, you will need to cover the hole with your finger, a cap, or a speaking valve.
Is a tracheostomy permanent?
A tracheostomy can be temporary or permanent. If it is temporary, the tube will eventually be removed. If the tube is permanent, the hole remains open.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
