Breathing Problems After Tracheotomy

There are a number of reasons one might have a tracheotomy procedure. Unfortunately as with all other surgeries, there can be complications and even worse, medical malpractice. Below is additional information regarding the procedure and specifically breath problems after tracheotomy. 

Tracheotomy

A Tracheotomy, also known as a tracheostomy is a surgical procedure done on the breathing tube. Tracheotomy's are done to those who have facial or neck cancer, extreme facial injury, or recurrent pneumonia or other breathing problems and also any other type of lung, facial or neck problem causing breathing issues. Tracheotomy's are meant to allow a person to breathe thru a tube when they are unable to do so in a normal fashion. A tube is placed thru an incision in the trachea, in the front of a neck and the patient will then be able to breathe thru this tube rather than thru their nose or mouth. 

Sometimes a tracheotomy will be done on an emergency basis. These are often done very quickly due to the nature of the situation, the procedure is slightly different, but essentially the tube is still placed in the neck in order to improve an issue with breathing. An emergency tracheotomy is also known as a cricothyroidotomy. Usually these situations are due to some type of trauma. 

It is important to note that a tracheotomy nor a cricothyroidotomy are permanent. 

Breathing Problems

A tracheotomy is meant to aid in breathing problems, however, sometimes breathing problems are still evident after a tracheotomy has been performed. Although some difficulty learning to breathe in the beginning is normal, if breathing problems persist this is not normal. Reasons for the breathing problems could include the tube being blocked by blood, mucus or pressure. These can be avoided or fixed rather easily. Unfortunately, breathing problems could also be due to medical malpractice, specifically surgical malpractice. 

Surgical Malpractice

Surgical malpractice occurs when a surgeon does something throughout the course of the pre-operative, procedure or post-operative that is outside of the standards or accepted treatment that causes injury or death to the patient. Surgical malpractice holds a heavy price, including compensatory and punitive damages when a doctor is found guilty.

Getting Legal Help

If you feel there may have been medical malpractice involved in your tracheotomy it is important to contact a qualified attorney in your area. Medical malpractice is a serious issue and an attorney will help to determine if malpractice was involved in your case and help to get the best possible outcome for your malpractice suit or claim.