ABSTRACT
A tracheostomy is a surgically created portal into the anterior wall of the subcricoid trachea. There are several different types of openings into the trachea. Tracheotomy by distinction is a simple incision through the subcricoid trachea. Cricothyrotomy and laryngotomy involve incision through or puncture into the cricothyroid membrane. A tracheostome is a permanent stoma fashioned after laryngectomy.
