Cricothyrotomy is an emergency surgical procedure that involves making an incision through the cricothyroid membrane, located between the thyroid cartilage and cricoid cartilage in the neck, to establish an airway. It is typically performed when a patient is unable to breathe due to upper airway obstruction and other methods of securing the airway, such as intubation or ventilation, are not possible or have failed. This procedure provides a direct route to the trachea, allowing air to bypass blockages in the upper airway, such as swelling, trauma, or foreign bodies. Cricothyrotomy is usually performed in life-threatening situations, such as in cases of severe facial trauma, anaphylaxis, or airway burns, where immediate access to the airway is critical. The procedure involves making a small horizontal incision through the skin and cricothyroid membrane, followed by the insertion of a tube to facilitate breathing. It is often performed as a last resort when a patient's oxygen levels are critically low, and other airway management techniques cannot be used. While cricothyrotomy can be life-saving, it carries significant risks and complications. These include bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding structures such as the vocal cords or thyroid gland. There is also a risk of misplacement of the tube, which can result in inadequate ventilation. Long-term complications may include scarring or voice changes. Due to its invasive nature, cricothyrotomy is typically only used in emergencies, and patients often require further surgical intervention to establish a more permanent airway solution.
