Cricothyroidotomy & Needle Cricothyrotomy
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2025-03-03
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Open Access Atlas of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Operative Surgery
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Cricothyroidotomy, also known as cricothyrotomy refers to the creation of a com-munication between airway and skin via the cricothyroid membrane. It may be achieved by needle cricothyrotomy or by open or percutaneous cricothyroidotomy technique. Advantages of cricothyroidotomy compared to tracheostomy include simplicity, speed, relatively bloodless field, minimal training required, and avoiding hyperextending the neck in patients with possible cervical spinal injury.
Indications:
1. Airway obstruction proximal to the subglottis
2. Respiratory failure
3. Pulmonary toilette in patients unable to clear copious secretions
4.Bronchosopy
For indications (1) and (2), cricothyroidotomy is generally done as an emergency temporising procedure when a patient cannot be intubated, or when tracheostomy would be too time consuming or difficult. Following cricothyroidotomy the patient should be intubated or a formal tracheostomy done within 24hrs to avoid complications such as glottic and subglottic stenosis.
Description
Reference:
Fagan, J. 2025. Cricothyroidotomy & Needle Cricothyrotomy. In Open Access Atlas of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Operative Surgery. J. Fagan, Ed.Cape Town, South Africa: University of Cape Town. 11. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/43511 .