Infections after a Tracheotomy

A patient undergoing a tracheotomy may face a variety of problems while receiving treatment. These procedures are extremely important in certain emergency scenarios, as a patient may not be able to breathe due to an airway obstruction. A tracheotomy allows that individual to receive oxygen despite a blocked windpipe, as the medical procedure allows a doctor to install a breathing tube that feeds oxygen past the blocked or collapsed airway. However, there are many problems that can arise because of these procedures, including infection.

A tracheotomy requires a doctor to puncture an individual’s airway in order to insert a breathing tube. This act can potentially open the body to infection if a doctor does not carefully monitor the patient’s windpipe and keep conditions clean.

If left untreated, an infection in the throat can potentially damage the tissue in that area and damage crucial body parts located in the throat. These infections may spread out from the throat, eventually endangering the patient’s life if allowed to progress significantly or if a person develops a particularly devastating infection.

If you or someone you love has suffered because of a physician’s negligence when performing a tracheotomy or dealing with a patient who had this procedure, there may be legal action available against that medical professional. Any time an incision is made into the human body, there is a potential for infection at the site of that wound, and extreme care should be taken. To learn more about your legal options if you have suffered because of a medical mistake, contact a personal injury attorney.