HealthAugust 15, 2026

tracheostomy

tray-kee-OS-tuh-mee

Definition

A surgical procedure that creates an opening through the neck into the windpipe to assist with breathing.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'tracheia' meaning windpipe and 'stoma' meaning mouth or opening. It entered medical English in the 18th century to describe the life-saving surgical creation of an airway.

In the news

The word is used to describe the physical condition of the child, illustrating the severe medical intervention required to keep him alive given his lack of state-provided care.

Mother of Child with Epileptic Encephalopathy Criticizes Cuban Government for Lack of Support

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CubaHeadlines

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