What type of surgery is a tracheostomy considered?

A tracheostomy is classified as emergency surgery because it is often performed in urgent situations where the airway is compromised, such as in cases of severe respiratory distress, trauma, or obstruction. The goal of the procedure is to create a direct airway through an incision in the trachea, allowing for ventilation and preventing asphyxiation.

In emergency contexts, the need for a tracheostomy arises swiftly to address life-threatening conditions, making it crucial to initiate the procedure promptly. While a tracheostomy can sometimes be planned and performed electively in certain chronic situations, it is predominantly associated with immediate care for critical patients who cannot breathe adequately through their normal airway.

Given these circumstances, classifying it as emergency surgery reflects the urgency and necessity of the intervention to ensure patient safety and resolve acute respiratory complications.