cricothyroidotomy
Pronunciation: cry-co-thy-roy-DOT-oh-mee
Emergency surgical airway procedure creating an opening through the cricothyroid membrane.
Full Definition
An emergency surgical technique for establishing airway access through the cricothyroid membrane when conventional endotracheal intubation is impossible or contraindicated. This procedure is particularly relevant in head and neck oncology when patients present with airway obstruction from tumor mass effect or post-treatment complications. The cricothyroid membrane lies between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages and provides a relatively safe access point below the vocal cords. While typically a temporary measure, cricothyroidotomy may serve as a bridge to more definitive airway management such as tracheostomy.
Usage
Usage note: Emergency procedure; distinguish from elective tracheostomy.
In Context
- "Emergency cricothyroidotomy was performed due to complete airway obstruction from the laryngeal mass." — Emergency procedure note
- "The cricothyroidotomy was converted to formal tracheostomy once the patient was stabilized." — Operative report