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Panel Presentations

Laryngology/Broncho-Esophagology

Breaking the Mold: Completing and Caring for Tracheostomy in Challenging Patients

Monday, October 13, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT
Location: 139
Disclosure(s):
Ross M. Mayerhoff, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Melissa M. Mortensen-Welch, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Ann W. Plum, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Although most patients requiring tracheostomy can be managed safely using routine surgical and postoperative care strategies with which most otolaryngologists are well-versed, many otolaryngologists will be presented with challenging cases that require additional considerations due to the anatomy or disease processes. This is particularly evident at institutions in which most tracheostomy operations are done by general surgery, but otolaryngologists consulted in more difficult cases. Using a case-based approach, the panelists will present tips and a framework for not only completing tracheostomy placement successfully, but also for successful postoperative management. Situations discussed include, but are not limited to morbid obesity, congenital or developmental anomalies, cervical spine precautions, and concurrent presence of a tracheal stent. Panelists will discuss strategies not only for completing the operation successfully, but also for working in multidisciplinary teams to optimize patients in the perioperative period and to troubleshoot postoperative difficulties.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Prepare for clinical situations in which successful completion of a tracheotomy operation requires additional consideration beyond standard high-quality care and techniques.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Implement strategies to safely perform tracheotomy in patients with anatomic challenges, such as morbid obesity and neck mobility limitation.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Apply troubleshooting approaches to cases in which fit with a standard tracheostomy tube leads to difficulties

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: In many hospitals, otolaryngologists are relied on as airway and neck surgery experts and are likely to be called upon for more challenging tracheostomy cases. Using strategies discussed here, many cases may be managed successfully without the need for transfer to a tertiary care facility.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

    Moderator(s)

  • Ross M. Mayerhoff, MD

    Division Chief, Laryngology; Associate Professor
    Henry Ford Health - Michigan State University
    Detroit, MI, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Panelist(s)

  • JD

    Jayme r. Dowdall, MD

    Associate Professor
    University of Nebraska Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
    OMaha, NE, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • MM

    Melissa M. Mortensen-Welch, MD

    Associate Professor
    Albany Medical Center
    Albany, NY, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • AP

    Ann W. Plum, MD

    Chief of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology
    State University of New York Downstate Medical Center
    Brooklyn, NY, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.