Tracheostomy, also known as "tracheotomy", refers to a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the neck to create an artificial airway in the trachea. This procedure is typically performed in emergency situations to help patients who are unable to breathe on their own due to blockages or extensive damage to the respiratory system. Synonyms for tracheostomy include "laryngotomy", "tracheal opening", "stoma creation", and "tracheal incision". These terms are often used interchangeably in medical literature and can be helpful to understand when discussing respiratory issues and treatments with healthcare providers.