A tracheotomy is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon makes incision in the neck and a breathing tube is inserted directly into the trachea.[31] A common reason for performing a tracheotomy includes requiring to be put on a mechanical ventilator for a longer period.[31] The advantages of a tracheotomy include less risk of infection and damage to the trachea during the immediate post-surgical period.[31] Although rare, some long term complications of tracheotomies include tracheal stenosis and tracheoinnominate fistulas.[32]