Tracheotomy is an incision into the trachea to form a temporary or permanent opening, the latter of which is called a tracheostomy. The incision is made through the second, third, or fourth tracheal ring, and a tube is inserted through the opening to allow passage of air and the removal of tracheobronchial secretions. Except in cases of head, neck, and face trauma, tracheotomy is rarely performed as an emergency procedure.