A Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure in which an opening is made in the neck to allow air to pass through. The opening is called a stoma. The stoma is usually located in the front of the neck. The procedure is used to treat patients who have had a laryngectomy, or surgery to remove the voice box. It can also be used to treat patients who have had a tracheotomy, or surgery to create an opening in the trachea, or windpipe.