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Massachusetts Eye and Ear
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Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery

Operation Airway

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With Operation Airway, we aim to make life-changing airway reconstructive surgery and post-operative care available to all children who cannot breathe or speak on their own. We are a group of physicians from Mass. Eye and Ear and Mass General who carry out surgical procedures in the US and abroad to restore and rebuild children’s airways.

We perform surgery on children who have tracheotomies due to vocal cord paralysis, subglottic stenosis, tracheal stenosis, as well as a host of congenital and acquired problems, aiming to free them of tracheotomy tubes and enable them to breathe, speak, and swallow on their own. 

While on surgical mission trips abroad, we aim to educate physicians on surgical and medical care of these complex patients. This ensures that when our mission is complete, we leave knowing the local physicians are able to provide the same care independently. 

Our team consists of pediatric otolaryngologists, anesthesiologists, pediatric intensive care unit doctors, and pediatric nurses. Our mission leaders are Dr. Christopher Hartnick of Mass. Eye and Ear and Dr. Phoebe Yager of Mass General.

About Operation Airway

Our work is made possible through the Operation Airway Fund. Donations are tax deductible. When submitting a donation online, please indicate in the comments field that funds should be directed to the Operation Airway Fund.