a tracheostomy is an artifical opening in the throat below the voicebox to allow a patient to breathe when normal airways are obstructed for one reason or another.

The surgeon makes an inch long incision across the windpipe, just above the top of the breast bone. They insert a plastic assembly into the opening which keeps the incision open, and allows airflow.

I had one following surgery due to excessive swelling. I was very frightened by the thought of it before surgery, but it was really not a big deal. After 10 days, they removed it, bandaged the incision (didn't even put a stitch in it) and it was completely healed up within a week.

If your dad is having that much difficulty breathing, it may really offer him huge relief.
Wayne