Management of a temporary tracheostomy stoma

Abstract

atients who have head and neck operations often require temporary tracheostomy. After decannulation, use of an cclusive dressing that prevents air passing through the stoma s essential for effective healing. In the past, waterproof adhesive tape (SleekTM) was conidered to be an effective occlusive dressing, but it caused kin irritation, and its use is no longer recommended. Alterative less adherent dressings cause minimal skin changes,1 ut they require patients to apply digital pressure over the toma when coughing or speaking, to prevent the dressing ecoming detached. A problem for many patients after decannulation is locatng the correct position of the stoma under the dressing