How to Clean a Tracheostomy

A tracheostomy is a medical procedure in which a doctor makes an incision into the trachea and inserts a cannula (tube). There are three primary reasons for this procedure, as indicated by JohnsHopkinsMedicine.com These include clearing an obstructed airway, cleaning secretions from the airway and more conveniently, efficiently and safely administering oxygen to the lungs. If a doctor performs a tracheostomy on you, you will have to clean both the cannula and the stoma (incision site). This is easy to do and should not cause discomfort if properly done.

Instructions

Cleaning the Cannula

• 1

  Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

• 2

  Take out the inner cannula.

• 3

  Soak the inner cannula in hydrogen peroxide for at least 60 seconds.

• 4

  Remove the cannula from the peroxide.

• 5

  Swab out the cannula with cotton swabs or pipe cleaners.

• 6

  Rinse the cannula inside and out.

• 7

  Remove excess water from the cannula.

• 8

  Reinsert the cannula.

• 9

  Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Cleaning the Stoma

• 10

  Wash your hands.

• 11

  Clean the area around the stoma with a soap, water and a clean washcloth.

• 12

  Rinse the area around the stoma.

• 13

  Rub a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide around the stoma to remove crusts. Hold your breath to prevent inhalation of the crusts. Place petroleum jelly around the stoma once the area is clean. This will prevent crusts from building up.

• 14

  Apply a clean dressing and wash your hands.