The Care of a Stoma Site Where a Trach Used to Be

A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure in which a cut or opening is created in the windpipe to allow the insertion of a tracheostomy tube. A tracheostomy tube, when connected to a mechanical ventilator, assists patients in breathing. When the tracheostomy tube is no longer needed, it is removed and the hole, or stoma, is left to heal on its own. Caring for the stoma hole involves keeping it clean on a daily basis until the hole heals and closes up on its own. Proper cleaning of the stoma and the surrounding skill also prevents skin irritation and ensures that it is free from dirt, dust and other small particles that can settle on the skin.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Towel
• Sterile gauze
• Medical tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water. Shake your hands in the air vigorously for a few minutes to air dry, or wipe dry with a clean towel.

• 2

  Remove the dressing covering the stoma carefully.

• 3

  Clean the stoma and surrounding skin with a few pieces of soapy sterile gauze. Make sure to use mild soap and rinse carefully with warm water. Avoid getting water into the open stoma.

• 4

  Wipe the stoma and the surrounding skin dry with a few pieces of sterile gauze.

• 5

  Place a sterile gauze pad over the stoma and tape it to the skin with medical tape.