Tracheostomy

Creator: Dr. Vivek
Keywords: Tracheostomy, Trach, Trayk, Obturator, Cannula, Skin, Neck, Inflatable, Cuff, Mucus, Suctioned, Communication, Sounds, Talk, Infection, Clog, Breath, Discharge, Scar, Water, Powder, Food, Scarf, Attenders, Hospital, Lifestyle, Stoma

Written by Dr. Vivek | Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sunil Shroff, MBBS, MS, FRCS (UK), D. Urol (Lond) on May 04, 2016

Font : A-A+

Tracheostomy- Post Operative Care

The tube, called a "trach" (trayk) for short, has three parts.

The "Obturator" that is used to pass the trach into the windpipe.

An "Outer cannula" (tube). This Outer cannula has a plastic "trach plate" that lies against the skin on the neck and holds the trach in place.

And an "Inner cannula" that fits inside the outer one and locks into place.

Many of the patients need 1 to 3 days time to adapt themselves to breath through the tracheostomy tube.
Painkillers and antibiotics are given as per the patients need.
The patient will have to try and make adjustments to communicate. It would be very difficult for the patient to initially make any noise or sounds let alone trying to speak.
Most patients can learn to speak with a tracheostomy tube after much training and practice.
Once the underlying problem that caused the tracheostomy tube to be placed in the first place in healed then the tube would be removed.

A small scar would remain with the hole healing quickly.
Long term care for tracheostomy tube
Patients or attenders should learn how to take care of the tracheostomy if they are to be discharged home after the procedure. This will help them to take care of the tube at home.
Normal lifestyles are encouraged and most activities can be resumed.

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