An improvised tracheostoma button fabricated from disposable plastic syringe

ABSTRACT

Objective: To design inexpensive, easily fabricated stoma buttons for post-laryngectomy patients with stomal stenosis and patients who require prolonged tracheotomy. Methods: Design: Surgical Instrumentation Setting: Tertiary Government Hospital Subjects: Tracheostoma buttons fabricated from 3 or 5 cc disposable plastic syringe were tested on two post-laryngectomy patients with stomal stenosis and a tracheotomized patient with bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Results: The tracheostoma buttons were inexpensive and relatively easy to fabricate. They were easily inserted and well tolerated by all three patients, compared to previously-used commerciallyavailable tracheotomy tubes. Conclusion: In a developing country setting, improvised tracheostoma buttons made from disposable plastic syringes may be viable alternatives to commercially-available stoma buttons or tracheotomy tubes. Clinical trials on more subjects should be conducted to assess parameters for use and long-term efficacy and safety issues.