ADULT TRACHEOSTOMY CHANGE IN THE COMMUNITY

ABSTRACT

@#A tracheostomy is a procedure involving stoma creation through the skin and into the trachea. It can be done surgically or via a percutaneous dilatational technique.1 A tracheostomy tube is the piece of equipment that is left in situ. There is an increasing number of patients with tracheostomy tubes living in the community in Singapore. Therefore, it benefits community physicians to be aware of some aspects of tracheostomy tube components and change. This article will cover indications and contraindications, components, complications and provide an overview of tracheostomy tube change in the community setting.