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Ostomy Care: Stoma Care Instructions

Ostomy Care: Stoma Care Instructions
Laura Castricone, CRT

A stoma is a surgical site where a tube has been inserted. A tracheal stoma is where a tracheostomy tube has been inserted to keep an airway open so a patient can breathe freely.  The stoma needs to be checked and cared for just as any other surgical site.

How do you keep a Stoma Clean?

  • Remove split gauze or drain sponge that is covering the stoma and protecting the skin from the tube. 
  • Note any discharge or blood on the gauze and if it is stuck to the wound, do not tear off, use a swab moistened with peroxide to slowly remove. 
  • Look at the surgical site. Is it red? Is it bleeding? Is there any pus or discharge coming from the site? Is the skin ragged or tearing? Note the condition of the stoma for future reference. Report any unusual findings to your health care provider. 
  • Using a sterile swab and peroxide solution, swab around the stoma to remove any dried blood or debris. Let dry. 
  • Replace the split gauze or drain sponge for a clean one sliding it carefully under and around the trach tube
  • Change the gauze/drain sponge as often as necessary or if it should become wet or damp as this will not allow the stoma to heal properly and may cause an infection.

Things to keep in mind during Stoma Care

Try to keep the stoma area dry, do not put anything on the stoma (ie: ointments, creams, powders, etc.) without checking with your healthcare provider.

If you are experiencing any on-going pain at the surgical site, or if something seems different in your stoma’s appearance, you should contact your healthcare provider.

All You Need To Know About Tracheostomy

 

 

Author Profile: Laura Castricone, Respiratory Therapist

Laura Castricone (Certified Respiratory Therapist)

My name is Laura Castricone and I am a Certified Respiratory Therapist. I have been practicing in the state of Connecticut since 1992. I have worked in several aspects of respiratory care including sleep medicine, critical care, rehab, and home care. I earned my respiratory certification at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. Prior to becoming an RT, I attended the University of Connecticut pursuing a degree in English but left Uconn in my junior year to work with my father in the restaurant business. I stayed with him for over a dozen years. An education, by the way, that can never be bought! Once I married and had children, the restaurant business no longer fit my lifestyle. When my children were one and two years old, I decided to go back to school and that is where my career in respiratory care began. This career has been very rewarding and I have been blessed to meet some extraordinary people along the way. I grew up in Waterbury, CT, and now live in Litchfield County, CT with my husband and our crazy Jack Russell terrier, Hendrix. My hobbies include antiquing, gardening, writing plays, and painting miniature paintings.

 

 

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.

 


HPFY Laura Castricone, CRT

Laura Castricone, CRT

LinkedIn Profile My name is Laura Castricone and I am a Certified Respiratory Therapist. I have been practicing in the state of Connecticut since 1992. I have worked in several aspects of respiratory ...

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