Stomahesive as a tracheostomy dressing

Seven patients had occlusive stomahesive dressings placed on their tracheostomies. These patients were compared with four patients managed with standard tracheostomy care. Stomahesive was applied using a defined technique and all seven patients were followed until tracheostomy closure. The average duration of stomahesive care was 26 days and the dressings remained occlusive for an average of 4 days. Photographic evidence revealed that skin changes were less in patients treated with stomahesive dressings.