How I do it: securing tracheostomy tubes.
Securing a tracheostomy tube after insertion is essential to prevent accidental decannulation. Although this is uncommon, its associated mortality is high. Common practice involves suturing the lateral edges of the tube flanges to the skin. This can allow movement along the axis of the flanges. We describe a modification of the suture placement, which provides a more robust fixation.
Liew
Leonard
L
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Guy's Hospital, St. Thomas Street, SE1 9RT, London, UK. lennyliew@hotmail.com
Gibbins
Nicholas
N
Oyarzabal
Manuel
M
D006801:Humans; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods