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Why Does My Tracheostomy Wound Persist After Tracheostomy Tube Removal?

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Posted on Tue, 7 Feb 2017
Question: Hi,

My Father met with a severe accident 7 months back. He is a neuro patient.He is progressing well right now, regained conscious level.For ejecting out cough doctors placed Tracheostomy tube for ejecting out cough.This tube had been remove two months back but that hole is still not covered.
There was a normal dressing going on till now but 10 days back strapping started.
My query is how long generally it takes for the tracheostomy hole to get covered and if it doesn't get cover up till 3 months is there any surgical procedure required? How severe is that surgery and What is the process involved?
Awaiting for the response.

Thanks,
XXXX

doctor
Answered by Dr. Riddhi Shah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Wound should heal in 1-2 weeks.If not healed,then it requires surgery .

Detailed Answer:

Hi XXXXXXX thank you for posting your query on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.

Healing of the tracheostomy wound: when the tracheostomy tube is removed, the wound left should heal within 1-2 weeks.

One of the factors that contribute to the persistence of the tracheostomy wound is the duration of cannulation. In case of longer duration of tracheostomy tube cannulation, the wound might not heal and Epithelialization of the tract from skin to trachea can result in a non-healing fistula.

Granulations may form around tracheostomy wound leading to non-healing of the wound. If present, they need to be cauterized.

Surgical treatment of the fistula involves excision of the epithelialized tract, and closure of the wound in layers. Surgery is generally done in general anesthesia. After closing the tracheostomy wound, watch has to be kept in the post-operative period for development of sub-cutaneous emphysema (collection of air under the closed wound in neck) or respiratory distress in post-operative period.

Hope this answers your question. Feel free to ask in case of any further doubts.
Take care.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Riddhi Shah

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 533 Questions

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Why Does My Tracheostomy Wound Persist After Tracheostomy Tube Removal?

Brief Answer: Wound should heal in 1-2 weeks.If not healed,then it requires surgery . Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX thank you for posting your query on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Healing of the tracheostomy wound: when the tracheostomy tube is removed, the wound left should heal within 1-2 weeks. One of the factors that contribute to the persistence of the tracheostomy wound is the duration of cannulation. In case of longer duration of tracheostomy tube cannulation, the wound might not heal and Epithelialization of the tract from skin to trachea can result in a non-healing fistula. Granulations may form around tracheostomy wound leading to non-healing of the wound. If present, they need to be cauterized. Surgical treatment of the fistula involves excision of the epithelialized tract, and closure of the wound in layers. Surgery is generally done in general anesthesia. After closing the tracheostomy wound, watch has to be kept in the post-operative period for development of sub-cutaneous emphysema (collection of air under the closed wound in neck) or respiratory distress in post-operative period. Hope this answers your question. Feel free to ask in case of any further doubts. Take care.