ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To discuss prevention strategies that can mitigate the frequency of tracheostomy-related wound complications.
DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature review of PubMed between 2010 and 2019.
STUDY SELECTION: Full-text articles written in English language and studying human participants younger than 18 years.
DATA EXTRACTION: The primary outcome was the rate of tracheostomy-related skin complications after implementation of a given intervention. Secondary outcomes included rates of accidental decannulation or other complications.
DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 348 studies were identified and 6 met inclusion criteria. There were 1,607 children included with interventions designed to reduce peristomal and cervical wound complications in 1,174 (73.1%). Strategies considered safe and effective included protective skin barriers, reducing prolonged pressure, and early wound identification protocols.
CONCLUSIONS: Wound complications after pediatric tracheostomy can be reduced using a multifaceted approach by providers committed to making skin care a priority.