This study compares two types of wound dressings used after tracheostomy surgery in children: standard foam dressing and silver-impregnated foam dressing.
Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the neck to help children breathe. Skin problems around the tracheostomy site are common, occurring in up to 29% of pediatric patients.
The purpose of this study is to determine if silver-impregnated foam dressing is better than standard foam dressing in preventing skin complications around the tracheostomy site.
Fifty children (ages 0-18 years) undergoing tracheostomy surgery were randomly assigned to receive either standard foam dressing or silver-impregnated foam dressing. All patients received the same standardized wound care. Patients were followed for one month after surgery.
The main outcome measured was the rate of skin complications. Secondary outcomes included pressure ulcer risk assessment using the Braden Q Scale and wound staging using the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel classification.