"You have had surgery to create an opening through your neck and into your trachea (windpipe). A tube (cannula) was inserted into the opening so you can breathe. You need to take care of your tracheostomy (""trach"") tube, the opening in your neck (stoma), and the skin around the stoma once you leave the hospital. Your care team will teach you how to do this. The guidelines below will also help. "