Orocutaneous and pharyngocutaneous fistula closure using a vacuum-assisted closure system

Brian T Andrews; Russell B Smith; Henry T Hoffman; Gerry F Funk

doi:10.1177/000348940811700410

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Orocutaneous and pharyngocutaneous fistula closure using a vacuum-assisted closure system

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Orocutaneous and pharyngocutaneous fistula closure using a vacuum-assisted closure system

Brian T Andrews, Russell B Smith, Henry T Hoffman and Gerry F Funk

Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology, Vol.117(4), pp.298-302

04/2008

DOI: 10.1177/000348940811700410

PMID: 18478840

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Abstract

The vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system is a topical negative pressure dressing that has been used extensively to manage a multitude of complicated wounds, including enterocutaneous fistula. We hypothesize that the VAC system may also facilitate the closure of orocutaneous and pharyngocutaneous fistulas. A retrospective chart review was performed. Three patients were identified. Two patients developed fistulas after undergoing salvage laryngectomy, and 1 patient developed a fistula after having a hemiglossectomy defect reconstructed by a radial forearm free flap. The VAC system was successful in closing the fistula in 2 of the 3 patients. Complete fistula closure took 3 and 11 days in the 2 cases. The 1 failure of fistula closure was due to poor collapsibility of the neck tissue along the fistula tract caused by fibrosis following prior radiotherapy. The VAC system is a feasible treatment option for closing head and neck fistulas, especially when collapsible tissue is present at the fistula site.

Cutaneous Fistula - surgery

Oral Fistula - etiology

Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy

Humans

Middle Aged

Male

Treatment Outcome

Respiratory Tract Fistula - etiology

Feasibility Studies

Radiography

Cutaneous Fistula - etiology

Pharyngeal Diseases - surgery

Time Factors

Cutaneous Fistula - diagnostic imaging

Pharyngeal Diseases - diagnostic imaging

Pharyngeal Diseases - etiology

Respiratory Tract Fistula - surgery

Female

Aged

Retrospective Studies

Laryngectomy - adverse effects

Oral Fistula - surgery

Details

Title: Subtitle: Orocutaneous and pharyngocutaneous fistula closure using a vacuum-assisted closure system
Creators: Brian T Andrews - Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
Russell B Smith
Henry T Hoffman
Gerry F Funk
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology, Vol.117(4), pp.298-302
DOI: 10.1177/000348940811700410
PMID: 18478840
NLM abbreviation: Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol
ISSN: 0003-4894
eISSN: 1943-572X
Publisher: United States
Language: English
Date published: 04/2008
Academic Unit: Radiation Oncology; Craniofacial Anomalies Research Center; Neurosurgery; Otolaryngology
Record Identifier: 9984006443302771

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