Management of orocutaneous fistulas using a vacuum-assisted closure system.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system has been used to manage complicated wounds. The purpose of this study was to describe a novel technique in using the VAC system for orocutaneous fistulas.

METHODS:

A retrospective study was performed on 10 patients treated at the National Cancer Centre, Singapore, who developed postoperative orocutaneous fistulas. Hydrogum dental paste was used as a sealant together with the VAC system to close the fistulas. We used either the RENASYS or VAC ATS system with 50 mm Hg to 125 mm Hg continuous suction.

RESULTS:

The 10 patients developed 11 fistulas. The median age of this cohort was 67 years (range, 33-80 years). Nine patients had successful closure of their fistulas with VAC therapy whereas 1 patient had unsuccessful VAC therapy and required flap reconstruction. The median time to fistula closure was 19 days (range, 6-36 days). The median time to radiotherapy after surgery was 46 days (range, 26-62 days).

CONCLUSION:

VAC therapy is an effective treatment option for orocutaneous fistulas.

• Authors: Brian Tian, Deborah Khoo, Ai Choo Tay, Khee-Chee Soo, Ngian Chye Tan, Hiang Khoon Tan, N Gopalakrishna Iyer
• Journal: Head & neck (Head Neck) Vol. 36 Issue 6 Pg. 873-81 (Jun 2014) ISSN: 1097-0347 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23733717 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical References

• Dental Cements

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (surgery)
• Cutaneous Fistula (etiology, therapy)
• Dental Cements (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Mouth Neoplasms (surgery)
• Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy
• Oral Fistula (etiology, therapy)
• Retrospective Studies
• Risk Factors
• Treatment Outcome
• Wound Healing