Intraluminal negative pressure wound therapy for optimizing pharyngeal reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Surgical Reconstruction
• Wound Healing
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a common complication after pharyngeal reconstruction.
• Adjuvant therapies are needed to decrease this complication rate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the use of intraluminal negative pressure dressings (NPDs) in pharyngeal reconstruction.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intraluminal NPDs in high-risk patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of 12 laryngectomy patients.
• Intraluminal NPDs were used in conjunction with vascularized tissue transfer for pharyngeal reconstruction.
• Patients had risk factors for compromised wound healing, including prior radiation and existing fistulas.

Main Results:

• 92% of patients achieved pharyngeal closure with intraluminal NPDs.
• All patients had at least one risk factor for poor wound healing.
• No serious adverse events were attributed to the intraluminal NPDs.

Conclusions:

• Intraluminal negative pressure wound therapy is a feasible and safe adjunct for pharyngeal reconstruction.
• Further research is warranted to confirm its role in optimizing outcomes for high-risk patients.