Incorporating a continuous suction system as a preventive measure against fistula-related complications in head and neck reconstructive surgery.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although previous studies have focused on determining prognostic and causative variables associated with fistula-related complications after head and neck reconstructive surgery, only a few studies have addressed preventive measures. Noting that pooled saliva complicates wound healing and precipitates fistula-related complications, we devised a continuous suction system to remove saliva during early postoperative recovery.

Methods

A continuous suction system was implemented in 20 patients after head and neck reconstructive surgery between January 2012 and October 2017. This group was compared to a control group of 16 patients at the same institution. The system was placed orally when the lesion was on the anterior side of the retromolar trigone area, and when glos

SUBMITTER: Chang HP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6177638 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature