What Researchers Did
Researchers described a complex surgical approach to treat a patient with a persistent opening between the nose and brain, along with a bone infection, that developed after cancer treatment.
What They Found
After previous treatments including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, IV antibiotics, and bone debridement failed, the patient underwent a two-stage surgical repair. This involved using a muscle flap to close the fistula, which completely mucosalized within 4 weeks. A custom implant was then used for cranioplasty, resulting in the patient remaining free of disease and infection for 17 months.
Canadian Relevance
This study is not Canadian. However, it addresses chronic osteomyelitis and delayed radiation injury, which are Health Canada-recognised indications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
As a case report, this study describes the experience of a single patient, meaning its findings may not apply to all individuals with similar conditions.