What Researchers Did
Researchers retrospectively analyzed patient charts to develop a systematic approach for treating pharyngocutaneous fistulas that can occur after surgery for head and neck cancers.
What They Found
Out of 212 patients who had pharyngeal reconstruction, 23 (10.8%) developed pharyngocutaneous fistulas, with a significantly higher incidence in those with wound healing problems or after radiation therapy. The lowest recurrence rates were observed when myocutaneous flaps were used for reconstruction. In 3 cases of severe wound healing disorders with recurrent fistulas, additional hyperbaric oxygen therapy led to complete healing.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients experiencing complex pharyngocutaneous fistulas, particularly after radiation therapy or with severe wound healing issues, this study suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy could be a valuable additional treatment option. It highlights HBOT's potential to aid in complete healing for these challenging cases when standard surgical methods are difficult.
Canadian Relevance
This study is not Canadian. However, it covers complications that can arise from radiation therapy, which is a Health Canada-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (delayed radiation injury).
Study Limitations
The study was a retrospective analysis of patient charts and included only a small number of cases treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, without specific HBOT protocol details.