Postoperative orocutaneous fistula closure using a vacuum-assisted closure system: a case report

ABSTRACT

Fleischmann et al. first described the concept of using sub-atmospheric pressure to treat open or infected wounds in 1993. Since then, Argenta and Morykwas developed subatmospheric, or negative pressure dressings in 1997 as a means of managing complicated wounds. Since its introduction in 1997, the vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system has been used widely in general plastic surgery, general surgery, and orthopedic surgery to manage complicated wounds of the torso and extremities. However, there is a paucity of literature describing its use in the head and neck region, particularly in oral and maxillofacial surgery. We report a successful case of postoperative orocutaneous fistula closure using a VAC system in a 59-year male with a review of the relevant literature.