Prediction and prevention of fistulae after major head and neck surgery: a preliminary report.
A method of checking the integrity of mucosal repair after head and neck surgery using wound amylase levels is described. A low wound amylase concentration allows early resumption of oral intake; an increasing amylase concentration is a strong predictor of subsequent wound breakdown and fistula formation. A regimen has been developed which has prevented fistulae from developing in the small number of patients studied thus far.
Morton
R P
RP
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Green Lane Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
Fielder
C P
CP
Dorman
E B
EB
D000681:Amylases / Q000032:analysis*; D004322:Drainage; D005402:Fistula / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011336:Probability; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000378:metabolism*
D000681:Amylases