[Argon plasma coagulation (APC) for palliative treatment of tracheostomal recurrences].
BACKGROUND
To reduce tumor recurrences in the tracheostomal region mostly surgical measures come to the fore.


METHODS
In six incurable patients with peristomal tumor recurrence, we performed nine palliative tumor reductions using argon plasma coagulation (APC). This electrosurgical non-contact technique has been described to produce effective hemostasis and favorable wound surfaces.


RESULTS
In all nine procedures APC led to rapid and reliable hemostasis. Postoperative bleedings did not occur, and dry wound surfaces adjusted to the level of surrounding body contours considerably facilitated the wound aftercare. After eight of nine APC operations the immediate insertion of conventional cannulas was feasible instead of the tracheostomy tubes needed in the interim, and the patients were again able to change the cannula themselves. Two laryngectomized individuals could resume use of their voice prosthesis.


CONCLUSIONS
APC is particularly suitable for the palliative surgical treatment of tumor recurrences in the tracheostomal region, because it helps to circumvent typical problems of conventional surgery.
Hauser
U
U
Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf an der Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf.
Hoffmann
T K
TK
Balló
H
H
Sarbia
M
M
Bier
H
H
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001128:Argon; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000601:surgery*; D010039:Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D010166:Palliative Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D012648:Self Care; D014139:Tracheostomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001128:Argon