Lymphatic fistulae after neck dissection: the fibrin sealant treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate possibility of treatment of lymphatic fistulae after neck dissection with the fibrin sealant.


METHODS
During the period of 2001-2007, two cases of lymphatic fistulae after neck dissection were treated with human blood based fibrin sealant (Quixil fibrin glue). The sealant components were sprayed into the fistulae with the help of a dual-syringe delivery system.


RESULTS
Sixty patients were operated, 84 neck dissections were performed from 2001 till 2008. Lymphatic fistulae occurred in two cases (2.4% of operations). Fibrin sealant treatment resulted in immediate stop of a leak and complete healing of the fistulae in both cases after 3 days of treatment. One year follow-up revealed no complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Fibrin sealant application might be an effective and time-saving treatment of lymphatic fistulae after neck dissection.
Vaiman
Michael
M
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Affiliated to Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. vaimed@yahoo.com
Eviatar
Efraim
E
D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013594:Syringes; D014014:Tissue Adhesives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014945:Wound Healing
D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; D014014:Tissue Adhesives