Effective management of continuous salivary flow through a pharyngocutaneous fistula using a negative pressure wound therapy device

Abstract

Esophagojejunal anastomotic fistula is difficult to treat because of continuous salivary flow. This report describes the innovative use of a negative pressure wound therapy device with a slit drain to treat an esophagojejunal anastomotic fistula after free jejunal transfer. Insertion of a slit drain was very effective for management of saliva. This device worked as a portable suction machine, allowing earlier healing without the need for surgery. A negative pressure wound therapy device using a slit drain can be useful for recalcitrant esophagojejunal anastomotic fistula with salivary flow after free jejunal transfer.

Keywords

• Esophagojejunal anastomotic fistula
• Free jejunal transfer
• Negative pressure wound therapy
• Saliva
• Slit drain