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Head and Neck Surgery

Surgical and Nonsurgical Management of the Difficult Oncologic Wound 1

Tuesday, October 3, 2023
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM East Coast USA Time
Location: Ballroom C2

    Moderator(s)

  • Heather A. Edwards, MD

    Chief, Division of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology
    Boston University
    Boston, MA, United States

    • Panelist(s)

  • Samuel L. Oyer, MD

    Associate Professor
    Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia
    Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

  • Nina Lu, MD

    Assistant Professor
    UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
    SEATTLE, WA, United States

  • NS

    Noah P. Syme, MD

    Assistant proffesor
    University of New Mexico
    Albuquerque, NM, United States

Disclosure(s):
Heather A. Edwards, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Samuel L. Oyer, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Noah P. Syme, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This case-based two-part panel presentation and interactive audience discussion will address common challenges faced by general otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons when treating difficult or non-healing wounds arising from head and neck cancer treatments. There will be two parts to the panel. This first part will focus on patient optimization, non-operative interventions, evidence behind select treatments, and practical implementation within a practice. The panel will review modifiable patient factors in wound healing, synthetic wound coverings, negative pressure devices, topical medications, and systemic treatments. We will discuss the use of these interventions as a definitive management strategy, and/or as a bridge to surgical intervention.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Be able to identify patients at high risk for treatment-related healing issues and understand the management of patient factors to prevent wound complications.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Understand the role of medical interventions in wound management including dermal substitutes, negative pressure therapy, tocopherols, pentoxifylline, and first-generation bisphosphonates.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Become familiar with how to implement non-surgical treatments for complex wounds in practice, including timing, cost, and dosing where appropriate.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Management of head and neck oncologic wounds remains challenging. Effective conservative methods of wound management include use of topical therapies, synthetic materials, and systemic therapies. These treatments are easily implemented and can decrease the surgical burden for patients.