Novel technique of creating a seal for the vacuum-assisted closure system application in complex head and neck wounds.

BACKGROUND: Achieving a good seal for the application of the vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system in complex head and neck wounds is difficult.

METHODS: A case series of 4 patients who developed postoperative orocutaneous or pharyngocutaneous fistulas were studied. A sterile green glove was used as a sealant together with the VAC system.

RESULTS: With utilization of a green glove, a good seal for the VAC system was obtained. This gave ample time to cleanse the wound and allow granulation tissue to form before proceeding on to the next stage of treatment.

CONCLUSION: A green glove technique allows for a good seal for the VAC system to work, especially when applied to complex head and neck wounds. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2523-E2526, 2016.