1. Persistent PORT-a-CATH ®-related fistula and fibrosis in a breast cancer patient successfully treated with local ozone application
- Author
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Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Clavo, B., López Silva, Sonnia María, Robaina, F., Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Clavo, B., López Silva, Sonnia María, and Robaina, F.
- Abstract
Persistent and delayed healing of fistulae and local infection in previously irradiated areas can increase the risk of systemic complications and complicated clinical management. Cancer patients have impaired immune systems secondary to the tumor or oncology treatments; this impairment decreases spontaneous healing. Surgical options are often associated with adverse side effects together with an increased risk of further delay in wound healing. Hyperbaric chambers have been used to treat delayed wound healing and several radiation-induced side effects.1 However, this technique is cumbersome and with limited accessibility. Additionally, treatment and assessment of radiation-induced subcutaneous fibrosis has had limited success. We describe a case of a persistent fistula in a previously irradiated area, which was refractory to treatment but which was successfully treated with local ozone applications. The potential role of spectroscopy analysis imaging for objective assessment of subcutaneous fibrosis was demonstrated.
- Published
- 2012