Radiation-Induced Wound Infections in Operated Soft Tissue Sarcomas: An Unbelievable Challenge in a Series of Five Cases

摘要

The standard modality for the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas is a wide excision followed by radiation therapy either in the form of external beam radiation or brachytherapy. Radiation therapy thus is an integral part of management and limb salvage in these cases. This, however, subjects the irradiated tissue to a greater risk for necrosis and local infection. This study suggests a protocol to manage these infections. A multimodal approach to these problems is important. Studies have shown that the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in non-healing wounds significantly reduces edema by removing excessive fluid from the wound bed as well as facilitating removal of the infective pathogen after an aggressive wound debridement. The author has judiciously used NPWT in each of these patients with encouraging results. With no well-defined guidelines to manage radiation-induced wound infections, this retrospective study gives an overview and protocol for a systematic approach.