Study on the application of modified negative pressure wound therapy with instillation in cervical anastomotic leakage after oesophageal cancer surgery

Aims: This study aims to explore the feasibility and safety of modified negative-pressure wound therapy with instillation (NPWTi) for the treatment of cervical anastomotic leakage (CAL) after oesophageal cancer surgery. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 17 patients who developed CAL after oesophageal cancer surgery and received modified NPWTi treatment at our hospital from 2021 to 2024. General data, including days to cure, number of treatments, comfort level, and odour assessment, were collected. Results: Among the 17 patients, there were 10 men and seven women, with an average age of 73.71±8.01 years. None of the patients received neoadjuvant therapy, and all were non-diabetic. The preoperative albumin level was 38.77±3.58 g/L. The occurrence of CAL was noted at an average of 8.88±3.15 d post-surgery, with the modified NPWTi treatment duration averaging 10.88±6.54 d. The time from treatment initiation to complete healing was 15.00±7.26 d, with a minimum of 5 d. Following NPWTi treatment, the patients reported a significant improvement in wound odour ( P <0.001). There were no mediastinal or pleural infections associated with NPWTi, and the patients reported good comfort and satisfaction with the overall treatment. Conclusion : Modified NPWTi demonstrated significant efficacy and convenience in treating CAL after oesophageal cancer surgery, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers with good safety profiles, thus warranting broader clinical application.