Irrigation Solutions in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery: A Preclinical Efficacy Study. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lodhia, Kunal A.; Dale, Oliver T.; Winter, Stuart C.
• Is Part Of: Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology. Volume 124:Number 1(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 68
• Page End: 71
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: wound irrigation -- head and neck cancer treatment -- squamous cell carcinoma; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/0003489414543101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4894

Abstract

Introduction: It is common practice to irrigate the operative site following tumor resection during major head and neck surgery. A variety of irrigation solutions are used, but there are few data on their relative efficacies in this context. Methods: The effect of different irrigation solutions on cell survival was assessed by clonogenic survival assay in 5 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines at different time points. Results: Saline had no effect on cell survival in any of the cell lines tested. Hydrogen peroxide, povidone-iodine, and a hydrogen peroxide/povidone-iodine mix caused complete cell death in all cell lines. Irrigation with distilled water caused a significant reduction in cell survival in 3 cell lines. Duration of exposure showed no effect on cell survival. Conclusion: These data suggest a significant difference in the cytocidal effect of commonly used irrigation solutions on head and neck cancer cells in an in vitro model.