Objectives/hypothesis: The aim of this study was to evaluate the indications for, and outcomes and limitations of, OK-432 therapy in various otolaryngological cystic diseases.
Study design: A retrospective clinical study at Yamagata University School of Medicine and the Fukase Clinic in Japan.
Methods: Between April 1996 and November 2009 we tried OK-432 therapy in 148 patients with otolaryngological cystic diseases. In cases of plunging ranulas, lymphangiomas, branchial cleft cysts, thyroglossal duct cysts, thyroid cysts, and cervical lymphocele, we aspirated as much of the fluid content of each cystic lesion as possible, and we then replaced the volume of aspirated fluid with about half the volume of OK-432 solution.
Results: Disappearance of the lesion was observed in 119 of 148 patients (80%). Marked reduction was observed in 20 of 148 patients (14%). Partial reduction was observed in four patients (3%), and no response was seen in five patients (3%). Plunging ranula, lymphangioma, thyroglossal duct cyst, thyroid cyst, auricular hematoma, and salivary mucocele showed better responses to OK-432 therapy than did branchial cleft cyst. Serious complications with OK-432 therapy were infrequent, and the therapy seemed to have no influence on future surgery.
Conclusions: Our results confirmed that OK-432 therapy is simple, easy, safe, and effective and can be used as a substitute for surgery in the treatment of various otolaryngological cystic diseases.