This case-based two-part panel presentation and interactive audience discussion will address common challenges faced by general otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons when treating difficult or non-healing wounds arising from head and neck cancer treatments. There will be two parts to the panel. This first part will focus on patient optimization, non-operative interventions, evidence behind select treatments, and practical implementation within a practice. The panel will review modifiable patient factors in wound healing, synthetic wound coverings, negative pressure devices, topical medications, and systemic treatments. We will discuss the use of these interventions as a definitive management strategy, and/or as a bridge to surgical intervention.