Supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) in the management of laryngeal carcinoma: oncologic results. A 35-year experience.

To evaluate the long-term oncologic results of supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) for laryngeal cancer. A 35-year retrospective study concerning 291 patients treated by supracricoid laryngectomy with CHEP for laryngeal cancer was performed. The following postoperative data were studied: recurrence rates (lymph node and laryngeal), distant metastases and second cancer. The mortality rate and overall survival were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The postoperative mortality was 1.03 %. 23 patients were lost to follow-up. The 3-year survival rate was 84 % and the 5-year survival rate was 80 %. 12 patients developed distant metastasis. 31 patients developed a second cancer. The local (laryngeal) control rate was 93.94 % and the regional (cervical lymph node) control rate was 92.05 %. In multivariate analysis, the occurrence of a second non-ENT cancer and metastasis as well as margins involvement were reliable to mortality. Supracricoid laryngectomy with CHEP appears to be associated with very good long-term oncologic results and still has a place in the management of T1, T2 and selected T3 glottic cancers.

[Intravenous immunoglobulin-resistant Kawasaki disease with hemophagocytosis]. / Maladie de Kawasaki résistante aux immunoglobulines et compliquée de syndrome d'activation macrophagique.

Kawasaki disease is acute self-limited vasculitis of unknown etiology that mainly affects infants and young children. Many different clinical aspects can be encountered. A single dose of intravenous immunoglobulin and treatment by aspirin are the standard therapy. Cases of immunoglobulin therapy resistance pose a real problem. We report on the case of a 14-year-old boy with Kawasaki disease and hemophagocytic syndrome, resistant to the combination of two doses of immunoglobulins and three doses of corticosteroids. Recovery was obtained with one dose of infliximab. This observation highlights Kawasaki disease in adolescents and the therapeutic difficulties that may be encountered in cases of resistance to immunoglobulins. Association with macrophage activation syndrome is rare.

[Preoperative corticosteroid treatment and nasal polyposis]. / Corticothérapie préopératoire et polypose naso-sinusienne.

OBJECTIVES: Impairment of the surgical view by bleeding in endoscopic ethmoidectomy for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) contributes to the risk of skull base injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a short course of a systemic corticoid treatment on bleeding and surgical field quality during endoscopic ethmoidectomy for CRSwNP. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 40 patients. Before surgery, 21 of them (group B) were treated with 1 mg/kg per day of prednisolone for seven days. They were compared with the 19 other patients (group A) on intraoperative blood loss and surgery duration. RESULTS: The two groups shared identical clinical features (Lidholdt endoscopic grading). There was no statistical difference in terms of bleeding, although the Lund-Mackay CT score was higher in group B (19/24 vs. 21/24, p=0.05). The surgical procedure was shorter in group B (72 min vs. 85 min, p=0.05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative treatment with systemic corticosteroids does not seem to reduce surgical blood loss. However, we noted a decrease in the procedure's duration. By reducing mucous inflammation, this treatment could improve the local conditions and help the surgeon in the mucous eradication.

Surgical management of sinonasal inverted papillomas through endoscopic approach.

We defined a standardized approach to surgery of sinonasal inverted papillomas (IP) for adequate and safe resection. A cohort of 65 patients treated from January 1995 to December 2005 at a single institution was retrospectively analyzed (mean follow-up: 28 months; range 1-132). The extension of the tumor was evaluated on clinical findings and computed tomography (CT) scan and/or resonance magnetic imaging (RMI). External and endoscopic surgical approaches were compared according to tumor extension, rate of local recurrence. Univariate analysis was used to review the impact on disease-free survival of factors related to the histopathological findings and the treatment. Endoscopic (alone or combined with transantral approach) and external surgery were used in 46 patients (71%) and 19 patients, respectively. Endoscopic approach (34/46) was performed to control IP in the nasal fossa, the ostiomeatal complex, the sphenoid sinus. It was combined with Caldwell-Luc procedure (12/46) for tumor extent into the lateral part of the maxillary sinus. The mean time for recurrences to occur was 19 months with range of 5-35 months. The rate of local recurrence was 17.6% (6/34) in endoscopic approach alone, 8.3% in endoscopic approach combined with a Caldwell-Luc procedure and 15.8% (3/19) in external approach. Tumor extension, excision with safe margins, associated malignancy or dysplasia have no significant impact on disease-free survival regardless of surgical procedure. On the basis of imaging evaluation and peroperative view of tumor extent, we propose a surgical strategy in which endoscopic approach could be used on the first attempt by trained surgeons. RMI is very useful to determine acute extent of the disease.

Salvage radical prostatectomy for radiorecurrent prostate cancer: indications and results.

AIMS: A rise in the incidence of radiorecurrent prostate cancer is to be expected, since approximately one third of early prostate cancer cases are nowadays treated with a radiotherapy modality. One possibility in treating radiorecurrent prostate cancer is salvage prostatectomy. Our objective was to look into our own experience with salvage radical prostatectomy and to analyse outcome and morbidity. METHODS: A computer search through our hospital database identified 11 patients who underwent a salvage radical prostatectomy for radiorecurrent cancer over the last 15 years. All data were retrospectively analysed and confronted with the literature. RESULTS: Although the surgery was mostly difficult, there were no intraoperative complications. Bladder neck stricture is the most common postoperative complication (18%). Continence rates are worse than in classical radical prostatectomy. All patients lost potency, since no attempt was made to spare the neurovascular bundles. With a mean follow-up of 6.9 years, biochemical disease-free survival rates was 55%, while overall and cancer-specific survival was 91%. CONCLUSION: While most patients with radiorecurrent prostate cancer will be treated by many experts with hormonal therapy, a salvage radical prostatectomy can give a second chance for cure in carefully selected patients.

[Nasal fossae hemangiopericytoma revealed by acute dacryocystitis]. / Hémangiopéricytome des fosses nasales révélé par un épisode de dacryocystite aiguë

We report a 42-year-old woman with a hemangiopericytoma tumor located in nasal fossae, revealed by acute dacryocystitis. Clinical rhinoscopic examination and orbitofacial tomodensitometry showed tumefaction of the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct. We removed the tumor by endonasal surgery. The anatomopathology examination confirmed the diagnosis of hemangiopericytoma. The internal canthus area and the maxillary sinus roof were treated with complementary irradiation.

How should nasal symptoms be investigated in asthma? A comparison of radiologic and endoscopic findings.

BACKGROUND: To improve asthma control, the management of rhinosinusitis often leads the physician to perform sinonasal imaging and/or nasal endoscopy, but their respective contributions are still insufficiently understood. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential contribution of a symptoms questionnaire, sinus radiography (SR) and computed tomography (CT) scan to the diagnosis of nasal diseases in asthmatic patients when compared with ENT examination. METHODS: A total of 124 patients completed a questionnaire on nasal symptoms administered by the chest physician. Then, they underwent ENT examination. On the same day, SR and CT scans were performed independently. RESULTS: Patients (80.3%) had nasal symptoms during the month preceding the consultation. The ENT examination was normal in 8.1% (n = 10) and revealed rhinitis in 57.3% (n = 71), rhinosinusitis in 14.5% (n = 18) and nasal polyposis in 20.2% (n = 25). For rhinitis, the negative predictive value of bilateral nasal obstruction was 87.8%. Both SR and CT had low sensitivity and specificity. For rhinosinusitis, the negative predictive value of nasal symptoms varied from 85.4 to 95.2%. Sinus CT was at least as accurate as SR for the diagnosis of rhinosinusitis. In a multivariate analysis, only the CT scan (score > or =12) appeared to be significantly associated with the diagnosis of nasal polyposis. CONCLUSION: In asthmatic patients, physicians need to enquire systematically about the existence of nasal symptoms by using this simple questionnaire which is sensitive for rhinitis, and has good negative predictive value for excluding rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis.

[Involvement of the nasal sinuses in sarcoidosis. A prospective study of 63 patients]. / Atteinte nasosinusienne au cours de la sarcoïdose. Etude prospective chez 62 patients atteints de sarcoïdose.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcoidosis is a diffuse granulomatous inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology. Involvement of the nasal sinuses has been reported only rarely. METHODS: This multicentre prospective study was undertaken on patients suffering from histologically confirmed sarcoidosis between October 2001 and August 2002. It comprised a questionnaire for nasal symptoms, a nasal endoscopy and a CT scan of the nasal sinuses. RESULTS: Among the 62 patients enrolled 38 reported at least one nasal sinus symptom. An abnormality of the CT scan was present in 70% of cases. None were specific for sarcoidosis. Rhinoscopy revealed a mucosal lesion in 11 cases. The presence of mucosal nodules on the turbinates was suggestive of sarcoidosis and was proven histologically in 4 cases (6.5%). In these 4 cases there were symptoms of nasal sinus involvement and extensive CT changes. CONCLUSIONS: Involvement of the nasal sinuses is rare in the course of sarcoidosis. Anterior rhinoscopy allows diagnosis before the development of typical lesions and also the taking of guided biopsies.

[Paranasal sinuses: postoperative imaging]. / Imagerie des sinus opérés.

Radiologic assessment after sinus surgery requires not only a good knowledge of the primary disease, but also a mandatory understanding of every surgical technique and approach. After having described these techniques, we will illustrate immediate, possible but rare, post-operative complications. The various pathologies responsible for a delayed recurrence will also be illustrated. A chapter will be dedicated to paranasal sinuses malignant tumors follow up after surgery.

[Endonasal plasmocytoma: diagnosis and management]. / Diagnostic et prise en charge du plasmocytome endonasal: à propos d'un cas.

UNLABELLED: Plasmocytomas are either medullary (disseminated form) or extramedullary with or without bone infiltration (located form). Plasmocytoma is not a common tumor but extramedullary forms mostly occur in the upper respiratory tract without specific manifestations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to discuss the management (diagnostic and therapeutic) and the follow-up of extramedullary nasal plasmocytoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report a case of a 71-year-old patient with unilateral nasal obstruction manifestation. RESULTS: Endonasal biopsy concluded plasma cell tumor without extension on CT scan. Treatment consisted of external nasal surgery and radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of solitary extramedullary plasmocytoma can only be confirmed when the presence of systemic disease is excluded by performing clinical, biological (marrow bone biopsy) and radiological investigations. The treatment should be based on surgery with complementary radiotherapy if there is a skull base erosion. Long term follow-up is necessary because of the high risk of diffuse marrow involvement (multiple myeloma) which may occur after a long delay.

Bronchial interleukin-5 and eotaxin expression in nasal polyposis. Relationship with (a)symptomatic bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

An eosinophilic bronchial inflammation was previously demonstrated in patients with nasal polyposis (NP) and asymptomatic bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) similar to that observed in asthmatic patients with NP, whereas patients with NP without BHR did not. The aim of the study was to investigate the contribution of interleukin 5 (IL-5) and eotaxin to the pathogenesis of BHR associated with NP. Eleven patients with NP without BHR (Group A), 8 patients with NP and asymptomatic BHR (Group B), and 9 patients with NP and asthma (Group C) were included. Bronchial biopsies were studied for IL-5 and eotaxin immunoreactivity and IL-5 mRNA expression. IL-5 levels were determined in bronchial lavage (BL). Compared with Groups A and B, Group C patients exhibited higher numbers of IL-5 protein(+) cells, IL-5 mRNA(+) cells, and eotaxin(+) cells in bronchial submucosa. Compared with Group A, Group B patients showed an increased number of IL-5 protein(+) cells, whereas the number of IL-5 mRNA(+) cells and eotaxin(+) cells was similar. IL-5 levels in BL were increased only in Group C. Our study provides evidence of IL-5 involvement in bronchial eosinophilia and in the pathogenesis of asymptomatic BHR associated with NP, whereas both IL-5 and eotaxin are involved in asthma associated with NP.

Near total laryngectomy with epiglottic reconstruction. our experience of 65 cases.

From 1980 to 1998, 65 patients whose glottic lesions were classified T1 or T2 were operated with a reconstructive anterior frontal laryngectomy with epiglottoplasty such as described by Tucker (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 115:1341-1344). This procedure consists of resection of the two vocal cords, in some cases one arytenoid, the anterior commissure with a part of the thyroid cartilage, the anterior part of both false vocal cords, and of 1 cm of the subglottis. The epiglottis is grasped downward to close the larynx. There were no per or postoperative deaths. Our functional results confirm those reported in the previous publications. The mean time of removal of the nasogastric tube was about 12 days and the patients were generally satisfied about their residual voice. Decannulation was performed after satisfactory peroral feeding, generally about 2 weeks postoperatively. Three patients only required subsequent procedures which can be considered due to functional failures. There were four recurrences, which means a 5-year actuarial local control rate of 94%. This operation takes place as part of our surgical treatment policy of laryngeal carcinomas, considering that this surgery is like an extensive frontolateral laryngectomy. In case of an infiltrating tumor or in case of invasion to the arytenoid cartilage, we perform a supracricoid partial laryngectomy with crico-hyoido-epiglottopexy (the Majer-Piquet's procedure).

[Use of fast neutrons in the treatment of tumors of the salivary glands: rationale, review of the literature and experience in Orleans]. / Utilisation des neutrons rapides dans le traitement des tumeurs des glandes salivaires: rationnel, revue de la littérature et expérience d'Orléans.

If low LET radiation therapy (photons, electrons), following radical microscopically and complete surgery can improve results in term of local control from 34 to 74% for salivary gland tumors, local control is more difficult to achieve in advanced tumors and only palliative treatment is usually attempted. In this survey, all the patient series treated worldwide were reviewed. They show an overall control rate of 31% with photon vs 64% with neutron therapy. A prospective randomised trial sponsored by the RTOG and the MRC published in 1988 and reviewed in 1993 showed an overall locoregional complete tumor clearance of 67% for neutrons and 17% for photons (P < 0.005), with 68% and 25% survival at two years for neutrons and photons respectively. This study was closed for ethical reasons. In Orleans, since 1987, 59 patients have been treated. At five years the persistent local control probability was 69.5%, the five-year crude survival probability 66% and the five-year tumor free survival probability was 64.5%. This review provides evidence that surgical treatment for salivary gland tumors should be limited to patients presenting a high likelihood of negative surgical margin and a small risk of facial nerve damage. Others patients should receive neutron radiation therapy alone as definitive treatment.

Long-term follow-up of pulmonary function in patients with nasal polyposis.

The outcome of asthma and/or nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) associated with nasal polyposis (NP) is uncertain. Over a 4-yr period, we investigated the long-term changes of pulmonary function and BHR in 46 patients with NP. Each subject was assessed for nasal symptoms and tested for allergy skin prick tests, serum total IgE, spirometry, and carbachol challenge at baseline before initiating any treatment (T0). Nasal symptoms evaluation, spirometric measurements, and carbachol challenge were repeated at T1 and at T2 (respectively, 12.7 +/- 0.9 and 47.9 +/- 2. 2 mo after T0). In addition, bronchodilator response was measured at T2. At T0, 25 patients exhibited BHR and 16 of 25 were asthmatic. All patients were treated first with topical steroids for 6 wk (beclomethasone 600 microg/d). Eighteen patients were successfully treated with topical steroids (topical steroids responders). Intranasal ethmoidectomy was performed in 28 patients who did not improve with topical steroids alone (topical steroids nonresponders). Nasal score improved at T1 and remained improved at T2 as compared with T0 in both groups (p < 0.005). Topical steroids nonresponders demonstrated a significant decrease of FEV(1), FEV(1)/FVC ratio, and FEF(25-75) at T1 (p < 0.05) and at T2 (p < 0.0005), whereas no significant change was observed in FEV(1) and FEV(1)/FVC ratio in responders. DeltaFEV(1) (%) between T2 and T0 was not related to the presence of asthma, BHR, or atopy. Bronchodilator response at T2 was similar in the two groups. BHR did not significantly change over the 4-yr follow-up period in the two groups. No change in pulmonary symptoms and/or asthma severity occurred. Our results show that nonreversible airflow obstruction appears over a 4-yr follow-up period in topical steroids nonresponders patients with NP requiring nasal surgery. The long-term contribution of these changes to the development of respiratory symptoms in patients with NP remains to be documented.

Quality of life in nasal polyposis.

BACKGROUND: Nasal polyposis (NP) is a frequent inflammatory chronic disease of the upper respiratory tract, which may impair quality of life (QOL). The NP impact, which is frequently associated with lower respiratory disorders, has never before been studied. OBJECTIVE: We initiated this prospective study to establish internal validity and reliability of the generic SF-36 questionnaire in NP and to determine to what level daily functioning becomes impaired as a result of NP. METHODS: Forty-nine consecutive patients with NP were included. They were assessed for the severity of nasal symptoms and underwent pulmonary function tests. The QOL profiles in patients with NP were compared with those of patients with perennial rhinitis (n = 111) and healthy subjects (n = 116). RESULTS: Cronbach's coefficient alpha demonstrated the high reliability and validity of the SF-36 questionnaire for patients with NP (alpha =.89). NP impaired QOL more than perennial allergic rhinitis (P <.05). The impairment of QOL was greater when NP was associated with asthma (P <.05). SF-36 scores appeared highly correlated to pulmonary function (FEV1, maximal midexpiratory flow, forced vital capacity), suggesting relationships between QOL in NP and associated bronchial obstruction. Severity of nasal symptoms were not related to QOL scales. In addition, sequential evaluations of QOL, nasal symptoms, and pulmonary function were performed 10 months after the first evaluation in 28 patients with NP. These evaluations demonstrated that NP treatment either with nasal steroids or endonasal ethmoidectomy significantly improved both nasal symptoms and QOL without significant change of pulmonary function. CONCLUSION: Our study clearly demonstrated that the SF-36 questionnaire presented a high internal validity and reliability in patients with NP. NP impaired QOL to a greater degree than perennial allergic rhinitis. QOL improvement after NP treatment is related to nasal symptoms improvement.

Eosinophilic airway inflammation in nasal polyposis.

BACKGROUND: Asthma and asymptomatic bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) are frequent findings in patients with nasal polyposis (NP). OBJECTIVE: To elucidate mechanisms responsible for the development of BHR, we initiated a prospective study of bronchial inflammation as assessed by bronchial lavage (BL) and bronchial biopsy specimens in 35 patients with noninfectious NP. METHODS: BHR was determined with methacholine provocation testing. Differential cell count, ECP, and histamine and tryptase levels were determined in BLs. Pathologic examination of bronchial biopsy specimens was performed with May-Grünwald-Giemsa stain to assess the number of lymphocytes. Indirect immunoenzymatic methods were used to identify eosinophils and mast cells. RESULTS: Fourteen patients did not exhibit BHR (group A); 7 patients had asymptomatic BHR (group B); and 14 patients had BHR associated with asthma (group C). Patients of group C tended to have a longer duration of nasal symptoms than those of groups A and B. FEV1 (L) was significantly lower in group C than in groups A and B. The number and percentage of eosinophils were significantly higher in BLs in groups B and C than in group A (P <. 05). Patients of groups B and C had a significantly higher number of eosinophils in bronchial submucosa (14.0 +/- 1.5/mm2 and 19.0 +/- 1. 9/mm2, respectively) than patients of group A (0.1 +/- 0.1/mm2). The number of lymphocytes was also higher in groups B and C than in group A. FEV1 (percent of predicted value) and eosinophil number within bronchial mucosa correlated negatively. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that patients with NP and asymptomatic BHR had an eosinophilic bronchial inflammation similar to that observed in asthmatic patients with NP, whereas patients with NP without BHR do not feature eosinophilic lower airways inflammation. The clinical relevance of these results requires careful follow-up to determine whether eosinophilic inflammation in these patients precedes and is responsible for the development of obvious asthma.

Multidisciplinary approach to management of postintubation tracheal stenoses.

The optimal management of postintubation tracheal stenosis is not well defined. A therapeutic algorithm was designed by thoracic surgeons, ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons, anaesthetists and pulmonologists. Rigid bronchoscopy with neodymium-yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd-YAG) laser resection or stent implantation (removable stent) was proposed as first-line treatment, depending on the type of stenosis (web-like versus complex stenosis). In patients with web-like stenoses, sleeve resection was proposed when laser treatment (up to three sessions) failed. In patients with complex stenoses, operability was assessed 6 months after stent implantation. If the patient was judged operable, the stent was removed and the patient underwent surgery if the stenosis recurred. This algorithm was validated prospectively in a series of 32 consecutive patients. Three patients died from severe coexistent illness shortly after the first bronchoscopy. Of the 15 patients with web-like stenosis, laser resection was curative in 10 (66%). Among the 17 patients with complex stenoses, three remained symptom-free after stent removal. Bronchoscopy alone was thus curative in more than one-third of the patients. Six patients underwent surgery, two after failure of laser resection and four after failure of temporary stenting. Surgery was always performed with the patient in good operative condition. Palliative stenting was the definitive treatment in nine cases. Tracheostomy was the definitive solution in two cases. This approach, including an initial conservative treatment, depending on the type of the stenosis, appears to be applicable to almost all patients and allows secondary surgery to be performed with the patient in good condition.

Surgical treatment of T1-T2 glottic carcinomas.

Transoral laser surgery (TLS) is a safe, time and cost-effective method of treatment for early stage glottic squamous cell carcinoma. This technique is more controversial in case of local extension to other subsite or in case of limited mobility.