Squamous cell carcinoma metastatic to the lymph nodes of the parapharyngeal space: case series and systematic review.

Objective: Parapharyngeal space (PPS) is a rare and unusual site of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) metastases. Treatment strategy for PPS metastases is still not well defined. This research aims to investigate the clinical implications and oncological outcomes of SCC metastases in PPS. Material and methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA criteria. The authors considered only articles reporting the history and treatment of patients with PPS SCC metastases. A retrospective chart review was conducted in two tertiary referral academic centers collecting data of patients with diagnosis of PPS SCC metastases between 2010 and 2023 to study their outcome based on clinical presentation and treatment strategy. Results: The retrospective chart review showed that the oropharynx was the most frequent primary tumour site. The advanced stage at the time of diagnosis was related to poorer survival and higher recurrence rates. A significant difference in 2-year overall survival in the subgroup of patients who experienced PPS metastases within the primary treatment and those who experienced PPS metastases as regional recurrence (66.7 vs 30.8%) was observed. Similar low survival rates were reported in the literature review with a mean overall and disease-free survival of 19.8 and 8.6 months, respectively. Conclusions: PPS metastases are associated with a dismal prognosis, especially when diagnosed as regional recurrence after primary treatment, due to patients' poor general conditions and difficulty of treatment.

Effect of Aging on Long-Term Functional Outcomes After Open Partial Laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Open partial horizontal laryngectomies (OPHLs) represent a comparable alternative to total laryngectomy and nonsurgical protocols in selected cases. While short-term functional outcomes of OPHLs have been widely investigated, few have focused on the effect of aging on residual laryngeal structures. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care academic center. METHODS: Patients who underwent OPHLs after at least 1 year follow-up and optimal functional rehabilitation were included in the study. Swallowing function was assessed according to PAS (Penetration aspiration scale) and Pooling scores. Spectrogram analysis of voice was conducted according to Yanagihara classification and acoustic parameters were also recorded. Subjective questionnaire data about phonation and swallowing were also recorded. Data obtained were compared among patients according to age at time of surgery, evaluation and duration of follow-up. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients were enrolled with a mean age at surgery and evaluation of 63 and 70 years old, respectively. Median follow-up length was 5 years. OPHL type II was mostly performed. No significant correlation was observed between most of the analyzed variables and patient's age at the time of surgery and at the time of evaluation. Some acoustic parameters were negatively correlated with follow-up length, while Jitter, NHR (Noise-Harmonic Ratio), and Global grade and Roughness were significantly higher in patients >65 years old. CONCLUSION: Patients who complete rehabilitation reach equally good results as their younger peers with stability over time. Finally, the effects of aging on residual larynx are of minor entity compared to the nonoperated patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-retrospective cohort study.

Lipoaspirate Injection in Relapsing Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis: Preliminary Results.

OBJECTIVES: The management of idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) poses a clinical challenge due to high recurrence rates following both endoscopic and open approaches, often leading to tracheostomy. The activation of abnormal T-cells and cytokine pathways has been linked to iSGS pathogenesis. Autologous adipose tissue centrifugation yields lipoaspirate, offering optimal anti-inflammatory effects and biocompatibility widely utilized in various medical settings. This report presents the first 3 cases employing endoscopic dilation (ED) in combination with local lipoaspirate injection to address recurrent iSGS. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted, involving multidisciplinary evaluation by the Tracheal Team at the University of Modena. Patients meeting specific criteria were directed to undergo ED + lipoaspirate injection. RESULTS: Three patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean number of prior endoscopic procedures performed was 8. Endoscopic examination revealed 90% stenosis in patient A, 60% stenosis in patient B, and 60% stenosis in patient C. All patients presented inflammatory tissue or incipient granulations at the stenotic site, with an average time of 6 months between previous procedures. After 15 months, none of the patients required further procedures, and endoscopic examination revealed a significant reduction or disappearance of inflammatory tissue with a stable airway lumen. CONCLUSIONS: The observed results are encouraging in terms of reducing local inflammation and halting stenosis progression, especially in cases of short-term relapsing iSGS.

The transcervical-transparotid corridor for management of parapharyngeal space neoplasms: strengths and limits in a bi-institutional retrospective series.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Parapharyngeal space (PPS) neoplasms represent 1% of all head and neck tumors and are mostly benign. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment and the transcervical-transparotid (TC-TP) corridor still represents the workhorse for adequate PPS exposure. Our series investigates strengths and limits of this approach on a multi-institutional basis. METHODS: We reviewed consecutive patients submitted to PPS surgery via TC-TP route between 2010 and 2020. Hospital stay, early and long-term complications, and disease status were assessed. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty nine patients were enrolled. Most tumors were benign (79.8%) and involved the prestyloid space (83.7%); the median largest diameter was 4.0 cm. The TC-TP corridor was used in 70.5% of patients, while a pure TC route in about a quarter of cases. Early postoperative VII CN palsy was evident in 32.3% of patients, while X CN deficit in 9.4%. The long-term morbidity rate was 34.1%, with persistent CN impairment detectable in 26.4% of patients: carotid space location, lesion diameter and malignant histology were the main independent predictors of morbidity. A recurrence occurred in 12 patients (9.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The TC-TP corridor represents the benchmark for surgical management of most of PPS neoplasms, though substantial morbidity can still be expected.

Endoscopic approach to geniculate ganglion: a multicentric experience.

PURPOSE: A variety of lesions could arise from the GG area, or extend into this region from adjacent sites. The management of perigeniculate lesions includes observation, surgery, and radiation, according to the nature, the size of the lesion, and the accompanying symptoms. Preliminary experiences on the exclusive transcanal endoscopic approach to the GG area have shown safety and feasibility avoiding of any postauricular incision, or brain manipulation. The experience from two referral centers on patients treated for a GG lesion with a totally endoscopic approach is herein reported. METHODS: Data about patients who underwent exclusive endoscopic approach to the GG area at the Otolaryngology Departments of the University Hospitals of Modena and Bologna between May 2017 and February 2022 were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: The total number of patients included in our study was 11. 10 patients (91%) had progressive unilateral facial paralysis and 1 patient (11%) presented with chronic otorrhea. The mean largest diameter of the treated lesions was of 8 mm. The resection was extended to the fundus of the IAC in 2 patients (expanded approach). The remaining 9 patients (82%) underwent partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP). No major complications occurred. Facial nerve outcomes were good in all patients and the mean ABG worsened from 12 dB pre-operatively to 22 dB post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: The exclusively endoscopic approach to GG lesions represents a viable alternative to traditional microscopic approaches and may be included in the armamentarium of ear surgeons.

Multifocal Giant Cell Tumor of the Nasal Fossa: Case Report and Literature Review.

Giant cell tumors of bone (GCT) are rare soft tissue tumors, that account for 3%-5% of primary bone tumors with <2% occurring in the head and neck. The nasal cavity is a highly unusual site of presentation. We reviewed 15 cases of GCT of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. We add 1 case to the literature. The case herein reported, appears to be the second nasal fossa GCT described in the literature and the first documented case with multifocal localization. A case of multifocal GCT of the nasal cavity is described. Although rare in the general population, GCT should be included among the possibilities in the differential diagnosis when evaluating tumors of the head and neck. Management of this particular tumor remains challenging; surgical removal is still the gold standard treatment, preferring a minimally invasive trans-nasal approach to reduce intra and post-operative morbidity. Laryngoscope, 2023.

Multilayer Anterior Skull Base Reconstruction with Cortical Rib Bone Graft: Preliminary Experience.

OBJECTIVE: During the past decades, different methods have been described for anterior skull base reconstruction. Regarding larger skull base defects, few investigators have described the use of bone grafts to foster support and prevent frontal lobe sagging, herniation, or falling. The aim of this study is to describe the use of a rib bone graft, which could be an option in these cases due to its rigidity and dimensions. METHODS: We retrospectively collected preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data at the last follow-up of 10 patients who underwent multilayer anterior skull base reconstruction, including rib bone graft, for large anterior cranial base defects at 2 tertiary care academic hospitals. RESULTS: Eight patients underwent endoscopic craniectomy for sinonasal malignancies, and the other two underwent transnasal endoscopic surgery for congenital meningoencephalocele. Anterior skull base defects measured on average 3.8 cm ± 0.9 SD antero-posteriorly (range 2.5-5 cm) and 2.3 ± 0.9 SD latero-laterally (range 0.9-4 cm). Multilayer reconstruction was performed in all cases, including a rib bone graft positioned as intracranial extradural layer. No patient experienced thoracic complications during the postoperative period. No side effects related to the bone graft or meningoencephalocele occurrence were reported after a mean follow-up of 8.0 ± 6.3 months. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a cortical rib bone graft could be a safe and effective option in skull base reconstruction when managing large defects after cancer removal.

Impact of lymph node ratio and number of lymph node metastases on survival and recurrence in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to assess the impact of lymph node ratio (LNR) and number of positive lymph nodes (NPLN) on mortality and recurrence rates in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicenter international study involving 24 Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery divisions. Disease-specific survival (DSS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were evaluated as the main outcomes. The curves for DSS and DFS according to NPLN and LNR were analyzed to identify significant variations and establish specific cut-off values. RESULTS: 2507 patients met the inclusion criteria. DSS and DFS were significantly different in the groups of patients stratified according to LNR and NPLN. The 5-year DSS and DFS based on LNR and NPLN demonstrated an improved ability to stratify patients when compared to pN staging. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate the potential prognostic value of NPLN and LNR in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Case report: Endoscopic closure with double stenting and autologous fascia lata graft of large tracheo-esophageal fistula.

Introduction: Radiotherapy and esophageal stenting are usually employed to manage esophageal localization of distant cancer. However, they are also related to the occurrence of an increased risk of tracheoesophageal fistula. Tracheoesophageal fistula management in these patients involves dealing with poor general conditions and short-term prognosis. This paper presents the first case in literature of bronchoscopic fistula closure through an autologous fascia lata graft placement between two stents. Case report and aim: A 67-years-old male patient was diagnosed with pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma in the inferior lobe of the left lung with mediastinal lymph node metastasis. After a multidisciplinary discussion, bronchoscopic repair of tracheoesophageal fistula with autologous fascia lata was decided without the removal of the esophageal stent due to the high risk on the esophagus possibly related to such a procedure. Oral feeding was progressively introduced without the development of aspiration symptoms. Videofluoroscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy were performed at 7 months showing no signs of tracheoesophageal fistula patency. Conclusion: This technique might represent a low risks viable option for patients unsuitable for open surgical approaches.

Cadaver Homologous Banked Fascia Lata in Skull Base Reconstruction: Preliminary Multidisciplinary Experiences.

Skull base reconstruction has been a widely debated issue. Both autologous and heterologous materials have been proposed, however the formers are usually preferred due to their optimal healing outcomes and integration. Nevertheless they are still associated with donor-site functional and aesthetic morbidity. The aim of this study is to report a preliminary experience of different sites defects skull base repair with Cadaver homologous banked fascia lata graft. Patients who underwent reconstruction of skull base defects with Cadaver homologous banked fascia lata between January 2020 until July 2021 were included in the study. Three patients were finally identified for the study. Patient 1 underwent combined craniotomic-endoscopic surgical access for extended anterior skull base neoplasm with subsequent repair with homologous cadaver fascia lata. Patient 2 underwent endoscopic transphenoidal surgery for sellar-parasellar neoplasm. After tumor debulking the surgical cavity was obliterated with homologous cadaver fascia lata. Patient 3 finally had politrauma with otic capsule-violating fracture with profused CSF leak. An endoscopic obliteration of external and middle ear was performed using homologous cadaver fascia lata with blind sac closure of external auditory canal. No graft displacement or reabsorption was observed in these patients at the last follow-up. Cadaver homologous banked fascia lata has proved safety, efficacy and ductility in reconstruction of different skull base defects. Level of Evidence: Level IV-retrospective cohort study.

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Prognostic factors for development of distant metastases and oncological outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Distant metastasis (DM) development in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OPSCC) represents an important prognostic factor. The identification of a phenotype of metastatic patients may better define therapeutic and follow-up programs. METHODS: We included 408 patients with OPSCC, non-metastatic at the time of diagnosis, and treated with curative intent. The Overall Survival (OS) analyses were performed and the impact of developing DM on survival was analyzed through Cox proportional-hazard regression model. RESULTS: 57 (14%) patients develop DM. 302 (74%) were p16+ OPSCC and 35 of them experienced DM. Advanced clinical stage, smoking, p16-status, response to primary treatment, and loco-regional relapse influence the DM rate. Only in the p16+ group, DM onset results in a greater impact on OS (p < 0.0001). Lung metastases have a better OS compared to non-pulmonary ones (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: This retrospective study shows a possible stratification of OPSCC patients based on the risk of the development of DMs.

The role of adjuvant therapy in pT4N0 laryngectomized patients: Multicentric observational study.

BACKGROUND: To retrospectively evaluate oncological outcomes in two groups of patients with pT4aN0 glottic SCC treated with total laryngectomy (TL) and neck dissection (ND) who underwent postoperative radiotherapy or exclusive clinical and radiological follow-up. METHODS: It includes patients with pT4N0 glottic SCC who underwent TL and unilateral or bilateral ND with or without PORT. Divided in two comparison groups: the first group underwent adjuvant RT (TL-PORT); the second group referred to clinical and radiological follow-up (TL). RESULTS: PORT was associated with a better OS while no differences were found in terms of DSS. A better local control is achieved when PORT is administered while no differences in terms of regional and distant control rates were found. Bilateral ND positively impacts on the regional control while the PNI negatively impact the regional control. CONCLUSIONS: A tailored PORT protocol might be considered for pT4N0 glottic SCC treated with TL and ND, both considering the ND's extent and presence of PNI.

Endoscopic Bronchopleural Fistula Repair Using Autologous Fat Graft.

Bronchopleural fistulas (BPFs) represent a rare catastrophic complication of pulmonary resection and carry a high mortality rate. Surgical treatments of BPF are often technically difficult and can be tolerated only by a limited number of patients, while less invasive endoscopic approaches show variable success rates, mainly related to the size of the fistula. In this report, we describe the successful treatment of a large BPF by means of endoscopic autologous fat implantation; we also discuss the technical details of this surgical procedure.

Management of parapharyngeal space tumors with transparotid-transcervical approach: analysis of prognostic factors related with disease-control and functional outcomes.

PURPOSE: Different therapeutic strategies have been developed to improve surgical and functional outcome of parapharyngeal space (PPS) neoplasms. The transparotid-transcervical approach (TTa) is a valid surgical option to manage most PPS tumors. Its short- and long-term disease control and cranial nerve (c.n.) function outcomes have not been discussed extensively. METHODS: All patients who underwent TTa over a 10-year period at a tertiary academic center were retrospectively reviewed. Data about preoperative imaging, clinical presentation, tumor's size, location and histology, and postoperative oncological and functional results were registered and analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty patients matched the inclusion criteria. Most of the lesions were benign (71.7%), involved the prestyloid PPS (63.3%) and measured more than 30 mm (75%). Fifty-two (86.7%) lesions were resected en-bloc. Clear margins were achieved in 91.7% of the cases, with positive margins solely associated with malignancy (p = 0.008). Post-operative c.n. function was satisfactory, with X c.n. function significantly associated with the retrostyloid location (p = .00) and neurogenic tumors (p = 0.02). Local disease-control was achieved in 96% of the cases after a median follow-up of 46 (± 19.7-82.0 IQR) months. CONCLUSIONS: The TTa was safe and effective, achieving a satisfactory local control rate. Nevertheless, malignancies maintain a higher rate of positive margin due to their infiltrative nature and the complex anatomy of the PPS. In such cases, multiportal approaches might be more effective. However, post-operative c.n. function remained satisfactory, irrespective of lesions' size and histopathologic behavior. A higher X c.n. deficit rate was observed in retrostyloid and neurogenic lesions.