Understanding frozen section histopathology in Sinonasal and anterior skull base malignancy and proposed reporting guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative frozen section histopathology (IFSH) in sinonasal and skull base surgery although widely used is not well studied. METHODS: We reviewed a database of sinonasal and anterior skull base tumors, between 1973 and 2019, and identified 312 suitable operative cases. Clinicopathologic data was collected and analyzed, in addition to descriptive data for histopathological reports classified as "ambiguous," or "limited/insufficient-quality/quantity." RESULTS: Overall, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for IFSH were 90.2%, 97.5%, 94.2%, 95.6%, and 95.2%, respectively. IFSH for adenocarcinoma, salivary carcinoma, and SCC all demonstrated a better clinical utility with a sensitivity of 90% or greater, while it was less than 90% for esthesioneuroblastoma, melanoma, and sarcoma. Other factors such as unclear reporting, poor quality specimens, or limited quality specimens were shown to lower diagnostic performance. Based on limitations identified, we proposed a novel IFSH reporting algorithm to improve IFSH in sinonasal and skull base surgery. CONCLUSIONS: IFSH is an accurate and clinically useful technique in sinonasal and skull base surgery patients; however, limitations exist.

Temporal Dynamics of Nasopharyngeal and Tracheal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Cycle Thresholds in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients With Tracheostomy.

In this study of 45 patients with COVID-19 undergoing tracheostomy, nasopharyngeal and tracheal cycle threshold (Ct) values were analyzed. Ct values rose to 37.9 by the time of tracheostomy and remained >35 postoperatively, demonstrating that persistent test positivity may not be associated with persistent transmissible virus in this population.

Essential inpatient otolaryngology: what COVID-19 has revealed.

PURPOSE: To identify areas of critical otolaryngology contributions to inpatient care resistant to disruption by the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Medical records of 614 otolaryngology consults seen between January and June of 2019 and 602 seen between January and June of 2020 were reviewed. Extracted data included patient demographics, SARS-CoV-2 status, medical comorbidities, consult location, consult category, reason for consult, procedures performed, and overall outcome. Prevalence of data items was compared using t tests and Chi-squared tests. RESULTS: The number of monthly consults to the otolaryngology service remained approximately stable after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there was a substantial increase in ICU consults and a decrease in ER and floor consults. The proportion of otology, rhinology, and head and neck consults decreased while that of airway consults-most of which were tracheostomy-related-greatly increased. While the top ten reasons for consult remained essentially the same, they dramatically increased as a percentage of consults during COVID-19 (55-92%), whereas there was a dramatic decrease in the proportion of less frequent consults. CONCLUSION: The changes in otolaryngology consultation patterns seen after the onset of the pandemic are multifactorial, but may be attributed to novel pathologies, attitudes, and policies. Nonetheless, these patterns reveal that a set of core otolaryngologic issues, including acute airway issues, head and neck lesions, severe sinusitis and epistaxis, are essential and need to be addressed in the inpatient setting, whereas the significant drop in other consults suggests that they may be appropriately managed on an outpatient basis.

Percutaneous and Open Tracheostomy in Patients with COVID-19: Comparison and Outcomes of an Institutional Series in New York City.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report the safety, efficacy, and early results of tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19 and determine whether differences exist between percutaneous and open methods. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Prolonged respiratory failure is common in symptomatic patients with COVID-19, the disease process caused by infection with the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Tracheostomy, although posing potential risk to the operative team and other healthcare workers, may be beneficial for safe weaning of sedation and ventilator support. However, short- and long-term outcomes remain largely unknown. METHODS: A prospectively collected database of patients with COVID-19 undergoing tracheostomy at a major medical center in New York City between April 4 and April 30, 2020 was reviewed. The primary endpoint was need for continued mechanical ventilation. Secondary outcomes included complication rates, sedation weaning, and need for intensive care unit (ICU) level of care. Patient characteristics, perioperative conditions, and outcomes between percutaneous and open groups were analyzed. RESULTS: During the study period, 67 consecutive patients underwent tracheostomy, including 48 males and 19 females with a median age of 66 years [interquartile range (IQR) 52-72]. Two surgeons alternated techniques, with 35 tracheostomies performed percutaneously and 32 via an open approach. The median time from intubation to tracheostomy was 23 days (IQR 20-26). At a median follow-up of 26 days, 52 patients (78%) no longer required mechanical ventilation and 58 patients (87%) were off continuous sedation. Five patients (7.5%) died of systemic causes. There were 11 total complications (16%) in 10 patients, most of which involved minor bleeding. There were no significant differences in outcomes between percutaneous and open methods. CONCLUSIONS: Tracheostomy under apneic conditions by either percutaneous or open technique can be safely performed in patients with respiratory failure due to COVID-19. Tracheostomy facilitated weaning from continuous intravenous sedation and mechanical ventilation. Continued follow-up of these patients to ascertain long-term outcome data is ongoing.

Patient-reported outcomes in human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal cancer.

This review explores how human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal cancer affects health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and the role patient-reported outcomes (PROs) can play in optimizing treatment. PRO measures (PROMs) are comprehensive, subjective assessments of patients' day-to-day HR-QoL. Developed through a scientifically robust, multistage process, PROMs offer insight into patients' symptoms, function, and satisfaction with care. The use of PROMs can increase symptom awareness, stimulate discussion, and enhance shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers.

Association between objective measures of oral health and salivary gland irradiation with patient-reported outcomes following head and neck radiation therapy.

PURPOSE: To determine whether objective measures of oral health and salivary gland irradiation correlates with subjective measures of eating, drinking, and salivation in patients following head and neck radiation therapy (HNRT). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 112 patients following HNRT with a completed patient-reported outcome (PRO) scale. Objective measures at post-HNRT visit included decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) scores, periodontal disease condition, oral hygiene status, dental prosthesis use, and prescribed radiation dose to salivary glands. Data were collected and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: There was no significant association between PRO scales and dental prosthesis use, periodontal disease, and oral hygiene. Although some significant findings were seen with DMFT and prescribed radiation dose to salivary glands, this explained only very small amounts of the variation in eating, drinking, and salivation measures in these patients. CONCLUSION: PRO measures should be integrated in the routine care of patients with head and neck cancer.

Microvascular reconstruction of medication related osteonecrosis of the head and neck.

BACKGROUND: Medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) requiring free flap (FF) reconstruction is uncommon with limited reported findings. METHODS: Multicenter, retrospective case series of 49 consecutive adult patients presenting with advanced MRONJ requiring FF reconstruction from 2010 to 2022. Perioperative complications and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Eighty-two percent (n = 40) of cases were of the mandible and 18% (n = 9) were of the maxilla. The mean follow-up was 15 months (±19.6). The majority of FF survived (96%, n = 47). FF reconstructions of the maxilla were more likely to require postoperative debridement (56%, 95% CI [27, 81%] vs. 15%, 95% CI [7, 25%], p = 0.008) or develop intraoral bone exposure (56%, 95% CI [27, 81%] vs. 18%, 95% CI [9, 27%], p = 0.02). Most patients (71%, n = 35) received preoperative antibiotics which was associated with a higher rate of FF survival (100% vs. 86%, 95% CI [60, 96%], p = 0.02) and fewer complications. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing FF reconstruction for MRONJ do well with high rates of FF success. MRONJ of the maxilla have a higher rate of some complications. Preoperative antibiotics correlated with higher FF survival and fewer postoperative complications.

Airway injury from transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach.

BACKGROUND: The transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) is a novel technique that eliminates a cervical scar. This procedure carries unique risks, and data on outcomes are needed as more cases are performed. METHODS: We describe two cases of airway injury during the TOETVA. A description of the procedure and management of the injuries is outlined. RESULTS: In one case, a 3-mm injury in the thyrohyoid membrane was identified. The TOETVA was converted to an open approach due to significant inflammation in the setting of Graves' and the repair was performed while open. In the second case, a fracture occurred from the thyroid notch to Broyle's ligament without avulsion. A primary repair was endoscopically performed. CONCLUSIONS: Airway injury is a possible complication of both open thyroidectomy and TOETVA. For TOETVA, trauma is most likely to occur in the midline during Hegar dilation and trocar placement through the central incision.

Tracheostomy Outcomes in Patients With COVID-19 at a New York City Hospital.

Objective: Tracheostomies have been performed in patients with prolonged intubation due to COVID-19. Understanding outcomes in different populations is crucial to tackle future epidemics. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Tertiary academic medical center in New York City. Methods: A prospectively collected database of patients with COVID-19 undergoing open tracheostomy between March 2020 and April 2020 was reviewed. Primary endpoints were weaning from the ventilator and from sedation and time to decannulation. Results: Sixty-six patients underwent tracheostomy. There were 42 males (64%) with an average age of 62 years (range, 23-91). Patients were intubated for a median time of 26 days prior to tracheostomy (interquartile range [IQR], 23-30). The median time to weaning from ventilatory support after tracheostomy was 18 days (IQR, 10-29). Of those sedated at the time of tracheostomy, the median time to discontinuation of sedation was 5 days (IQR, 3-9). Of patients who survived, 39 (69%) were decannulated. Of those decannulated before discharge (n = 39), the median time to decannulation was 36 days (IQR, 27-49) following tracheostomy. The median time from ventilator liberation to decannulation was 14 days (IQR, 8-22). Thirteen patients (20.0%) had minor bleeding requiring packing. Two patients (3%) had bleeding requiring neck exploration. The all-cause mortality rate was 10.6%. No patients died of procedural causes, and no surgeons acquired COVID-19. Conclusion: Open tracheostomies were successfully and safely performed at our institution in the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of patients were successfully weaned from the ventilator and sedation. Approximately 60% of patients were decannulated prior to hospital discharge.

Transoral endoscopic vestibular approach Sistrunk procedure: First reported case series.

BACKGROUND: Standard of care for management of thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) is a Sistrunk procedure performed through a transcervical incision. We describe the first series of Sistrunk procedures performed through a transoral endoscopic vestibular approach, eliminating a visible external scar. METHODS: The transoral endoscopic vestibular approach to the Sistrunk (TEVAS) was performed in patients with TGDCs meeting inclusion criteria who desired a scarless approach. RESULTS: Six patients (five females and one male) underwent TEVAS, with a mean age of 38 years (range 16-56 years) and a mean TGDC size of 1.8 cm (range 1.1-2.4 cm). Mean operative time was approximately 5 h (range 2-8 h). There were no surgical complications or recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: For appropriately selected patients, the TEVAS is an alternative to open neck surgery that provides improved cosmesis while maintaining successful resection outcomes. More data on outcomes including complications and recurrences are needed as additional case information is collected.

Impingement of the Thyroid Cartilage on the Carotid Causing Clicking Larynx Syndrome and Stroke.

We present the case of a patient with a recent history of ischemic stroke who presented with clicking larynx syndrome, a condition in which clicking noises in the larynx can be provoked by movement of the head and neck. Diagnostic imaging revealed unusual development and posterior angulation of the superior horn of the thyroid cartilage that potentially was causing trauma to the left common carotid artery. We deduced that symptomatic impingement of the carotid artery by the thyroid cartilage was not only the cause of the patient's clicking larynx syndrome, but also suspected to be the cause of her prior strokes due to repetitive trauma resulting in thrombus. The patient was managed surgically with thyroplasty and transcervical resection of the left greater cornu of the thyroid cartilage with resolution of her symptoms. Anatomical displacement of the thyroid cartilage can manifest as clicking larynx syndrome as well as cause mechanical injury to the carotid artery, resulting in turbulent flow, possible thrombosis, and stroke. Laryngoscope, 132:1410-1413, 2022.

Comparison of Objective Measures of Trismus and Salivation With Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer.

Importance: Xerostomia and reduced mouth opening are negatively associated with quality of life after radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer. Studies comparing objective measures of function with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have not revealed a clear association. Objective: To determine how much of the variation in PROs is explained by objective measures of salivary gland and oral cavity functions (salivary flow and maximal interincisal opening). Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study at a single academic cancer center evaluated 112 patients who underwent RT for head and neck cancer between January 2016 and March 2021. Measurements of pre-RT and post-RT saliva and a complete PROs scale within 6 months of the post-RT measurement were analyzed using pairwise associations. Interventions: Three independently scored PRO scales from the validated FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer Module were evaluated: eating and drinking, eating distress, and salivation. Three objective measures were analyzed: maximal interincisal opening, stimulated salivary flow, and unstimulated salivary flow. Main Outcomes and Measures: Univariable linear regression models were performed for each PRO against each objective measure, and coefficients of determination (R2) and 95% CIs were reported. Results: The patient cohort comprised 86 men (77%). Median age was 61 years (IQR, 53-68 years), 89 patients (80%) were White, and 61 patients (54%) were current or former smokers. Unstimulated saliva accounted for only a small portion of variation on the salivation scale (R2 = 14.0%). The remaining associations were even smaller (R2 = 5.0%-10.0%). No upper 95% CI bound included an R2 of 30%, suggesting that objective measurements do not explain a high level of the variation in PROs. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study, objective measurements of salivary flow and mouth opening explained only a small fraction of variation in PROs. These findings suggest that factors other than objective function, including patient adaptation, are the dominant influence on PROs in this population. Patient-reported outcomes should be integrated into head and neck cancer clinical care and research. Additional research is required to evaluate which clinicopathological factors influence PROs for salivation, eating and drinking, and eating distress.

Use of Intraoperative Frozen Section to Assess Final Tumor Margin Status in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Importance: Methods of assessing final margin status in patients undergoing surgery for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma, such as intraoperative frozen section histopathology (IFSH) taken from the tumor bed, may have limitations in accuracy. Objective: To evaluate the accuracy and implications of using IFSH samples to assess tumor bed margins in patients undergoing surgery for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study included 1257 patients who underwent surgery for oral cavity SCC between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2015, at an academic cancer center. A total of 4821 IFSH samples were examined from 1104 patients (87.8%) who had at least 1 IFSH sample. Institutional practice is to harvest margins for IFSH from the tumor bed. Statistical analysis was performed from August 1, 2021, to April 4, 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures: Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for IFSH samples of margins compared with the permanent pathology samples of the same tissue and for IFSH compared with the final tumor specimen histopathology (FTSH). Results were classified using a binary method, with histopathologic reports interpreted as either negative (including negative or atypia or dysplasia) or positive (including carcinoma in situ, suspicious, or positive). Results: A total of 1257 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 709 men (56.4%), with a median age of 62 years (IQR, 52-73 years); 1104 patients (627 men [56.8%]; median age, 62 years [IQR, 52-72 years]) had IFHS samples. For IFSH relative to permanent sections of the IFSH tissue, sensitivity and specificity of IFSH were high (sensitivity, 76.5% [95% CI, 67.5%-85.5%]; specificity, 99.9% [95% CI, 99.8%-100%]), with discordant results in 24 of 4821 total specimens (0.5%). Final specimen margins were positive in 11.7% of patients (147 of 1257). Compared with FTSH, the sensitivity of IFSH for defining margin status was 10.8% (95% CI, 5.8%-15.8%), and the specificity was 99.1% (95% CI, 98.8%-99.4%). The rate of discordance was 4.0% (171 of 4284 specimens) between IFSH and FTSH. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that IFSH is accurate compared with permanent pathologic characteristics of the same tissue, but less reliable at assessing final margin status on the tumor specimen. Despite a high specificity, the sensitivity of IFSH compared with FTSH is low, which may be associated with the inherent inability of tumor bed IFSH margin analysis to accurately account for the 3-dimensional association of tumor margins with the periphery of the specimen and the overall low rate of positive final tumor margins. Although tumor bed IFSH is widely used in the management of oral cavity cancer, this study suggests that there are limitations of this modality in assessing the final surgical margin status.

Percutaneous and Open Tracheostomy in Patients With COVID-19: The Weill Cornell Experience in New York City.

OBJECTIVE: Report long-term tracheostomy outcomes in patients with COVID-19. STUDY DESIGN: Review of prospectively collected data. METHODS: Prospectively collected data were extracted for adults with COVID-19 undergoing percutaneous or open tracheostomy between April 4, 2020 and June 2, 2020 at a major medical center in New York City. The primary endpoint was weaning from mechanical ventilation. Secondary outcomes included sedation weaning, decannulation, and discharge. RESULTS: One hundred one patients underwent tracheostomy, including 48 percutaneous (48%) and 53 open (52%), after a median intubation time of 24 days (IQR 20, 31). The most common complication was minor bleeding (n = 18, 18%). The all-cause mortality rate was 15% and no deaths were attributable to the tracheostomy. Eighty-three patients (82%) were weaned off mechanical ventilation, 88 patients (87%) were weaned off sedation, and 72 patients (71%) were decannulated. Censored median times from tracheostomy to sedation and ventilator weaning were 8 (95% CI 6-11) and 18 (95% CI 14-22) days, respectively (uncensored: 7 and 15 days). Median time from tracheostomy to decannulation was 36 (95% CI 32-47) days (uncensored: 32 days). Of those decannulated, 82% were decannulated during their index admission. There were no differences in outcomes or complication rates between percutaneous and open tracheostomy. Likelihood of discharge from the ICU was inversely related to intubation time, though the clinical relevance of this was small (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.943-0.998; P = .037). CONCLUSION: Tracheostomy by either percutaneous or open technique facilitated sedation and ventilator weaning in patients with COVID-19 after prolonged intubation. Additional study on the optimal timing of tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19 is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2849-E2856, 2021.

Prescription and Usage Pattern of Opioids after Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: We seek to characterize the prescribing patterns of opioids, opioid consumption, and pain severity after thyroid and parathyroid surgery. We also aim to determine if a relationship exists between preoperative medication use and postoperative pain or opioid consumption. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Academic university hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Medical records of 237 adult patients undergoing thyroid and parathyroid surgery were included. Clinicopathologic data were collected, including pain scores, preoperative medications, and inpatient pain medications. RESULTS: The mean maximum pain score was 5.74 and varied by surgery type (range, 0-10). Mean pain score decreased to 2.61 upon discharge (0-8) and to 0.51 at the first postoperative visit. Patients with a length of stay exceeding 1 day had significantly higher maximum pain scores than those with a length of stay of 0 or 1 day (8 vs 5.58, P < .001). Morphine milligram equivalents while in the hospital averaged 25.4 per day and were significantly influenced by preoperative opioid use (0-202). Acetaminophen/oxycodone was the most commonly prescribed opioid. The mean number of pills prescribed postoperatively was 43.1 (0-120). CONCLUSION: In our population, patients are discharged with opioid prescriptions that may be in excess of their requirements following thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Preoperative opioid use was associated with higher postoperative pain score and, on multivariate analysis, greater inpatient opioid consumption. Further investigation is warranted to ensure that we are prescribing opioids appropriately following thyroid and parathyroid surgery.