Clinical outcomes of transoral robotic surgery for supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma: experience of a french evaluation cooperative subgroup of gettec.

BACKGROUND: Transoral, minimally invasive, organ preservation surgeries are increasingly used to treat laryngopharyngeal carcinomas to avoid the toxicity associated with combined chemoradiotherapy regimens. This study investigated the efficiency, safety, and functional outcomes of using transoral robotic surgery (TORS) to perform supraglottic laryngectomy (SGL). METHODS: This was a multicenter study using a case series with planned data collection from 2009 to 2012 for patients with supraglottic squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) who underwent SGL using TORS. RESULTS: Eighty-four (84) of 262 patients underwent TORS for supraglottic SCC. Within 24 hours of surgery, 24% of the patients started on an oral diet. The median use of a feeding tube was 8 days for 76% of other patients. Definitive percutaneous gastrostomy feeding was necessary for 9.5% of the patients. 24% of the patients did require a tracheostomy, and the median use was 8 days. One percent (1%) of the patients had a definitive tracheostomy. Aspiration pneumonia was observed in 23% of the patients during the postoperative course, and was responsible for the death of one patient. Postoperative bleeding occurred in 18% of the patients. Based on the pathology results, 51% of the patients received adjuvant radiation therapy. CONCLUSION: TORS for SGL in intermediate stage SCC is a safe procedure with good functional outcomes and fast recovery times. However, adverse events can occur. Consequently, this technique requires good patient selection criteria to reduce the risk of postoperative complications.

Management of the neck in the setting of definitive chemoradiation: is there a consensus? A GETTEC study.

BACKGROUND: The management of the neck remains controversial in the definitive chemoradiation setting of advanced N2-3 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Most published data favor omission of neck dissection (ND) after complete response for N2-3 or selective ND for residual disease METHODS: We studied the patterns of care in the French-Belgian Groupe d'Etude des Tumeurs de la Tête Et du Cou (GETTEC) through a questionnaire-based survey. RESULTS: Eighteen percent of institutions never performed up-front ND, 20% rarely, 40% sometimes, 14% often, and 8% systematically. Induction chemotherapy was indicated in 30% of the cases, and most ND were performed either between induction and radiation or after chemoradiation for residual disease. Response to chemoradiation was assessed by computed tomographic scan and positron emission tomography in 72% of cases. Selective ND was more common than radical ND. CONCLUSIONS: Omission of ND based on computed tomographic scan and positron emission tomography-based complete response to chemoradiation is the most common strategy for advanced nodal disease among centers. However, neck management strategies vary among institutions, and some institutions continue advocating systematic ND before irradiation. The new treatment options and the changing epidemiology, namely docetaxel-based induction chemotherapy and human papilloma virus-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma having better response profiles and prognosis, are adding to the nonconsensual approach. The best therapeutic index in terms of neck management remains to be defined in this evolving context.

[Induced membrane technique in oral & maxillofacial reconstruction]. / Technique des membranes induites en chirurgie maxillo-faciale.

Maxillofacial defects reconstruction represents a formidable challenge to achieve both functional and aesthetic goals. To succeed, numerous parameters must be taken into account: patient's general conditions, defect's location, width and type of the defect and eventual donor sites which can provide the tissues. Routine reconstructions include bone transplantation (autologous, homologous or heterologous), implantation of biomaterials and osteogenic distraction. The advantages of these techniques are evident, but they are usually limited by their complexity in patients with bad general health. The technique of induced membranes needs to be more known in maxillofacial surgery.

Educational video to improve memorization of preoperative information in parotidectomy: A randomized controlled study.

AIM: To compare the number of risks memorized by patients before parotid surgery for benign tumor after receiving standard oral and written information versus the same information with an additional educational video, in France. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center prospective controlled randomized study was conducted from July 2017 to October 2019 with 69 patients operated on for a-priori benign parotid tumor. Median age was 52 years (range, 20 to 87 years). Mean interval from preoperative consultation to surgery was 100 days. The cohort was randomized between two groups: without (control group) and with (experimental group) additional audiovisual information. The main endpoint was the number of risks remembered, out of seven listed. Results were expressed as median with interquartile range. The secondary endpoint was the impact on memorization of age, gender, education level, interval to surgery, and type of planned surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were analyzed in the control group and 27 in the experimental group. The number of risks remembered ranged from zero to five and was significantly greater in the experimental group: median 2 [IQR, 2-3] versus 1 [0-2] (P<0.005). The best remembered was transient facial palsy (41 patients). In the control group, one third of the patients did not remember any risks. There were no significant correlations between individual factors and memorization. CONCLUSION: Although subject to many methodological biases, our study showed that additional audiovisual information improved memorization of the risks associated with parotidectomy.

[Organ preservation in oropharyngeal cancers treatment: What arguments for radiotherapy?] / Préservation d'organe dans la prise en charge des cancers de l'oropharynx : quels arguments en faveur de la radiothérapie ?

Management of oropharyngeal cancer depends on several factors. Immediate surgery or radiotherapy may be considered. If the patient is operable, the choice depends on the extent of the disease, the contributing factors, and the expected functional results. For HPV-positive cancers, studies show comparable efficacy between surgery and radiotherapy. For early-stage cancers, unimodal treatment should be preferred. For HPV-negative cancers, the results of retrospective and observational studies are in favor of surgery. These studies have some limitations. In observational and/or retrospective studies, reclassification biases and the applicability of propensity scores weaken the validity of studies showing differences in management. Tumor and patient comparability are others majors interpretation biases. It is precipitate to conclude that surgery is superior for HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancers. Toxicity, therefore, becomes a criterion of choice for treatment. Unimodal management by surgery allows limited toxicity for the early stages. Surgery has less impact on salivation. Radiotherapy is rather less deleterious for swallowing in the early stages. For the advanced stages of HPV-induced tumors, the non-superiority of surgery should lead to the choice of radiochemotherapy. For oropharyngeal cancers, the possible benefit of surgery in HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancers must be confirmed in randomized studies. For the early stages of oropharyngeal cancer with unimodal treatment, management could be decided by shared decision making.

Cystic form of cervical lymphadenopathy in adults. Guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology (short version). Part 2-etiological diagnosis procedure: Clinical and imaging assessment.

INTRODUCTION: The authors present the guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology (SFORL) for clinical and radiological assessment of cystic neck lymphadenopathy of unknown primary in adults. Most cases concern head and neck carcinoma metastasis, often in the oropharyngeal area, or less frequently differentiated thyroid carcinoma or non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS: A multidisciplinary task force was commissioned to carry out a review of the literature on the etiological work-up in cystic neck lymphadenopathy in adults: clinical examination, conventional imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI) and metabolic imaging. Guidelines were drafted based on the articles retrieved, and graded A, B, C or expert opinion according to decreasing level of evidence. RESULTS: Oriented clinical examination, cervical and thyroid ultrasound scan and contrast-enhanced neck and chest CT scan are recommended in the assessment of cystic neck lymphadenopathy of unknown primary in adult patients. PET-CT is recommended prior to panendoscopy, to identify the primary tumor. CONCLUSION: Clinical and radiological assessment is fundamental for etiologic diagnosis of cystic neck lymphadenopathy in adult patients, and should be completed by cytological examination before in initiating treatment.

Cystic form of cervical lymphadenopathy. Guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (SFORL). Part 1: Diagnostic procedures for lymphadenopathy in case of cervical mass with cystic aspect.

OBJECTIVES: The authors present the guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Society on diagnostic procedures for lymphadenopathy in case of a cervical mass with cystic aspect. METHODS: A multidisciplinary work-group was entrusted with a review of the scientific literature on the topic. Guidelines were drawn up, then read over by an editorial group independent of the work-group, and the final version was drawn up. Guidelines were graded as A, B, C or expert opinion, by decreasing level of evidence. RESULTS: In adults presenting a cystic cervical mass, it is recommended to suspect cervical lymphadenopathy: in order of decreasing frequency, cystic metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, of undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and of thyroid papillary carcinoma (Grade C). On discovery of a cystic cervical mass on ultrasound, architectural elements indicating a lymph node and a thyroid nodule with signs of malignancy should be screened for, especially if the mass is located in levels III, IV or VI (Grade A). Malignant lymphadenopathy should be suspected in case of cervical mass with cystic component on CT (Grade B), but benign or malignant status cannot be diagnosed only on radiological data (CT or MRI) (Grade A), and 18-FDG PET-CT should be performed, particularly in case of inconclusive ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (Grade C).

[The musculo-mucosal facial artery flap: harvesting technique and indications]. / Le lambeau musculomuqueux de buccinateur pédiculé sur l'artère faciale : technique de prélèvement et indications.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the anatomy and the harvesting technique of the facial artery musculo-mucosal flap (FAMM) and precise its indications in head and neck reconstruction. METHODS: Retrospective review of our experience and review of the literature. RESULTS: Described by Pribaz et al. [Plast Reconstr Surg 90 (1992) 421-9] in 1992, the FAMM flap relies on the facial artery and can be used with a superior or inferior base depending on the deficit to be reconstructed. Venous drainage is usually assured by buccal plexus veinules instead of the facial vein. In our experience, the FAMM flap has been used mainly for limited soft tissue defects of the oral cavity following cancer ablation. Other indications were coverage of oropharyngeal, intranasal and orbital defects. The FAMM flap has also been used to treat mandibular osteoradionecrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Harvesting of the FAMM flap is easy and safe. This flap shows versatility in head and neck reconstruction.

Strontium-doped hydroxyapatite polysaccharide materials effect on ectopic bone formation.

Previous studies performed using polysaccharide-based matrices supplemented with hydroxyapatite (HA) particles showed their ability to form in subcutaneous and intramuscular sites a mineralized and osteoid tissue. Our objectives are to optimize the HA content in the matrix and to test the combination of HA with strontium (Sr-HA) to increase the matrix bioactivity. First, non-doped Sr-HA powders were combined to the matrix at three different ratios and were implanted subcutaneously for 2 and 4 weeks. Interestingly, matrices showed radiolucent properties before implantation. Quantitative analysis of micro-CT data evidenced a significant increase of mineralized tissue formed ectopically with time of implantation and allowed us to select the best ratio of HA to polysaccharides of 30% (w/w). Then, two Sr-substitution of 8% and 50% were incorporated in the HA powders (8Sr-HA and 50Sr-HA). Both Sr-HA were chemically characterized and dispersed in matrices. In vitro studies performed with human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) demonstrated the absence of cytotoxicity of the Sr-doped matrices whatever the amount of incorporated Sr. They also supported osteoblastic differentiation and activated the expression of one late osteoblastic marker involved in the mineralization process i.e. osteopontin. In vivo, subcutaneous implantation of these Sr-doped matrices induced osteoid tissue and blood vessels formation.

Morbidity and mortality revue of the French group of transoral robotic surgery: a multicentric study.

Transoral robotic assisted surgery (TORS) represents an innovative endoscopic therapeutic alternative in the treatment of head and neck tumors. Many publications favor this surgery, especially in terms of functional results. The aim of this study was to investigate the TORS morbidity and mortality and to identify the risk factors for complications. It is a multicenter retrospective study. All head and neck tumor patients treated by TORS were included in the study over a period of 5 years (2009-2014). The studied parameters were the intraoperative and post-operative complications including hemorrhage, fistula, tracheotomy, aspiration pneumonia and death. The parameters were correlated with age, tumor location, tumor stage, endoscopic exposure and patient's co-morbidities. 178 patients were included in the study. Malignant tumors classified as T1 were found in 169 cases (n = 51), T2 (n = 100), T3 (n = 16) and T4 (n = 2). The tumor locations were distributed as follows: larynx (n = 84), oropharynx (n = 51), and hypopharynx (n = 43). Fifty-three patients followed post-radiation therapy. We observed 12 intraoperative complications including 6 hemorrhage, 3 pharyngeal fistulas and 3 external surgical conversions. Postoperatively, we detected 33 hemorrhage, 27 aspiration pneumonia, 9 tracheostomy, 2 pharyngostomes, 2 cervical spondylitis and 2 deaths. The risk factors identified were (i) anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet therapy for hemorrhage, (ii) tumoral stage and the laryngeal location for aspiration pneumonia and (iii) laryngeal location for tracheostomy. Higher age over 65 years has been identified as a risk factor for all post-operative complications. TORS is a safe technique for the treatment of head and neck tumors. We identified some risk factors for complications which should systematically be studied in order to reduce its morbidity.

[Octylcyanoacrylate (Dermabond) for skin closure at the time of head and neck surgery: a longitudinal prospective study]. / Fermeture cutanée par colle à base d'octylcyanoacrylate (Dermabond) en chirurgie cervicofaciale programmée : étude longitudinale prospective.

OBJECTIVES: A prospective non-randomised evaluation of the octyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Dermabond) for skin closure in head and neck surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An inception cohort of 52 patients managed by six otorhinolaryngologists head and neck surgeons at a single institution (university teaching and tertiary referral center) during the months of May-July 2004. The length of the skin incision varied from 3 to 30 cm (mean: 7 cm). Morbidity evaluation, longitudinal analysis of the evolution of the scar, and analysis of the degree of satisfaction. RESULTS: Postoperative death was not encountered. The overall morbidity rate was 3.8% (2/52). There was no instances of wound dehiscence's. A subcutaneous abscess was noted in one patient. From an aesthetic point of view, the scar appearance was considered to be slightly retracted during the first postoperative month and to be very good 2 to 4 months from initial surgery. Only one patient developed a minimal cheloid scar. Among the 47 patients who expressed an opinion postoperatively regarding the use of the octyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Dermabond) for skin closure, the degree of satisfaction was very high due to the ability to take an early shower (40 patients) followed by the lack of skin sutures (5 patients) and the lack of any allergic skin reaction (2 patients). CONCLUSION: At our department, the octyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Dermabond) for skin closure at the time of head and neck surgery is becoming more and more utilized due to the completion of a solid and aesthetic suture, the ability to take an early shower and the high degree of satisfaction expressed by the patients.

Study of the concordance between p16 immunohistochemistry and HPV-PCR genotyping for the viral diagnosis of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The diagnosis of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer in clinical practice is based on p16 immunohistochemistry and PCR detection of viral DNA (HPV-PCR). The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the concordance between these 2 diagnostic tests. The secondary objective was to study the clinical characteristics of these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-centre prospective study was conducted between February 2010 and July 2012. Immunohistochemical analysis of p16 and HPV-PCR were performed on tumour biopsies. Concordance was evaluated according to Cohen's kappa coefficient and was interpreted according to the Landis and Koch scale. The patients' clinical data were analysed as a function of the diagnostic test results. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were included in this study. The prevalence of HPV was 43.7% according to p16 and 31% according to HPV-PCR. The concordance study revealed a kappa coefficient of 0.615. A tumour of the tonsil or base of the tongue was detected in 100% of p16+/HPV-PCR+ cases. Smoking and alcohol abuse were significantly less frequent among HPV+ patients regardless of the method of detection. These patients were older and presented tumours with a lower grade of histological differentiation. CONCLUSION: p16 immunohistochemistry or HPV-PCR used alone appear to be insufficient. These results confirm the high prevalence of HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and the previously reported specific clinical and histological features, apart from age. It appears essential for future clinical trials to be stratified according to smoking and tumour HPV status, defined by means of reliable virological tests targeting E6/E7 mRNA and no longer a simple positive response to the p16 marker, as is frequently the case at the present time. New tests suitable for use in routine practice therefore need to be developed.

[Mitomycin C: prevention and treatment of anterior glottic synechia]. / Mitomycine C: prévention et traitement des synéchies glottiques antérieures.

OBJECTIVES: Topical applications of mitomycin C to the anterior glottis may prevent anterior glottic synechia (prevention group) or restenosis (treatment group). METHODS: In the prevention group, six patients with glottic carcinoma involving the anterior commissure were treated by transoral laser surgery. Repeated procedures were performed in one patient. For the six patients in the treatment group, the anterior glottic synechia was secondary to frontolateral laryngectomy (three patients), transoral laser therapy for laryngeal papillomatosis (two patients) or bilateral glottic carcinoma (one patient). Mitomycin C (0.4 mg/ml) was used as a topical application on the anterior commissure for a duration of 4 minutes. Outcome was assessed clinically at three months using a visual scale: no synechia (success), micro-synechia (partial failure), and synechia (failure). RESULTS: In the prevention group, there were six successes and one partial failure. In the treatment group, there were two successes, three partial failures, and one failure. No side effects were noted. CONCLUSION: Topical application of mitomycin C was effective to prevent anterior glottic synechia after transoral laser surgery for glottic carcinoma involving the anterior commissure. It is an alternative to endolaryngeal keel in patients with sequellar synechia. These preliminary results should be further evaluated in a larger series.

[Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and pulmonary cancer. Report of 50 cases]. / Carcinome épidermoïde des voies aéro-digestives supérieures et cancer pulmonaire. A propos de 50 cas.

Association of a squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and a pulmonary cancer is frequent: prevalence is about 5 to 10 percent. The purpose of this study was to present the survival analysis of 50 patients, previously treated for a squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and then treated for a pulmonary cancer between 1979 and 1996. Four patients were excluded from the analysis. Five pulmonary cancers were synchronous with the head and neck cancer, 41 were metachronous. Metachronous pulmonary cancer was asymptomatic in 87 percent and the mean interval between the two cancers was 53 months. Surgery was performed for every pulmonary cancer. Operative mortality was 11 percent. The overall 5-year survival rate was 25%. Survival rates were linked with the T and N stages of the pulmonary cancer: 46% for T1, 13% for T2 and 0% for T3 and T4, 67% for N0 ans 0% for N1-3. Indications for surgical treatment of synchronous and metachronous pulmonary cancers are discussed.

[Idiopathic sub-glottal stenosis in the adult]. / Sténoses sous-glottiques idiopathiques de l'adulte.

Idiopathic subglottic stenosis is a rare condition. The records of five patients with idiopathic subglottic stenosis treated between 1989 and 1998 were reviewed. All were female and had similar clinical and histopathologic features. Endoscopic dilatation or/and radial CO2 laser and dilatation were successful in maintaining the airway of all five patients without tracheotomy. The pathogenesis of idiopathic subglottic stenosis is strictly speculative, for this reason we advocate a conservative approach.

[Carbon dioxide laser transoral microsurgery for glottic carcinoma in situ]. / Microchirurgie par voie endoscopique au laser CO2 des carcinomes in situ glottiques.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the oncologic results of glottic carcinoma in situ (CIS) treated with transoral carbon dioxide laser microsurgery. METHODS: A retrospective review of 12 patients with glottic CIS previously untreated, treated with carbon dioxide laser transoral microsurgery between January 1990 and December 1999 was conducted. RESULTS: Initial and ultimate local control rates were 75%, and 100%, respectively. Three local failures occurred: two glottic CIS were treated by carbon dioxide laser transoral microsurgery, one squamous cell glottic carcinoma was treated by supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy. The ultimate rate of laryngeal preservation rate was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the material of this study, recommended treatment for glottic CIS should be carbon dioxide laser transoral microsurgery. Difficulties in endoscopic exposure of the larynx is a contraindication. Further studies are necessary to confirm these preliminary results.

Initial staging for squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth, larynx and pharynx (except nasopharynx). Part 3: general assessment. 2012 SFORL recommendations.

OBJECTIVES: The French Society of Otorhinolaryngology (SFORL) set up a work group to draw up guidelines for initial staging of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Locoregional and remote extension assessment are dealt with in two separate reports. The present part 3 deals with the assessment of frequent associated symptoms and pathologies, requiring early treatment and the collection of data on a certain number of clinical and paraclinical parameters for therapeutic decision-making in the multidisciplinary team meeting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multidisciplinary critical analysis of the literature was conducted. General assessment here covers screening, assessment and initial management of the following: usual risk factors (smoking, alcohol, HPV), the most frequent medical comorbidities, nutritional status, social and psychological status, dental status, pain and possible anemia. As oncologic management frequently associates surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, the underlying examinations should be early, as part of initial staging. The levels of evidence for the examinations were estimated so as to grade guidelines, failing which expert consensuses were established. RESULTS: The high rates of pain, malnutrition and anemia call for systematic screening and early management, especially as rapidly effective treatments exist. Assessing comorbidity and social and psychological status enables general health status to be assessed, along with possible contraindications to the usual treatments. Tracheal intubation problems may require intubation under flexible endoscopy or jet-ventilation by inter-cricothyroid catheterization from the diagnostic endoscopy stage. Assessment and adapted dental care should be conducted if radiation therapy is likely or certain. CONCLUSION: Early management of symptoms and comorbidity and anticipation of subsequent treatment are intended to shorten initial staging time and to collate the data needed for therapeutic decision-making. This assessment should be performed at the same time as the locoregional and remote extension assessment, and is obviously to be adapted according to tumoral extension stage and the possible treatment options.

Initial staging of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, larynx and pharynx (excluding nasopharynx). Part 2: Remote extension assessment and exploration for secondary synchronous locations outside of the upper aerodigestive tract. 2012 SFORL guidelines.

OBJECTIVES: This report presents the French Society of ORL (SFORL) guidelines for exploration for remote metastasis and synchronous second cancer in initial staging of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An exhaustive literature review was analyzed by a multidisciplinary work-group. RESULTS: The thorax is the most frequent location of remote metastases and synchronous second cancer outside of the upper aerodigestive tract. Thoracic CT is recommended as first-line examination in all cases (grade B). 18-FDG PET/CT is recommended when the thoracic CT image is doubtful or in case of high metastatic risk (grade B), for the detection of non-pulmonary remote metastasis. Esophageal exploration is recommended in case of significant risk of synchronous esophageal cancer (hypopharyngeal or oropharyngeal tumor, chronic alcohol intoxication) (grade B). The reference examination is flexible endoscopy of the upper digestive tract (grade B). CONCLUSION: The present grade B recommendations rationalize the roles of the various first-line radiological and endoscopic examinations for remote metastasis and synchronous second cancer, so as to limit the number of examinations performed, thereby reducing the time needed for initial staging.

Initial staging of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, larynx and pharynx (excluding nasopharynx). Part I: Locoregional extension assessment: 2012 SFORL guidelines.

OBJECTIVES: To set out good practice guidelines for locoregional extension assessment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (excluding nasopharynx, nasal cavities and sinuses). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A critical multidisciplinary review of the literature on locoregional extension assessment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck was conducted, applying levels of evidence in line with the French health authority's (HAS) literature analysis guide of January 2000. CONCLUSION: Based on the levels of evidence of the selected articles and on work-group consensus, graded guidelines are set out for clinical, endoscopic and imaging locoregional extension assessment of head and neck cancer.