The "Mirror Effect Plus Protocol" for acute Bell's palsy: A randomized controlled trial with 1-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of the "Mirror Effect Plus Protocol" (MEPP) on global facial function in acute and severe Bell's Palsy. DESIGN: Single blind and randomized controlled trial to compare the effects of basic counseling (control group) versus MEPP (experimental group) over one year. SETTING: Outpatient clinic following referrals from Emergency or Otorhinolaryngology Departments. SUBJECTS: 40 patients (n = 20 per group) with moderately severe to total palsy who received standard medication were recruited within 14 days of onset. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. INTERVENTIONS: The experimental group received the MEPP program (motor imagery + manipulations + facial mirror therapy) while the control group received basic counseling. Both groups met the clinician monthly until 6 months and at one-year post-onset for assessments. OUTCOME MEASURES: Facial symmetry, synkinesis, and quality of life were measured using standardized scales. Perceived speech intelligibility was rated before and after therapy by naïve judges. RESULTS: Descriptive statistics demonstrated improvements in favor of the MEPP for each measured variable. Significant differences were found for one facial symmetry score (House-Brackmann 2.0 mean (SD) = 7.40 (3.15) for controls versus 5.1 (1.44) for MEPP), for synkinesis measures (p = 0.008) and for quality-of-life ratings (mean (SD) score = 83.17% (17.383) for controls versus 98.36% (3.608) for MEPP (p = 0.002)). No group difference was found for perceived speech intelligibility. CONCLUSION: The MEPP demonstrates promising long-term results when started during the acute phase of moderately severe to total Bell's Palsy.

The anatomical basis for preserving the blood supply to the parathyroids during thyroid surgery, and a review of current technologic advances.

BACKGROUND: Devascularization of the parathyroid glands is generally accepted as the most common mechanism for iatrogenic hypocalcemia, a frequently seen complication of both total and completion thyroidectomy procedures. Much has been written about iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism, but few papers have precisely delineated the arterial supply of the parathyroid glands and the common anatomical variations that may impact parathyroid preservation during thyroid surgery. METHODS: We offer an illustrated review and discussion of the only two anatomic studies published in the medical literature focusing on parathyroid vasculature. In addition, we examine current techniques of parathyroid identification, preservation, and classification. FINDINGS: A surgical technique that preserves the parathyroid arteries is vital to preserving the viability of the parathyroid gland(s) during thyroid surgery. In 1907, Halsted and Evans described a technique of ligating the distal branches of the thyroid arteries beyond the origin of the parathyroid arteries, a technique termed ultra-ligation. In 1982, Flament et al.. reported three distinct anatomical variations of the parathyroid arteries which place the parathyroid blood supply at risk for devascularization during thyroid surgery. Our review also highlights novel techniques that aid surgeons in identification and assessment of the parathyroid glands. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of the variations of parathyroid anatomy and their potential to lead to devascularization aids thyroid surgeons in their pursuit of parathyroid preservation. An awareness of the variety of novel parathyroid identification and preservation techniques can assist surgeons to achieve this goal.

French Translation and Validation of the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire.

Synkinesis is a distressing sequela of peripheral facial palsy (PFP). This study aimed to translate and validate the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), a reliable patient-reported outcome evaluation tool for synkinesis, in French. The SAQ was translated following a standard forward-backward translation procedure. After a cognitive debriefing with 10 PFP patients, the SAQ-F was assessed amongst 50 patients for internal consistency, known-group validity, construct validity, criterion validity, and test-retest reliability. Results demonstrated that the SAQ-F was valid, reliable, and had a unidimensional structure. The SAQ-F should be accompanied by clinician-based scales, to provide valuable additional information on the severity of synkinesis.

Minimal Clinically Important Difference of the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey.

BACKGROUND: The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS) has not been determined. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to define the MCID for both domains of the SCHNOS questionnaire. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included patients who underwent functional, cosmetic, or combined rhinoplasty operation from June 2017 to June 2018 at a tertiary referral center. The average preoperative, postoperative, and change in scores were calculated for the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale (NOSE) and SCHNOS. Anchor-based MCIDs were estimated for both SCHNOS subscales to define change in obstruction and cosmesis perceived after the rhinoplasty. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients (69% women, 31% males) with a mean age (standard deviation [SD]) of 38 years (14.7) at the time of surgery were included. The mean postoperative follow-up period (SD) was 145 days (117). The mean preoperative score (SD) for the NOSE was 52 (32), SCHNOS for nasal obstruction (SCHNOS-O) score was 55 (33), and SCHNOS for nasal cosmesis (SCHNOS-C) score was 50 (26) points. Postoperatively, the NOSE score was 23 (22), SCHNOS-O score was 24 (23), and SCHNOS-C score was 13 (18) points. The mean change in scores (SD) for NOSE, SCHNOS-O, and SCHNOS-C was -29 (37), -31 (38), and -37 (28), respectively. The calculated MCID for SCHNOS-O was 26 (16) and for SCHNOS-C was 22 (15) points. The MCID for NOSE was 24 (13) points. A sensitivity test for the patients with a follow-up ≥3 months showed only slightly different MCID estimates: 28 (17) for SCHNOS-O, 18 (13) for SCHNOS-C, and 24 (15) points for NOSE. CONCLUSIONS: For the obstruction domain SCHNOS-O, the MCID was 28 points. For the cosmetic domain SCHNOS-C, the MCID was 18 points.

Epidemiological Trends of Head and Neck Cancer in the United States: A SEER Population Study.

PURPOSE: This study represents the most recent epidemiologic trends of head and neck cancer (HNC) in the United States. It provides an important discussion on oropharyngeal cancer and cancers related to the human papillomavirus. The objective was to identify trends in HNC (2002 to 2012) within the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of the US National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) submission. Using the November 2014 submission of the SEER database and SEER-18 data files, data from 2002 to 2012 were analyzed to determine the most recent epidemiologic trends. HNCs of all subtypes were analyzed together. Laryngeal cancers were further analyzed separately. Oropharyngeal cancers of the base of tongue and tonsil were analyzed independently to attempt to trend HPV-related cancers. RESULTS: From 2002 to 2012, there were 149,301 cases of HNC recorded in the SEER database. The HNC rate decreased by 0.22% per year (P = .0549) and the rate of laryngeal cancer decreased by 1.9% per year (P < .0001). The rate of oropharyngeal (HPV-related) cancer increased by 2.5% per year (P < .0001). HNC rates increased significantly in Kentucky and Connecticut and decreased in California (P < .05). HPV-related cancers increased significantly in all states except Georgia, Hawaii, and Michigan (P < .05). Laryngeal cancer rates decreased in California, Georgia, New Jersey, and New Mexico (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of HNC is decreasing in the United States. There is an increasing incidence of HPV-related cancers of the oropharynx. Meaningful differences in cancer incidence and rate of change exist between men and women. Furthermore, younger groups have a greater decrease of overall HNC, with an overall increase in HPV-related cancer in patients older than 50 years.

Primary mucosal melanoma of the palatine tonsil: Report of a case and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Mucosal melanoma of the palatine tonsil is extremely rare. Due to its poor prognosis, primary tonsillar melanoma requires prompt recognition and treatment. METHODS: A 62-year-old female presented with a deeply pigmented and exophytic lesion in the left tonsillar fossa. The patient underwent a partial pharyngectomy through a midline labio-mandibulotomy approach along with a left level I-V neck dissection. Reconstruction with a left radial forearm free flap and a pharyngeal constrictor advancement pharyngoplasty was performed. RESULTS: The patient remains free of disease at eight months after adjuvant proton therapy and eleven months after surgery. To our knowledge, less than thirty cases have been either reported or referenced in the literature since the early 1900's. This report is the first in English literature to compile all reported cases of primary tonsillar melanoma. CONCLUSION: Currently, evidence suggests that mucosal melanoma in the palatine tonsil should be treated in the same fashion as other head and neck mucosal melanomas, mindful of the high rates at which locoregional and distant metastases occur.

Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma to the superior cervical ganglion mimicking a retropharyngeal lymph node.

BACKGROUND: Metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) to the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) has never been reported. Its anatomic location may easily be mistaken for a retropharyngeal lymph node. We present the first case of SCC metastasis to the SCG. METHODS: We report a case of a 69year-old never smoking male, who presented with right retropharyngeal PETCT-avid disease following chemoradiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil. He was brought to the operating room for resection, intraoperative radiation and reconstruction. RESULTS: Intraoperatively, visualization and frozen section confirmed squamous cell carcinoma located in the superior cervical ganglion. The ganglion was resected, intraoperative radiation was given and the patient was reconstructed with a radial forearm free flap. Postoperatively, the patient displayed features of a Horner's syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The superior cervical ganglion may be mistaken for a retropharyngeal lymph node. Although extremely rare, these entities may be differentiated on the basis of radiological studies.

Correcting Deviations of the Lower Third of the Nose.

By convention, a "deviated nose" is one in which the lower third is asymmetric with regard to the midline. The lower third of the nose is composed of the lower cartilages, as well as the dorsal and caudal nasal septum. Not only does the deviated nose cause a cosmetic deformity that is often disconcerting for patients, but it may also be associated with functional problems. Airway obstruction may result from a narrowed internal nasal valve in the middle third or from a deviated caudal septum in the lower third. The most common deviation involves both the middle and lower thirds and often requires addressing the underlying dorsal and caudal septum. The most effective technique to correct this type of deviation is the principle of extracorporeal septoplasty, either the traditional or modified, such as the anterior septal reconstruction (ASR) technique combined with the clocking suture. An isolated middle third deviation may be treated with a camouflage graft or a unilateral spreader graft. An isolated lower third deviation involving the septum should be treated with ASR. When an isolated lower third deviation only involves the lower cartilages, it may be corrected using suture techniques, cartilage division techniques, or grafting.

Revision of the Nasal Dorsum.

Revision of the dorsum in secondary rhinoplasty is challenging, regardless of the cause. Dorsal deformities should be evaluated for both aesthetic and functional. The authors briefly outline the presentation, etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment choices backed by evidence-based data, when applicable, for the following dorsal revision indications in secondary rhinoplasty: inverted-V and midvault narrowing, overresected dorsum, irregular dorsum, saddle nose, and pollybeak.

Midvault Reconstruction in Primary Rhinoplasty.

The nasal midvault is an important consideration in rhinoplasty. This region is defined by the attachment of the upper lateral cartilages (ULCs) to the nasal bones superiorly and the cartilaginous septum medially. Inadequate management of the nasal midvault can have negative functional and aesthetic ramifications. Indications for midvault reconstruction in primary rhinoplasty include a narrow midvault, dorsal hump resection, a deviated midvault, and an asymmetric midvault, with an additional relative indication of zone 1 lateral wall insufficiency (LWI), defined as dynamic collapse of a weakened lateral nasal wall at the level of the ULC. Numerous techniques for midvault reconstruction have been described, dating back to Sheen's description of the spreader graft in the 1980s, which remains the gold standard for repair. Herein, the various indications for midvault reconstruction are described, along with a discussion of the most commonly used techniques for successful reconstruction.

Internal Jugular Vein Duplication: Anatomic Relationship With the Spinal Accessory Nerve.

Level II neck dissection is a commonly performed procedure in head and neck surgery. It carries the risk of injury to the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) and the internal jugular vein (IJV). Injury to any of these structures leads to increased intraoperative and postoperative complications and morbidity. Knowledge of the anatomic relation and possible variations from the norm is vital to decrease the morbidity of this frequently practiced procedure. This report describes 2 rare variations of the relation of the SAN to the IJV: 1) the IJV splitting with SAN passage through the IJV window and 2) the IJV splitting without SAN passage through the IJV window. Preoperative imaging and the pertinent literature regarding the variability in the relations of these structures are reviewed.

Worldwide 10-Year Systematic Review of Treatment Trends in Fibula Free Flap for Mandibular Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the trends pertaining to the use of the fibula free flap for mandibular reconstruction during the past 10 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review for publications on the fibula free flap in mandibular reconstruction in the PubMed and Scopus databases was performed from January 1, 2005 until December 31, 2014. Publications were classified by topic, number of patients, and country of origin. The study period was split into 2 periods. The first 5-year period was compared with the second 5-year period. RESULTS: Eighty-five publications were identified. There was an increase in publications regarding restorative decision making (11 vs 9), surgical techniques (13 vs 6), outcomes (20 vs 10), and computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM; 8 vs 2) in the second 5-year period. The number of patients reported also increased in publications on surgical techniques (1,085 vs 59), outcomes (777 vs 254), bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and osteoradionecrosis (165 vs 28), and CAD-CAM (65 vs 15) in the second 5-year period. The United States, India, China, and Europe produced most of the publications. CONCLUSIONS: In the past 10 years, there was a surge in publications on the use of the fibula free flap for mandibular reconstruction. There was a 1.8-fold increase in the number of publications and a 3.4-fold increase in the number of patients undergoing this method of mandibular reconstruction in the second 5-year period. Publications from the United States, India, and China contributed to a large increase in the number of patients in the second 5-year period. More interest in CAD-CAM technology was seen in the second 5-year period that was not seen in the first 5-year period.

Radiological challenges in distinguishing keratocystic odontogenic tumor from ameloblastoma: an extraordinary occurrence in the same patient.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study are to describe the radiological appearance of two common odontogenic lesions (keratocystic odontogenic tumor and ameloblastoma) arising in the same patient simultaneously with their radiological differences and histological correlates, and to describe challenges in radiological diagnosis. DESIGN: Single case report. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-one year-old African-American male patient. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Lesion appearance on computed tomography (CT) scan and pathological correlates. RESULTS: A 41year-old African-American male presented with asymptomatic right maxillary swelling. A CT scan of the maxillofacial skeleton showed and expansile and cystic lesion of the right hemimaxilla with trabecular osseous expansion, and a left cystic lesion in the left hemimaxilla expanding into the pterygopalatine fossa. Biopsy confirmed the suspected diagnoses of right ameloblastoma and left keratocystic odontogenic tumor. CONCLUSION: Although they are among the most common odontogenic tumors, the presence of concurrent ameloblastoma and KOT is an exceedingly rare occurrence in the same patient. The appearance on CT scan may help in distinguishing ameloblastoma from KOT by looking at bone expansion and high density areas, although the gold standard diagnostic test remains open biopsy.

Influence of previous treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma on the geographic distribution of recurrent neck metastases: A case series of unusual level 4 metastases.

BACKGROUND: Cervical node management is vital for the successful treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Lymphatic spread from intra-oral malignancies usually follows a predictable path. We report on two patients with isolated level 4 recurrence following previous treatment for OSCC. METHODS: Single institutional case series. RESULTS: Two patients, initially N0, treated by surgery and ipsilateral neck dissection, presented with recurrent OSCC. One patient received adjuvant radiotherapy. Both patients developed recurrent/new disease at 7years and and 22months, respectively, and had salvage surgery, one had adjuvant radiation therapy. Both, subsequently, presented again at 3 and 12months with isolated, ipsilateral level 4 metastases. CONCLUSION: These two patients presented with delayed skip metastases which defies normal drainage patterns. The experience with these patients and a review of the literature raises the question of addressing the treatment of level 4 lymph nodes in recurrent OSCC due to altered drainage.

What Are the Optimal Monitoring Techniques in Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction?

PURPOSE: We evaluated the outcomes for widely used systems in terms of accuracy, salvage rates, and added cost compared to conventional monitoring. METHODS: We performed a narrative review of the literature (high-impact report). RESULTS: The overall free flap success for head and neck reconstruction is at least 95% using any type of monitoring. Salvage rates in decreasing frequency of monitoring techniques are 85% with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), 81% with implantable Doppler, and 61.5% with conventional monitoring. False-positive rates in increasing frequency are 0% for NIRS, 0.4% for conventional monitoring, and <10% for implantable Doppler. Current data show implantable Doppler to be potentially cost-effective for institutions with a failure rate of at least 6%. Buried flaps may be monitored with conventional monitoring using an exteriorized paddle, or using implantable Doppler. CONCLUSIONS: The cost-effectiveness of advanced flap monitoring systems beyond conventional monitoring is related to the success rate of each institution. Cost-effectiveness studies are necessary to determine at what point NIRS becomes advantageous.

The Autospreader Flap for Midvault Reconstruction following Dorsal Hump Resection.

Dorsal hump reduction without adequate reconstitution of the midvault can often result in cosmetic or functional problems. One of the simplest techniques to avoid these problems is the use of the excess upper lateral cartilage to reconstruct the midvault (the spreader flap or autospreader). Herein we outline the history of the technique and present the specific indications and contraindications, as well as describe our method for achieving it successfully. Case studies are presented with the specific indications. Grafting alternatives to the spreader flap are also outlined. The spreader flap technique offers multiple advantages, including maximal use of local tissues, simplicity, and airway preservation. Disadvantages are the use of an external approach and the inability to use it alone in the presence of severe asymmetries.

Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma of the Sublingual Gland: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma represents only 0.4% of salivary gland neoplasms. Generally affecting the parotid gland, it has been reported only twice in the sublingual gland. Controversies concerning the treatment of lymphoepithelial carcinoma exist. Although the literature generally agrees that primary surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy is part of the treatment, the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy is not well described. This report describes the case of a 55-year-old man diagnosed with lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the sublingual gland. The patient was admitted for progressive pain in the floor of the mouth associated with trismus. Biopsy examination confirmed the diagnosis of lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the sublingual gland and magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple left lymphadenopathies. Surgery consisted of a radical neck dissection type III, surgical resection of the floor of the mouth, and reconstruction with a left facial artery musculomucosal flap. The patient received adjuvant radiotherapy (60 Gy) and adjuvant chemotherapy (3 cycles of cisplatinum 100 mg/m(2)). The patient was disease free at 36 months of follow-up. The evidence base for administering adjuvant chemotherapy in this situation is discussed.

Canadian French Translation and Validation of the Neck Dissection Impairment Index: A Quality of Life Measure for the Surgical Oncology Population.

BACKGROUND: Neck dissections (ND) are a routine procedure in head and neck oncology. Given the postoperative functional impact that some patients experience, it is imperative to identify and track quality of life (QoL) symptomatology to tailor each patient's therapeutic needs. To date, there is no validated French-Canadian questionnaire for this patient-population. We therefore sought to translate and validate the Neck Dissection Impairment Index (NDII) in Canadian French. METHODS: A 3-phased approach was used. Phase 1: The NDII was translated from English to Canadian French using a "forward and backward" translational technique following international guidelines. Phase 2: A cognitive debriefing session was held with 10 Canadian French-speaking otolaryngology patients to evaluate understandability and acceptability. Phase 3: The final version was administered prospectively to 30 patients with prior history of ND and 30 control patients. These patients were asked to complete the questionnaire 2 weeks after their first response. Test-retest reliability was calculated with Spearman's correlation. Internal consistency was elicited using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: NDII was successfully translated and validated to Canadian French. Cronbach's alpha revealed high internal consistency (0.92, lower 95% confidence limit 0.89). The correlation for test-retest validity were strong or very strong (0.61-0.91). CONCLUSION: NDII is an internationally recognized QoL tool for the identification of ND-related impairments. This validated Canadian French version will allow clinicians to adequately assess the surgery-related QoL effect of neck surgery in the French-speaking population, while allowing French institutions to conduct and/or participate in multisite clinical trials requiring the NDII as an outcome measure.