Multiple skull base defects in the setting of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea; a dual institution view.

PURPOSE: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition of high cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure that presents with CSF leak. The implications of multiple skull base defects (SBD) and associated synchronous CSF leaks have not been previously explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A dual institutional case-control study examined multiple SBD's and encephaloceles on the risk of CSF leak and postoperative failures post-repair. IIH patients with CSF leaks and IIH controls without leaks were selected retrospectively. Chi square analysis evaluated for statistically significant alterations in probability with CSF leak development. RESULTS: 192 patients were selected with 108 IIH controls and 84 spontaneous CSF leak cases. Signs and symptoms for IIH controls and CSF leak cases respectively were pulsatile tinnitus (60.2 % and 29.8 %), headaches (96.3 % and 63.1 %), papilledema (74.1 % and 12.5 %), visual field defects (60.8 % and 13 %) (p < 0.001). Encephalocele formation in controls was 3.7 % compared to cases at 91.6 % (p < 0.001). Multiple SBD's in controls compared cases was 0.9 % and 46.4 % respectively (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of CSF leak cases showed 15 patients with two CSF leak repairs due to a recurrence. 27 (39.1 %) single leak cases had multiple SDB's while 12 (80 %) recurrent leaks had multiple SDB's (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with radiographic evidence of multiple SBD's and encephaloceles represent a high-risk population with a propensity for CSF leaks. Secondary SBD's are common in patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea and higher in patients with a recurrence.

Step-by-step Peritoneal Bladder Flap Bunching (PBFB) technique: an innovative approach following lymph node dissection in robotic radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has become a popular surgical approach for localized prostate cancer due to its favorable oncological and functional outcomes, as well as lower morbidity. In cases of intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer, bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLND) is recommended as an adjunct to RARP (1-3). Despite its benefits, PLND can lead to surgical complications, with postoperative lymphocele formation being the most common. Most postoperative lymphoceles are clinically insignificant with variable incidence, reaching up to 60% of cases 4. However, a small percentage of patients 2-8% may experience symptomatic lymphoceles (SL), which can cause significant morbidity (4, 5). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: We perform our RARP technique with our standard approach in all patients (6). After vesicourethral anastomosis a modified PF created to prevent symptomatic lymphocele. We start by suturing the peritoneal fold on the right side, medially to the vas deferens, followed by a similar stitch on the left side to approximate the edges in the midline. A running suture bunches the bladder peritoneum from both sides, passing through the pubic bone periosteum to secure it in place (7). This approach keeps the lateral pelvic gutters open for lymphatic drainage, while allowing fluid drainage from the true pelvis into the abdomen. A pelvic ultrasound was done for all patients at 6 weeks post operative, and additional clinical follow-up was carried out at 3 months following surgery. CONSIDERATIONS: We have demonstrated a modified technique of peritoneal flap (PBFB) with an initial decrease in postoperative symptomatic lymphoceles, the technique is feasible, safe, does not add significant morbidity, and does not require a learning curve.

Impacts on functional and oncological outcomes of Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy 10 years after the US Preventive Service Taskforce recommendations against PSA screening.

OBJECTIVE: In the following years after the United States Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation against prostate cancer screening with PSA in 2012, several authors worldwide described an increase in higher grades and aggressive prostate tumors. In this scenario, we aim to evaluate the potential impacts of USPSTF recommendations on the functional and oncological outcomes in patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in a referral center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 11396 patients who underwent RARP between 2008 and 2021. Each patient had at least a 12-month follow-up. The cohort was divided into two groups based on an inflection point in the outcomes at the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013. The inflection point period was detected by Bayesian regression with multiple change points and regression with unknown breakpoints. We reported continuous variables as median and interquartile range (IQR) and categorical variables as absolute and relative percent frequencies. RESULTS: Group 1 had 4760 patients, and Group 2 had 6636 patients, with a median follow-up of 109 and 38 months, respectively. In the final pathology, Group 2 had 9.5% increase in tumor volume, 24% increase on Gleason ≥ 4+3 (ISUP 3) , and 18% increase on ≥ pT3. This translated to a 6% increase in positive surgical margins and 24% reduction in full nerve sparing in response to the worsening pathology. There was a significant decline in post-operative outcomes in Group 2, including a 12-month continence reduction of 9%, reduction in potency by 27%, and reduction of trifecta by 22%. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing number of high-risk patients has led to worse functional and oncologic outcomes. The initial rapid rise in PSM was leveled by the move towards more partial nerve sparing. Among some historical changes in prostate cancer diagnosis and management in the period of our study, the USPSTF recommendation coincided with worse outcomes of prostate cancer treatment in a population who could benefit from PSA screening at the appropriate time.

Outcomes of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma compared to de novo adenocarcinoma of major salivary glands.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) is a rare disease of the major salivary glands that remains poorly characterized. Our objective was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients with CXPA of the major salivary glands to those with de novo adenocarcinomas. METHODS: Review of the NCDB between 2004 and 2016 to compare cases of CXPA and adenocarcinoma of major salivary glands. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and survival were analyzed. RESULTS: We identified 1181 patients with CXPA and 3326 patients with adenocarcinoma of major salivary glands. Adenocarcinomas presented with higher rates of nodal metastasis (54.7% vs. 30.4%, p < .001). Five-year survival of adenocarcinoma (55.8%) was worse than that of CXPA (68.5%, p < .001). When stratified by nodal status, there was no significant difference in 5-year survival between CXPA and adenocarcinoma node-negative (75.3% vs. 71.6%, respectively) and node-positive (40.4% vs. 36.1%, respectively) patients. CONCLUSIONS: CXPAs of the major salivary glands present at an earlier stage with lower rates of regional metastasis compared to adenocarcinomas. After controlling for lymph node metastases, the outcomes are quite similar.

Catalytic enantioselective addition of thioacids to trisubstituted nitroalkenes.

The first example of a catalytic enantioselective addition to and nitronate protonation of trisubstituted nitroalkenes to produce highly enantioenriched products with a tetrasubstituted carbon is reported. Thioacids added in excellent yields and with high enantioselectivities to both activated and unactivated nitroalkenes. The 1,2-nitrothioacetate products can be readily converted in two steps to biomedically relevant 1,2-aminosulfonic acids without loss of enantiopurity.

Elective management of the N0 neck in maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate adequacy of radiation therapy alone to the neck in patients with maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma (MS-SCC) without clinical evidence of regional metastasis. METHODS: Retrospective review between 2000 and 2018 from a single high-volume tertiary academic head and neck cancer center of all patients with MS-SCC. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients were treated for MS-SCC at our center. A clinically uninvolved neck on presentation was found in 46 patients (83.6%) in the initial dataset. Of the 39 patients with radiologic N0 disease who were treated with primary surgical resection, 15.4% (6 patients) did not undergo any treatment of the neck, 2.6% (1 patient) underwent a neck dissection only, 69.2% (27 patients) received RT only, and 12.8% (5 patients) were treated with both a neck dissection followed by RT. Median follow-up was 26 months (mean 48 months, interquartile range 9-76 months). Five-year overall survival of all patients with N0 necks treated with upfront surgical resection was 46.5% (95% CI, 32.3%-66.9%). No patients with N0 necks had isolated regional recurrence regardless of neck management. CONCLUSIONS: Regional recurrence is rare for patients with radiologic N0 MS-SCC. Single-modality elective neck radiation provides excellent regional disease control in these patients.

Racial Disparities in Head and Neck Cancer: It's Not Just About Access.

OBJECTIVE: Medical literature identifies stark racial disparities in head and neck cancer (HNC) in the United States, primarily between non-Hispanic white (NHW) and non-Hispanic black (NHB) populations. The etiology of this disparity is often attributed to inequitable access to health care and socioeconomic status (SES). However, other contributors have been reported. We performed a systematic review to better understand the multifactorial landscape driving racial disparities in HNC. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review was conducted in Covidence following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Guidelines. A search of PubMed, SCOPUS, and CINAHL for literature published through November 2022 evaluating racial disparities in HNC identified 2309 publications. REVIEW METHODS: Full texts were screened by 2 authors independently, and inconsistencies were resolved by consensus. Three hundred forty publications were ultimately selected and categorized into themes including disparities in access/SES, treatment, lifestyle, and biology. Racial groups examined included NHB and NHW patients but also included Hispanic, Native American, and Asian/Pacific Islander patients to a lesser extent. RESULTS: Of the 340 articles, 192 focused on themes of access/SES, including access to high-quality hospitals, insurance coverage, and transportation contributing to disparate HNC outcomes. Additional themes discussed in 148 articles included incongruities in surgical recommendations, tobacco/alcohol use, human papillomavirus-associated malignancies, and race-informed silencing of tumor suppressor genes. CONCLUSION: Differential access to care plays a significant role in racial disparities in HNC, disproportionately affecting NHB populations. However, there are other significant themes driving racial disparities. Future studies should focus on providing equitable access to care while also addressing these additional sources of disparities in HNC.

An Integrative Model of ENT Healthcare for the Homeless Population.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine the need for otolaryngology care within the homeless population, identify barriers to access that the homeless population may face, and develop a model system which would address these needs with respect to the barriers. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 812 patients seen between 1/25/16-3/21/2020 was performed. Charts were obtained from homeless patients seen at free general clinics held shelters in Chicago, IL (781 charts) and in Champaign, IL (31 charts). Records reporting at least one otolaryngology disease in a patient experiencing homelessness were included in this study. Patients were considered homeless if they resided at the shelter at the time of their appointment. To determine common barriers to care, a simple yes/no questionnaire was administered to residents at west-side Chicago homeless shelters. Questions addressed barriers to health care access that had been mentioned by patients seen at free clinics. RESULTS: Chart review findings demonstrated that 14.3% (n = 142) of all homeless patients seen at free in-shelter clinics were seen for ENT-related disorders. Survey results revealed that 76.3% (n = 71) of respondents believed that telemedicine services would be useful in shelters. 74.2% (n = 69) stated they were unable to afford prescribed medications. 93.5% (n = 87) stated that better access to transportation would increase their likelihood of seeking care. CONCLUSIONS: In our attempt to bridge this inequity, we have launched a hybrid in-person/virtual care program to improve access to otolaryngology care for the homeless community. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A Laryngoscope, 134:2705-2709, 2024.

Otolaryngology Care Disparities in American Indian Populations.

Our objectives were to quantify geographical disparities in otolaryngology care access with respect to American Indian (AI) populations and to identify gaps in care. Although increased incidence and mortality rates of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions in AI populations are well documented, few studies address factors contributing to these differential outcomes. We conducted a cross-sectional study of US states with AI areas that either met the population threshold for the American Community Survey annual estimate or annual supplemental estimate. A 2-tailed t test was used to compare the geographic distribution of ENT providers practicing within AI areas against non-AI areas, showing a statistically significant difference (P < .001) in the concentration of providers (0.409 vs 2.233 providers per 100,000 patients). To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore geographic barriers contributing to AI disparities within otolaryngology.

Invasive Fungal Sinusitis in an Immunocompetent Patient After Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps and a Mycetoma.

Acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS) classically presents as an aggressive fungal infection that can spread beyond its origin in the sinuses in immunocompromised patients. Although there have been reports of AIFS in immunocompetent, non-diabetic patients, it is extremely rare and the true mechanism behind it is unknown. A thirty-eight year old immunocompetent, non-diabetic woman underwent bilateral ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps at a tertiary care center and post-operatively developed AIFS. Patient underwent uncomplicated ESS, was packed with foam containing triamcinolone and discharged on steroid rinses and a prednisone taper. Surgical pathology demonstrated left-sided colonization with non-invasive fungal elements consistent with a mycetoma. She presented on post-operative Day 11 with headache and left-sided retro-orbital pain. A culture of her left nasal cavity grew Rhizopus spp and MRI demonstrated evidence of invasive fungal infection of left sphenoid mucosa as well as inflammatory changes in the left orbit centered at the orbital apex. She was started on amphotericin and underwent a left-sided debridement with biopsies which demonstrated angioinvasive fungal disease. Her vision in her left eye worsened to 20/800 and she was treated with transcutaneous retrobulbar injection of amphotericin B. After stable interval imaging she was discharged on a long-term course of antifungals. Extensive immunologic work-up was unremarkable. We describe a case of an immunocompetent patient who developed AIFS after sinus surgery for CRS and a mycetoma likely as a result of local immune suppression and post-surgical trauma. Laryngoscope, 2024.

Comparative Performance of ChatGPT 3.5 and GPT4 on Rhinology Standardized Board Examination Questions.

Objective: Advances in deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI) have led to the emergence of large language models (LLM) like ChatGPT from OpenAI. The study aimed to evaluate the performance of ChatGPT 3.5 and GPT4 on Otolaryngology (Rhinology) Standardized Board Examination questions in comparison to Otolaryngology residents. Methods: This study selected all 127 rhinology standardized questions from www.boardvitals.com, a commonly used study tool by otolaryngology residents preparing for board exams. Ninety-three text-based questions were administered to ChatGPT 3.5 and GPT4, and their answers were compared with the average results of the question bank (used primarily by otolaryngology residents). Thirty-four image-based questions were provided to GPT4 and underwent the same analysis. Based on the findings of an earlier study, a pass-fail cutoff was set at the 10th percentile. Results: On text-based questions, ChatGPT 3.5 answered correctly 45.2% of the time (8th percentile) (P = .0001), while GPT4 achieved 86.0% (66th percentile) (P = .001). GPT4 answered image-based questions correctly 64.7% of the time. Projections suggest that ChatGPT 3.5 might not pass the American Board of Otolaryngology Written Question Exam (ABOto WQE), whereas GPT4 stands a strong chance of passing. Discussion: The older LLM, ChatGPT 3.5, is unlikely to pass the ABOto WQE. However, the advanced GPT4 model exhibits a much higher likelihood of success. This rapid progression in AI indicates its potential future role in otolaryngology education. Implications for Practice: As AI technology rapidly advances, it may be that AI-assisted medical education, diagnosis, and treatment planning become commonplace in the medical and surgical landscape. Level of Evidence: Level 5.

Peritoneal Flap Following Lymph Node Dissection in Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: A Novel "Bunching" Technique.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is recommended while performing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for patients with localized intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer. However, symptomatic lymphoceles can occur after surgery, adding significant morbidity to patients. Our objective is to describe a novel Peritoneal Bladder Flap Bunching technique (PBFB) to reduce the risk of clinically significant lymphoceles in patients undergoing RARP and PLND. METHODS: We evaluated 2267 patients who underwent RARP with PLND, dividing them into two groups: Group 1, comprising 567 patients who had the peritoneal flap (PBFB), and Group 2, comprising 1700 patients without the flap; propensity score matching carried out at a 1:3 ratio. Variables analyzed included estimated blood loss (EBL), operative time, postoperative complications, lymphocele formation, and the development of symptomatic lymphocele. RESULTS: The two groups exhibited similar preoperative characteristics after matching. There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of lymphoceles between the flap group and the non-flap group, with rates of 24% and 20.9%, respectively (p = 0.14). However, none of the patients in the flap group (0%) developed symptomatic lymphoceles, whereas 2.2% of patients in the non-flap group experienced symptomatic lymphoceles (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated a modified technique for a peritoneal flap (PBFB) with the initial elimination of postoperative symptomatic lymphoceles and promising short-term outcomes.

The Use of Artificial Intelligence to Improve Readability of Otolaryngology Patient Education Materials.

OBJECTIVE: The recommended readability of health education materials is at the sixth-grade level. Artificial intelligence (AI) large language models such as the newly released ChatGPT4 might facilitate the conversion of patient-education materials at scale. We sought to ascertain whether online otolaryngology education materials meet recommended reading levels and whether ChatGPT4 could rewrite these materials to the sixth-grade level. We also wished to ensure that converted materials were accurate and retained sufficient content. METHODS: Seventy-one articles from patient educational materials published online by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery were selected. Articles were entered into ChatGPT4 with the prompt "translate this text to a sixth-grade reading level." Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) were determined for each article before and after AI conversion. Each article and conversion were reviewed for factual inaccuracies, and each conversion was reviewed for content retention. RESULTS: The 71 articles had an initial average FKGL of 11.03 and FRES of 46.79. After conversion by ChatGPT4, the average FKGL across all articles was 5.80 and FRES was 77.27. Converted materials provided enough detail for patient education with no factual errors. DISCUSSION: We found that ChatGPT4 improved the reading accessibility of otolaryngology online patient education materials to recommended levels quickly and effectively. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Physicians can determine whether their patient education materials exceed current recommended reading levels by using widely available measurement tools, and then apply AI dialogue platforms to modify materials to more accessible levels as needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5.

Evaluation of Wait Times for Otolaryngology Appointments in Illinois.

Objective: The objective of this study was to quantify the wait times that patients may encounter for common clinical diagnoses when seeking otolaryngology care, while determining whether a wait time disparity exists based on geographic location within Illinois. Methods: In November 2022, a list of Illinois otolaryngologists was obtained from www.entnet.org. Using a uniform script, each of the 291 otolaryngologists were contacted. The caller posed as a new patient with either sudden sensorineural hearing loss, a neck mass, or chronic sinusitis. Each clinic was called 3 times and wait times were recorded. One hundred fifty-eight otolaryngologists were included in the analysis. Results: The average statewide wait time for a new patient presenting with sudden unilateral hearing loss, a neck mass, and chronic sinusitis was 18.0, 22.6, and 25.5 days, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between urban and rural wait times. Discussion: Although wait time differences were noted, the lack of urban versus rural p value significance may be attributed to the small sample size (n = 11) of rural otolaryngologists in Illinois. However, the overall wait times in this study were longer compared to those reported in other studies, suggesting that the current number of otolaryngologists in Illinois is inadequate to meet the public need. Implications for Practice: We have demonstrated that the current demand for otolaryngology care is outstripping the existing supply in Illinois. This suggests that an emphasis should be placed on training more otolaryngologists, or increasing the use of physician extenders, while incentivizing otolaryngologists to practice in rural areas. Level of Evidence: 5.

VM-PATHI Correlates With Cognitive Function Improvement After Successful Treatment in Patients With Vestibular Migraine.

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in cognitive function in vestibular migraine patients undergoing treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort. SETTING: Single-institution tertiary-care center. PATIENTS: Thirty-four patients with vestibular migraine were included in the study. Average age at diagnosis was 47.9 years. A majority of patients (91.2%) were female. INTERVENTIONS: Vestibular therapies included pharmacologic treatment (67.6%), mindfulness-based stress reduction (58.8%), vestibular physical therapy (20.6%), and lifestyle changes only (2.9%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pretreatment and posttreatment questionnaires were collected including the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ), Vestibular Migraine Patient Assessment Tool and Handicap Inventory (VM-PATHI), and Dizziness Handicap Inventory. RESULTS: Median time between pretreatment and posttreatment questionnaire was 4.4 months (range, 2.8-15.6. mo). CFQ scores decreased in subjects who responded to treatment, as defined by those with a positive change in VM-PATHI score (average decrease, 6.5; p = 0.03). CFQ scores did not improve in subjects who had no improvement in their vestibular condition, as defined by no change or an increase in VM-PATHI score (average increase, 2.0; p = 0.53). Univariate linear regression showed that VM-PATHI score change was highly predictive of CFQ change ( p < 0.01, r2 = 0.36). Multivariate regression demonstrated that the VM-PATHI ( p = 0.03) and not the Dizziness Handicap Inventory ( p = 0.10) predicted changes in CFQ score. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported cognitive dysfunction improves with successful treatment of vestibular migraine.

Comparison between intra- and postoperative outcomes of the da Vinci SP and da Vinci Xi robotic platforms in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.

The new SP robot incorporates a single trocar that houses a flexible camera and three bi-articulated arms, which minimize the number of incisions needed to assess the surgical site, allowing for a less invasive procedure. To compare the postoperative pain scale and outcomes in patients with similar demographic characteristics undergoing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with SP and Xi robots, One-hundred consecutive patients undergoing RARP with the SP robot were matched, using a propensity score (PS), with 100 patients from a cohort of 1757 who were operated on with the da Vinci Xi from June 2019 to January 2021. We described and compared the perioperative pain scores and outcomes of both groups. The SP group had less blood loss (50 cc vs. 62.5 cc, P < 0.001) and longer operative time (114 min. vs. 94 min, P < 0.001). The only period we could show a difference in postoperative pain scores was 6 h after surgery, with a small advantage for the SP (2 vs. 2.5, P < 0.001). Both groups had satisfactory postoperative continence recovery, 91% vs. 90% for the SP and Xi, respectively. The groups had a mean follow-up of 24.5 and 22 months for SP and Xi, respectively. The tumor stage and percentage of positive surgical margins were similar between groups (15% vs. 15%, P = 1). Patients undergoing RARP with the SP had longer operative times with less blood loss than the Xi. However, despite the lower number of abdominal incisions on the SP, the groups had similar intraoperative performance, and we were unable to demonstrate clinically significant differences in postoperative pain scores between the groups 6, 12, and 18 h after surgery.

Delayed Tracheal Perforation After Partial Thyroidectomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Tracheal perforation is an extremely rare and potentially dangerous complication of a partial thyroidectomy. The current case represents a unique presentation of delayed tracheal perforation following an uncomplicated thyroid isthmusectomy for tissue diagnosis of an aggressive appearing thyroid mass in the setting of high-dose steroid administration and recent intubation and self-extubation. While conservative management of tracheal perforation can sometimes be appropriate, our patient was successfully managed via primary closure and infrahyoid muscle transposition flap to cover a 5 mm right lateral tracheal wall defect. We recommend caution be exercised following thyroid surgery in the setting of intubation and high-dose steroids.

Patterns of Care and Outcomes of Carcinosarcoma of the Major Salivary Glands.

OBJECTIVE: Carcinosarcoma of the salivary gland is a rare malignant biphasic tumor. The present study investigates the epidemiology and clinical behavior of carcinosarcoma of the major salivary glands using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). STUDY DESIGN: Historical cohort study. SETTING: NCDB. METHODS: All tumors were selected between 2004 and 2018. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatments, and survival were analyzed. Cox regression analysis was performed in surgically treated patients. RESULTS: We identified 154 patients in the NCDB with carcinosarcoma of the salivary gland. Median age at diagnosis was 66 years (interquartile range, 55-76). Most patients were male (n = 92, 60%). The majority of tumors were in the parotid (n = 122, 79%), followed by submandibular gland (n = 21, 14%). The majority were high grade (n = 93, 95%), and a significant portion had locally advanced disease (pT3-4; n = 65, 62%). Nodal disease was present in more than one-third (n = 35, 36%). The most common treatment was surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy (n = 75, 49%). With a median follow-up of 36 months, the 3-year overall survival was 57.6% (95% CI, 48.7%-68.0%). In univariable analysis, advanced pT stage, pN+ disease, and positive margins were associated with worse survival. In multivariable analysis, age (hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; P = .03) and pT stage (hazard ratio, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.27-4.95; P = .008) remained significant. CONCLUSION: Carcinosarcoma is a rare salivary gland tumor that frequently presents at a locally advanced stage. Despite multimodality treatments, the outcomes are poor. In the absence of clinical trial data, these data from the NCDB could guide clinicians in the management of this rare disease.

Endoscopic Transcanal and Transmastoid Laser-Assisted Resection of Middle Ear Capillary Hemangioma.

OBJECTIVE: To present a rare case of a middle ear capillary hemangioma in an adult. PATIENT: A 31-year-old woman with a 6-month history of left ear fullness, pressure, tinnitus, and progressive hearing loss. INTERVENTION: Endoscopic laser-assisted resection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical, radiographic, and histopathological findings of a capillary hemangioma. RESULTS: Otoscopy revealed an erythematous and slightly pulsating multilobulated middle ear retrotympanic mass. Her audiogram demonstrated a left-sided mixed hearing loss with air-conduction thresholds in the severe-to-profound range. Computed tomography (CT) imaging was significant for total opacification of the left middle ear and mastoid air cells. She underwent a combined endoscopic transcanal and transmastoid excision of the mass with ossicular chain reconstruction. A KTP laser was used to ablate and shrink down the periphery of the lesion. Pathology of the specimen was consistent with a capillary hemangioma. The patient's pulsatile tinnitus and spontaneous vertigo resolved postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Capillary hemangiomas are an uncommon cause of vascular middle ear lesions in adults and typically present with symptoms of aural fullness, pulsatile tinnitus, conductive hearing loss, otalgia, and vertigo. Surgery resection provides definitive treatment and the use of laser ablation techniques can allow for hemostasis and excellent visualization.