Mucoepidermoid Carcinomas of the Larynx.

OBJECTIVES: Discussions regarding the specific management and outcomes for laryngeal MEC are limited to very small, single-institution case series. To look further into the diagnosis and management of these uncommon non-squamous cell carcinomas of the larynx, we present 3 recent cases of laryngeal MEC treated at our institution. METHODS: Patients at a tertiary hospital treated for MEC between October 2019 and December 2020 were retrospectively identified. Chart review, imaging analysis, and histologic slide creation were completed for all patients. RESULTS: We identified and treated 2 patients with high-grade supraglottic and 1 patient with intermediate-grade glottic MEC. These patients presented to our clinic with a primary complaint of either gradual, worsening dysphonia, dysphagia, or both. All patients underwent laryngovideostroboscopy as well as panendoscopy with directed submucosal biopsy, which was consistent with MEC. MRI was performed in 2 of the cases further elucidating the extent of submucosal spread. PET-CT was performed in all 3 cases, and none demonstrated evidence of regional or distal metastases. Surgically, high-grade MEC lesions were treated with a total laryngectomy. The intermediate MEC lesion was managed with a supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL). Surgical margins were free of tumor in all cases with no nodal metastases by modified radical neck dissection. Radiation therapy was offered to both high-grade MEC patients and declined by one. Radiation was not recommended to the patient with intermediate-grade MEC as we believed that the risk of additional treatment outweighed the benefit. CONCLUSION: We believe that MEC of the larynx should be considered in patients with atypical submucosal laryngeal masses. Laryngovideostroboscopy, MRI, and PET imaging may be valuable in determining the extent of the lesions and planning appropriate surgery. Postoperative radiation therapy should be considered a per tumor grade in other more studied sites, as there is no data on efficacy in laryngeal MEC.

Pulmonary Function Tests May Better Predict Dyspnea-Severity in Patients with Subglottic Stenosis Compared to Clinician-Reported Stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with subglottic stenosis (SGS) present with varied degree of breathing complaints. The dyspnea index (DI) is a 10-question patient-reported outcome measure designed to measure the severity of upper airway obstruction. We set out to determine whether pulmonary function tests or clinician-reported degree of stenosis best predicted DI scores. METHODS: Thirty patients with SGS were retrospectively reviewed over a 6-year period. One visit from each patient was included. Data including peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), body-mass index (BMI), clinician-reported degree of stenosis, and DI scores were reviewed. Multiple linear regression was performed to determine how degree of stenosis and PEFR % predicted the variation in DI score. RESULTS: PEFR % better predicted DI scores compared to degree of stenosis (partial correlation -0.32 vs 0.17). After stepwise elimination, PEFR % remained in the regression and was significantly associated with DI scores (F[1, 29] = 9.38, P = .005). BMI did not demonstrate a linear relationship with DI scores and was not included in the regression (r = -.02). The PEFR % unstandardized coefficient was -0.25 (95% CI: -0.42 to -0.08, P = .005). The model predicts that a 4% increase in the PEFR % results in a 1-point decrease in the DI score (95% CI: -1.68 to -0.32). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that pulmonary function tests may be a better in-office measure to substantiate the severity of symptoms in patients with SGS.

Post-Operative Dysphagia in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify risk factors associated with long-term dysphagia, characterize changes in dysphagia over time, and evaluate the incidence of otolaryngology referrals for patients with long-term dysphagia following anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF). METHODS: About 56 patients who underwent ACDF between May 2017 to February 2019 were included in the study. All patients were assessed for dysphagia using the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) survey preoperatively and late postoperatively (≥1 year). Additionally, 28 patients were assessed for dysphagia early postoperatively (2 weeks-3 months). Demographic data, medical comorbidities, intraoperative details, and post-operative otolaryngology referral rates were collected from electronic medical records. RESULTS: Of the 56 patients enrolled, 21 patients (38%) had EAT-10 scores of 3 or more at long-term follow-up. None of the demographics, comorbidities, or surgical factors assessed were associated with long-term dysphagia. Patients who reported no long-term dysphagia had a mean EAT-10 score of 6.9 early postoperatively, while patients with long-term symptoms had a mean score of 18.1 (P = .006). Of the 21 patients who reported persistent dysphagia symptoms, 3 (14%) received dysphagia testing or otolaryngology referrals post-operatively. CONCLUSION: Dysphagia is a notable side effect of ACDF surgery, but there are no significant demographics, comorbidities, or surgical risk factors that predict long-term dysphagia. Early postoperative characterization of dysphagia using the EAT-10 questionnaire can help predict long-term symptoms. There is inadequate screening and otolaryngology follow-up for patients with post-ACDF dysphagia.

Hospitalized Patients With New-Onset Vocal Fold Immobility Warrant Inpatient Injection Laryngoplasty.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of early inpatient bedside injection laryngoplasty (IL) in hospitalized patients with iatrogenic unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: A retrospective review of hospitalized patients with iatrogenic UVFI undergoing IL between September 2013 and June 2017 was performed. Patients had a swallow evaluation by a speech-language pathologist and bedside IL. Evaluated outcomes included swallow scores, return to diet, secondary events/procedures, and hospital length of stay. Outcomes related to etiology of UVFI were also examined. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 90 patients (61% male, 52% after cardiac/cardiothoracic surgery). Seventy-seven percent of all patients who could improve had increased swallow scores after IL. The lowest number (40%) from the subgroup of patients with high vagal injuries as the cause of UVFI obtained improvement in swallow scores, whereas 87% of those in the cardiac surgery group improved. There were more bronchoscopies and reintubations in patients before IL than after IL. CONCLUSION: Hospitalized patients with UVFI are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to dysphagia. We advocate for early swallow evaluation and intervention with IL if there is dysphagia and risk of aspiration. Coordination of care between interdisciplinary teams is paramount to a successful inpatient IL program. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b Laryngoscope, 131:115-120, 2021.

Long-term Follow-up After Radiation Therapy for Laryngeal Amyloidosis.

OBJECTIVES: Laryngeal amyloidosis (LA) is a rare disease characterized by extracellular protein deposition within the larynx. Treatment is difficult due to the frequently submucosal and multifocal nature of disease. The mainstay of treatment is surgical resection; however, recurrence rates are high. Recently, use of radiotherapy (RT), either alone or postoperatively, for LA has been adapted from the management of extramedullary plasmacytoma and has been shown to provide local disease control. Here, we describe the experience with adjuvant RT for LA at our center. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with amyloidosis of the larynx, with or without other disease sites, seen at a tertiary academic center between 2011 and 2019. Outcomes included disease characteristics, recurrence rates, treatment modalities, and pre- and posttreatment voice handicap index (VHI)-10. RESULTS: Ten patients met eligibility criteria. Mean follow-up time for all patients was 62.0 ± 41.0 months; mean follow-up time after last treatment was 51 ± 55 months. All but one patient underwent surgical resection of disease. Seven patients underwent subsequent RT. Of these seven, six underwent RT at our institution; five received a dose of 45 Gray (Gy); and one received a dose of 20 Gy. All seven completed RT without toxicity-related interruption. Patients undergoing RT underwent 2.1 ± 1.3 surgical procedures prior to RT; no patients required surgery after RT. Mean pretreatment VHI-10 was 22.9 ± 8.1; mean posttreatment VHI-10 was 12.9 ± 13.3. CONCLUSION: RT after surgery for LA can provide good local control without unacceptable toxicity and may decrease the need for further surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:1810-1815, 2021.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery-Based Perioperative Protocol for Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)-based free flap management protocol implemented at our center. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of patients after implementation of an ERAS-based perioperative care protocol for patients undergoing free flap reconstruction of the head and neck as compared with a historical control group. SETTING: Tertiary care academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing free flap reconstruction were prospectively enrolled in the ERAS protocol group. A retrospective control group was identified by randomly selecting an equivalent number of patients from a records search of those undergoing free flap surgery between 2009 and 2015. Blood transfusion, complications, 30-day readmission rates, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay, and costs of hospitalization were compared. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were included in each group. Patients in the ERAS group underwent less frequent flap monitoring by physicians and had lower rates of intraoperative (70.5% vs 86.8%, P = .04) and postoperative (49.2% vs 27.2%, P = .026) blood transfusion, were more likely to be off vasopressors (98.3% vs 50.8%, P < .01) and ventilator support (63.9% vs 9.8%, P < .01) at the conclusion of surgery, and had shorter ICU stays (2.11 vs 3.39 days, P = .017). Length of stay, readmissions, and complication rates did not significantly differ between groups. CONCLUSION: ERAS-based perioperative practices for head and neck free flap reconstruction can reduce time on the ventilator and in the ICU and the need for vasopressors, blood transfusions, and labor-intensive flap monitoring, without adverse effects on outcomes.

Flexible versus rigid laryngoscopy: A randomized crossover study comparing patient experience.

OBJECTIVES: To compare flexible distal-chip laryngoscopy (FDL) versus rigid telescopic laryngoscopy (RTL) in regard to examinees' pain level, comfort, satisfaction, and preference, and to evaluate the clinician's assessment of the examinees' experience with both exam types. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized crossover study. METHODS: Twenty-three normal adult subjects were recruited to undergo both FDL and RTL; the initial exam type was randomized. Subjects and clinicians completed corresponding questionnaires after each exam. Differences in participant characteristics and questionnaire scores between the two exam types were assessed via Pearson χ2 and paired t tests, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, participants reported that FDL was more uncomfortable than RTL (4.22 vs. 2.91, P = .003) and scored higher on the pain scale for FDL compared to RTL (2.91 vs. 1.70, P = .006). However, there was no significant difference in number of participants who preferred FDL versus RTL (10 [43%] vs. 13 [57%]). Poor correlation was seen between clinicians' assessment of participants' discomfort and actual reported discomfort for FDL (2.70 vs. 4.22, P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects undergoing FDL experience greater discomfort and pain compared to RTL, but do not demonstrate a differential preference of exam. Overall, clinicians underestimate the discomfort of patients undergoing FDL, but participants maintain high satisfaction with both exams nonetheless. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 Laryngoscope, 130:2663-2666, 2020.

Comparison of Referral Pathways in Otolaryngology at a Public Versus Private Academic Center.

OBJECTIVE: Delayed medical care may be costly and dangerous. Examining referral pathways may provide insight into ways to reduce delays in care. We sought to compare time between initial referral and first clinic visit and referral and surgical intervention for index otolaryngologic procedures between a public safety net hospital (PSNH) and tertiary-care academic center (TAC). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of eligible adult patients undergoing one of several general otolaryngologic procedures at a PSNH (n = 216) and a TAC (n = 161) over a 2-year time period. RESULTS: PSNH patients were younger, less likely to have comorbidities and more likely to be female, Hispanic or Asian, and to lack insurance. Time between referral and first clinic visit was shorter at the PSNH than the TAC (Mean 35.8 ± 47.7 vs 48.3 ± 60.3 days; P = .03). Time between referral and surgical intervention did not differ between groups (129 ± 90 for PSNH vs 141 ± 130 days for TAC, P = .30). On multivariate analysis, the TAC had more patient-related delays in care than the PSNH (OR: 3.75, P < .001). Time from referral to surgery at a PSNH was associated with age, source of referral, type of surgery, diagnostic workup and comorbidities, and at a TAC was associated with gender and type of surgery and comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Sociodemographic differences between PSNH and TAC patients, as well as differences in referral pathways between the types of institutions, influence progression of surgical care in otolaryngology. These differences may be targets for interventions to streamline care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound With Perflubutane for Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Cutaneous Melanoma: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for identification of SLN associated with cutaneous melanoma. STUDY DESIGN: Single arm pilot study in a swine animal model. METHODS: One milliliter of perflubutane (Sonazoid, GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI) was injected into the peritumoral dermis in five swine with cutaneous melanoma. Ultrasonography was used to follow enhancing lymphatic channels to lymph nodes (LN). Intradermal injection of vital blue (VB) dye was used as a positive control. LN identified by either method were excised and examined histologically. RESULTS: There were five primary cutaneous melanomas with mean area of 4.36 ± 4.75 cm2 and Breslow depth of 3.6 ± 1.5 mm. Six possible sentinel lymph node (SLN)s were identified with CEUS, and nine were identified with VB. SLN averaged 12.44 ± 6.15 cm from the primary tumor. Four of six (67%) SLNs identified by CEUS and four of nine (44%) candidate SLNs identified by VB contained histologically confirmed metastatic melanoma. All six CEUS-identified SLNs were also identified with VB. Two LNs not containing melanoma were identified by CEUS; three were identified with VB. In all SLN with metastases, metastatic cells were scattered throughout the LN and not clustered in a discrete mass. CONCLUSION: CEUS with perflubutane feasibly identifies SLN associated with cutaneous melanoma and may be a useful adjunct technology in facilitating precise SLN dissection. Our work supports a clinical trial investigating the use of CEUS for this application. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 129:1117-1122, 2019.

Safety and efficacy of Early injection laryngoplasty in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: The major morbidity of unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI) in children is due to aspiration. Early injection laryngoplasty (IL) can decrease aspiration risk; however, this has not been well studied in pediatric otolaryngology. This study examines safety and efficacy of early IL in children. METHODS: Retrospective review of pediatric patients undergoing IL with any injectate between 2006 and 2017 within 6 months of onset of UVFI. Outcomes included diet pre- and postprocedure, incidence of aspiration-related sequelae, and adverse events. RESULTS: Seventeen patients met eligibility criteria. Ten (58.8%) were males. Median age was 8 months (interquartile range, 2 months-11.5 years). All patients had prior surgeries; the largest subgroup (11 patients, 64.7%) had UVFI after repair of a congenital cardiac defect. Other causes included thyroidectomy, high vagal injury, and prolonged intubation. Sixteen patients underwent swallowing evaluation prior to IL and 14 patients required dietary modifications due to aspiration risk. Consistency and/or volume of oral intake improved after IL in 10 (71.4%) of them. Five patients underwent gastrostomy tube placement for significant oromotor incoordination. Children with congenital cardiac defects had more previous surgeries (3.0 ± 0.4 vs. 1.2 ± 0.2, P = .006) and were more likely to require G-tube placement due to poor feeding despite IL (45% vs. 0%, P = .05). No patients experienced adverse events due to IL; in particular, none experienced airway symptoms requiring intubation. CONCLUSION: Early IL in pediatric patients with UVFI is safe and can reduce aspiration and improve oral intake. Future studies should elucidate patient subgroups most likely to benefit from this intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:1699-1705, 2019.

Outcomes of reconstruction after temporal bone resection for malignancy.

Reconstruction after temporal bone resection (TBR) is challenging due to the lack of consensus on an optimal approach. Records of the Keck Hospital of USC were searched to identify, collect and group data on patients who underwent TBR for malignancy. Chi-square analysis was used for categorical variables, and ANOVA was used for continuous variables. Forty TBR including 27 lateral (LTBR), 8 total (TTBR), and 5 subtotal (STBR) temporal bone resections were performed at our institution over a ten year time period (2003-2013) and reconstructed with free, regional, and local flaps and tissue grafts. TTBR was associated with postoperative complications as was presence of a dural defect, though other traditionally poor prognostic factors such as age, comorbidity status, and history of irradiation were not. Patients who underwent auriculectomy or parotidectomy were more likely to require free flap reconstruction. We conclude that TBR and reconstruction can be performed successfully on many patients including those who are older or who have more aggressive disease. We recommend free tissue transfer for the large defects created by TTBR, parotidectomy and auriculectomy.

Sociodemographic Characteristics and Treatment Response Among Aging Adults With Voice Disorders in the United States.

Importance: Aging adults face unique barriers to care and have unique health care needs with a high prevalence of chronic conditions. A high proportion of individuals in this group have voice disorders, in part due to age-related changes in laryngeal anatomy and physiologic features. These disorders contribute significantly to health care costs and remain poorly understood. Objective: To describe sociodemographic characteristics and response to treatment among aging adults with voice disorders. Design, Setting, and Participants: A cross-sectional study using the 2012 National Health Interview Survey was used to evaluate adults who reported voice disorders in the past 12 months. Self-reported demographics and data regarding health care visits for voice disorders were analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted from March 1, 2017, to February 1, 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures: Self-reported voice disorders, whether or not treatment was sought, which types of professionals were seen for treatment, and whether or not the voice disorder improved after treatment. Results: Among 41.7 million adults in the United States 65 years or older, 4.20 million (10.1%; 2 683 199 women and 1 514 909 men; mean [SE] age, 74.5 [0.3] years) reported having voice disorders. Of those with voice disorders, 10.0% (95% CI, 8.3%-11.7%) sought treatment. Of individuals seeking treatment, 22.1% (95% CI, 7.9%-36.3%) saw an otolaryngologist and 24.3% (95% CI, 10.6%-38.0%) saw a speech language pathologist. By controlling for race/ethnicity, income, sex, and geography, it was found that men were less likely than women to report voice disorders (36.1% [95% CI, 31.7%-40.5%] vs 63.9% [95% CI, 59.5%-68.3%]; odds ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.57-0.86). Race/ethnicity, income, and geography were not significantly associated with the likelihood that an individual 65 years or older reported voice disorders. A greater percentage of elderly adults seeking treatment than not seeking treatment reported improvement in symptoms (32.4%; 95% CI, 17.9%-47.0% vs 15.6%; 95% CI, 10.4%-20.8%). Among adults treated for a voice disorder, a lower proportion of adults 65 years or older reported improvement in symptoms with treatment compared with adults younger than 65 years (32.4%; 95% CI, 17.9%-47.0% vs 56.0%; 95% CI, 42.5%-69.6%). Conclusions and Relevance: A small percentage of older adults with voice disorders seek treatment; even fewer are treated by an otolaryngologist or a speech language pathologist. A greater percentage of those who undergo treatment experienced symptomatic improvement compared with those who did not undergo treatment. These trends highlight the need for greater access to and awareness of services available to older adults with voice disorders.

Serial In-Office Intralesional Steroid Injections in Airway Stenosis.

IMPORTANCE: Endoscopic dilation is the mainstay treatment strategy for subglottic and proximal tracheal stenosis (SGS/PTS). Its major limitation is restenosis requiring repeated surgery. Intralesional steroid injection (ISI) is a promising adjunctive treatment aimed at prolonging the effects of dilation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of serial in-office ISI after endoscopic dilation with surgery-free interval (SFI) in adults with SGS/PTS. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective study of adults with SGS/PTS who underwent at least 2 consecutive in-office ISI at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, over a 3-year period was conducted. EXPOSURE: Serial ISI with triamcinolone 40 mg/mL using topical anesthesia, spaced 3 to 6 weeks apart. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Surgery-free interval, number of dilations, need for open airway surgery, decannulation rate, and adverse events. Patients with previous dilations and sufficient follow-up time were included in a comparative analysis of SFI before and after ISI. The Mann-Whitney U test was applied for comparisons. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients met eligibility criteria. Mean (SD) age was 50.1 (15.1) years; 18 (75%) were female. Ten (42%) patients had idiopathic, 8 (33%) had traumatic, and 6 (25%) had rheumatologic-related SGS/PTS. Mean (SD) follow-up time was 32.3 (33.4) months. Patients underwent mean (SD) 4.08 (1.91) injections. Seventeen (71%) patients have not undergone further surgery after ISI. Mean (SD) SFI was 17.8 (12.8) months overall and was 15.7 (10.6) months for idiopathic, 13.8 (9.9) for traumatic, and 26.7 (16.9) for rheumatologic-related SGS/PTS. Twenty-one (88%) patients underwent dilation(s) prior to ISI. Among patients who fulfilled eligibility criteria for comparison of SFI before and after ISI, SFI improved from 10.1 months before, to 22.6 months after ISI (mean difference, 12.5 months; 95% CI, -2.1 to 27.2 months). Three of 6 patients (all with traumatic SGS/PTS) presenting with a tracheotomy were decannulated. No patients required open airway surgery after ISI. There were no adverse events associated with ISI. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Serial in-office ISI are safe and well-tolerated in adults with SGS/PTS. This technique can reduce the surgical burden on these patients and may obviate the need for future airway intervention.

Efficacy of type I thyroplasty after endoscopic cordectomy for early-stage glottic cancer: Literature review.

OBJECTIVE: As phonomicrosurgical techniques have evolved, endoscopic cordectomy (EC) has been used more commonly for early-stage glottic cancer. Patients undergoing more extensive surgery often experience significant postoperative dysphonia for which there is no standard treatment. Surgical options include injection laryngoplasty and thyroplasty. We reviewed the literature to evaluate the efficacy of thyroplasty after EC. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify studies of adults undergoing thyroplasty for dysphonia after EC for glottic cancer. Primary outcomes included voice, as measured subjectively by the voice handicap index (VHI) and objectively by aerodynamics-specifically maximum phonation time (MPT). Secondary outcomes included additional acoustic and aerodynamic measurements, variations in the technical aspects of thyroplasty, and a description of adverse events. RESULTS: Seven articles met inclusion criteria. Each study allowed 6 to 12 months after EC before performing thyroplasty. General anesthesia frequently was used rather than monitored anesthesia care . Implants varied between centers and were chosen based on surgeon preference. Of the three studies including statistical analysis, one reported improvement in VHI and grade. The second reported improvement in VHI; grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain; jitter; shimmer; noise-to-harmonic ratio (NHR); and MPT. The third reported improvements in jitter, shimmer, NHR, fundamental frequency, MPT, and sound pressure level. The most frequent adverse events were hematoma, infection, and implant extrusion. CONCLUSION: Optimizing voice after EC remains a clinical challenge. Our review suggests that thyroplasty is one potentially beneficial option in appropriately selected patients. More controlled studies are needed to assess efficacy of thyroplasty in this context. Laryngoscope, 128:690-696, 2018.

Health disparities among adults with voice problems in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To assess differences in access to care and healthcare utilization among adults who reported voice problems in 2012. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: The 2012 National Health Interview Survey was utilized to evaluate adults who had a "voice problem in the past 12 months." Multivariate analyses determined the influence of sociodemographic variables on the prevalence of voice problems in adults and access to care. RESULTS: Among 243 million adults in the United States, 17.9 ± 0.05 million adults (7.63% ± 0.21%) report experiencing voice problems. After controlling for age, education, income level, geographic region, and health insurance status, African Americans (odds ratio [OR]: 0.83, P < 0.05), Hispanics (OR: 0.61, P < 0.01), and other minorities (OR: 0.69, P < 0.01) had a lower OR for reporting voice problems in the last year relative to white adults. Among adults with voice problems, Hispanics were more likely to delay care because they could not reach a medical office by telephone (OR: 1.85, P < 0.01) and due to long wait times at the doctor's office (OR: 2.04, P < 0.01) compared to white adults. Adults with voice problems who were a racial minority, low income, or had public health insurance were more likely to postpone care because they lacked a mode of transportation. CONCLUSION: Targeted programs are necessary to address the health disparities and barriers to care among those who suffer from voice problems. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. Laryngoscope, 128:915-920, 2018.

Reconstruction of parotidectomy and lateral skull base defects.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to summarize the options for reconstruction of parotid and lateral skull base defects based on the size and functional requirements of the defect. RECENT FINDINGS: Free grafts with dermal fat or acellular human dermis, superficial musculoaponeurotic system flaps, and sternocleidomastoid flaps have been successful in preventing Frey's syndrome and restoring facial contour defects after superficial and total parotidectomy. Lateral skull base resections often require reconstruction with pedicled or free flaps to restore extensive soft tissue and dural defects. Supraclavicular artery island flaps and submental flaps have been recently been gaining popularity for use for these purposes. Free tissue transfer remains the best reconstructive option for repair of large soft tissue and/or dural defects. The most reliable free flap for lateral skull base reconstruction is the anterolateral thigh flap, which is highly versatile because of its large skin paddle and potential for harvest with varying amounts of fascial and muscle tissue. SUMMARY: Here we will summarize the most appropriate and widely used reconstructive options for parotid and lateral skull base defects of various sizes, discussing the most recent evidence pertaining to each technique along with advantages and limitations of each reconstructive strategy.