Esophageal perforation after anterior cervical spine surgery.

Objective: To report our updated experience in the management of esophageal perforation resulting from anterior cervical spine surgery, and to compare two wound management approaches. Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients managed for esophageal perforations resulting from anterior cervical spine surgery (2007-2020). We examine outcomes based on 2 wound management approaches: closed (closed incision over a drain) versus open (left open to heal by secondary intention). We collected data on demographics, operative management, resolution (resumption of oral intake), time to resolution, number of procedures needed for resolution, microbiology, length of stay, and neck morbidity. Results: A total of 13 patients were included (10 men). Median age was 52 years (range, 24-74 years). All patients underwent surgical drainage, repair, or attempted repair of perforation, hardware removal, and establishment of enteral access. Wounds were managed closed versus open (6 closed, 7 open). There were 2 early postoperative deaths due to acute respiratory distress syndrome and aspiration (open group), and 1 patient was lost to follow-up (closed group). Among the remaining 10 patients: resolution rate was 80% versus 100%, resolution in 30 days was 20% versus 100%, median number of procedures needed for resolution was 3 versus 1, and median hospital stay was 23 versus 14 days, for the closed and open groups, respectively. Conclusions: Esophageal perforation following anterior cervical spine surgery should be managed in a multidisciplinary fashion with surgical neck drainage, primary repair when feasible, hardware removal, and establishment of enteral access. We advocate open neck wound management to decrease the time-to-resolution, number of procedures, and length of stay.

Reconstruction for Salvage Laryngectomy With Limited Pharyngectomy.

Importance: Closure technique for optimization of postoperative and functional outcomes following salvage laryngectomy remains an area of debate among head and neck surgeons. Objective: To investigate the association of salvage laryngectomy closure technique with early postoperative and functional outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study included patients from 17 academic, tertiary care centers who underwent total laryngectomy with no or limited pharyngectomy after completing a course of definitive radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy with curative intent between January 2011 and December 2016. Patients with defects not amenable to primary closure were excluded. Data were analyzed from February 14, 2021, to January 29, 2024. Exposures: Total laryngectomy with and without limited pharyngectomy, reconstructed by primary mucosal closure (PC), regional closure (RC), or free tissue transfer (FTT). Main Outcomes and Measures: Patients were stratified on the basis of the pharyngeal closure technique. Perioperative and long-term functional outcomes were evaluated with bivariate analyses. A multivariable regression model adjusted for historical risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) was used to assess risk associated with closure technique. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs were determined. Results: The study included 309 patients (256 [82.8%] male; mean age, 64.7 [range, 58.0-72.0] years). Defects were reconstructed as follows: FTT (161 patients [52.1%]), RC (64 [20.7%]), and PC (84 [27.2%]). A PCF was noted in 36 of 161 patients in the FTT group (22.4%), 25 of 64 in the RC group (39.1%), and 29 of 84 in the PC group (34.5%). On multivariable analysis, patients undergoing PC or RC had a higher risk of PCF compared with those undergoing FTT (PC: RR, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.1-4.4]; RC: RR, 2.5 [95% CI, 1.3-4.8]). Undergoing FTT was associated with a clinically meaningful reduction in risk of PCF (RR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-0.9; number needed to treat, 7). Subgroup analysis comparing inset techniques for the RC group showed a higher risk of PCF associated with PC (RR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-3.0) and predominately pectoralis myofascial flap with onlay technique (RR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.2), but there was no association of pectoralis myocutaneous flap with cutaneous paddle interposition with PCF (RR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.5-2.8) compared with FTT with cutaneous inset. There were no clinically significant differences in functional outcomes between the groups. Conclusion and Relevance: In this study of patients with limited pharyngeal defects, interpositional fasciocutaneous closure technique was associated with reduced risk of PCF in the salvage setting, which is most commonly achieved by FTT in academic practices. Closure technique was not associated with functional outcomes at 1 and 2 years postoperatively.

Adjuvant radiotherapy mitigates impact of perineural invasion on oncologic outcomes in early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. A multi-institutional analysis of 557 patients.

OBJECTIVES: Understand the prognostic impact of perineural invasion (PNI) in early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). Assess the influence of adjuvant radiotherapy on outcomes of patients with PNI-positive early-stage OCSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective seven-institution cohort study including patients with pathologic T1-2 N0-1 OCSCC who underwent primary surgery with negative margins. Outcomes included disease-free survival (DFS) and locoregional control (LRC). Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate oncologic outcomes. Interaction terms were introduced to assess relationships between PNI and adjuvant radiotherapy. RESULTS: Among 557 patients (mean (SD) age 61.0 (13.9), 47.2% female, 66.6% pathologic T1, 93.5% pathologic N0), 93 had PNI-positive tumors, among which 87.1% underwent neck dissection and 39.6% received radiotherapy. On multivariable analysis, PNI was associated with lower DFS and LRC. Adjuvant radiotherapy was not associated with improved outcomes on multivariable analysis of the entire cohort. However, among patients with PNI-positive tumors, adjuvant radiotherapy significantly decreased hazard for DFS. CONCLUSION: Among patients with low-risk, early-stage OCSCC, PNI was associated with worse DFS and LRC. In patients with PNI-positive tumors, adjuvant radiotherapy lowered hazard for DFS on multivariable analysis. These data support using adjuvant radiotherapy for patients with early-stage OCSCC with PNI.

Disseminated Blastomycosis Mimicking Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer in a 70-year-Old Man.

Blastomycosis is a fungal infection known to mimic many disease processes, including malignancy. A 70-year-old man presented with an enlarging neck mass and, incidentally found on preliminary imaging, a lung mass. The initial biopsy of the neck mass demonstrating cytologic atypia and mitotic figures was suggestive of malignancy. Whole body positron emission tomography (PET)/CT revealed hypermetabolic lesions in multiple sites, including the neck, lung, and soft tissue, raising concern for metastatic disease. Repeat sampling from multiple lesions, however, demonstrated granuloma. Microbiological studies were collected, and Blastomyces dermatitidis was isolated in culture. The diagnosis of disseminated blastomycosis was made, and the patient received antifungal therapy with good response. A high degree of suspicion for blastomycosis in endemic areas is required to ensure patients receive appropriate and timely treatment. Laryngoscope, 133:2237-2239, 2023.

Assessing Prognostic Value of Quantitative Neck Dissection Quality Measures in Patients With Clinically Node-Negative Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Importance: In clinically localized (T1-2) oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), regional lymph node metastasis is associated with a poor prognosis. Given the high propensity of subclinical nodal disease in these patients, upfront elective neck dissections (END) for patients with clinically node-negative disease are common and associated with better outcomes. Unfortunately, even with this risk-adverse treatment paradigm, disease recurrence still occurs, and our understanding of the factors that modulate this risk and alter survival have yet to be fully elucidated. Objective: To investigate the prognostic value of lymph node yield (LNY), lymph node ratio (LNR), and weighted LNR (wLNR) in patients with clinically node-negative T1-2 OCSCC. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this cohort study, data were collected retrospectively from 7 tertiary care academic medical centers. Overall, 523 patients with cT1-2N0 OCSCC who underwent elective neck dissections after primary surgical extirpation were identified. Exposures: Lymph node yield was defined as the number of lymph nodes recovered from elective neck dissection. Lymph node ratio was defined as the ratio of positive nodes against total LNY. Weighted LNR incorporated information from both LNY and LNR into a single continuous metric. Main Outcomes and Measures: Locoregional control (LRC) and disease-free survival (DFS) were both evaluated using nonparametric Kaplan-Meier estimators and semiparametric Cox regression. Results: On multivariable analysis, LNY less than or equal to 18 lymph nodes was found to be significantly associated with decreased LRC (aHR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.04-2.24) and DFS (aHR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.12-1.92) in patients with pN0 disease, but not those with pN-positive disease. Importantly, patients with pN0 disease with LNY less than or equal to 18 and those with pN1 diseasehad nearly identical 5-year LRC (69.7% vs 71.4%) and DFS (58.2% vs 55.7%). For patients with pN-positive disease, LNR greater than 0.06 was significantly associated with decreased LRC (aHR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.28-5.55) and DFS (aHR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.07-2.53). Overall, wLNR was a robust prognostic variable across all patients with cN0 disease, regardless of pathologic nodal status. Risk stratification via wLNR thresholds demonstrated greater optimism-corrected concordance compared with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition nodal staging for both LRC (0.61 vs 0.57) and DFS (0.61 vs 0.58). Conclusions and Relevance: Movement toward more robust metrics that incorporate quantitative measures of neck dissection quality and regional disease burden, such as wLNR, could greatly augment prognostication in cT1-2N0 OCSCC by providing more reliable and accurate risk estimations.

Development and Validation of Machine Learning Models for Predicting Occult Nodal Metastasis in Early-Stage Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Importance: Given that early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) has a high propensity for subclinical nodal metastasis, elective neck dissection has become standard practice for many patients with clinically negative nodes. Unfortunately, for most patients without regional metastasis, this risk-averse treatment paradigm results in unnecessary morbidity. Objectives: To develop and validate predictive models of occult nodal metastasis from clinicopathological variables that were available after surgical extirpation of the primary tumor and to compare predictive performance against depth of invasion (DOI), the currently accepted standard. Design, Setting, and Participants: This diagnostic modeling study collected clinicopathological variables retrospectively from 7 tertiary care academic medical centers across the US. Participants included adult patients with early-stage OCSCC without nodal involvement who underwent primary surgical extirpation with or without upfront elective neck dissection. These patients were initially evaluated between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2019. Exposures: Largest tumor dimension, tumor thickness, DOI, margin status, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, muscle invasion, submucosal invasion, dysplasia, histological grade, anatomical subsite, age, sex, smoking history, race and ethnicity, and body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared). Main Outcomes and Measures: Occult nodal metastasis identified either at the time of elective neck dissection or regional recurrence within 2 years of initial surgery. Results: Of the 634 included patients (mean [SD] age, 61.2 [13.6] years; 344 men [54.3%]), 114 (18.0%) had occult nodal metastasis. Patients with occult nodal metastasis had a higher frequency of lymphovascular invasion (26.3% vs 8.1%; P < .001), perineural invasion (40.4% vs 18.5%; P < .001), and margin involvement by invasive tumor (12.3% vs 6.3%; P = .046) compared with those without pathological lymph node metastasis. In addition, patients with vs those without occult nodal metastasis had a higher frequency of poorly differentiated primary tumor (20.2% vs 6.2%; P < .001) and greater DOI (7.0 vs 5.4 mm; P < .001). A predictive model that was built with XGBoost architecture outperformed the commonly used DOI threshold of 4 mm, achieving an area under the curve of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.80-0.88) vs 0.62 (95% CI, 0.57-0.67) with DOI. This model had a sensitivity of 91.7%, specificity of 72.6%, positive predictive value of 39.3%, and negative predictive value of 97.8%. Conclusions and Relevance: Results of this study showed that machine learning models that were developed from multi-institutional clinicopathological data have the potential to not only reduce the number of pathologically node-negative neck dissections but also accurately identify patients with early OCSCC who are at highest risk for nodal metastases.

Xanthogranulomatous Sialadenitis, an Uncommon Reactive Change is Often Associated with Warthin's Tumor.

Xanthogranulomatous sialadenitis (XGS) is rare in salivary glands and only reported in the literature as single cases. Here we report a cohort of four cases with XGS and summarize the clinicopathologic features of these cases. All four patients had persistent mass lesions concerning for neoplasm. In two patients (patient 1 and 3), the initial fine needle aspirations (FNAs) contained oncocytic cells consistent with or suspicious for Warthin's tumor, but follow-up FNAs showed only inflammation and/or debris indicating tumor infarction after FNA. All patients eventually had surgical resection. Histologically, all cases contained abundant macrophages with necrosis and fibroblastic proliferation. Warthin's tumor with a grossly identifiable tumor nodule (0.7 cm) was noted in patient 1 and a microscopic focus (0.2 cm) of Warthin's tumor was identified in patient 3. No identifiable tumor was observed in patient 2 and 4. There are a total of 10 XGS cases in the literature (including four from this series) and Warthin tumor was identified in 50% of reported cases of XGS, suggesting that XGS is an uncommon reactive process to spontaneous or procedure-induced infarction of Warthin tumor. As a diagnostic mimicker for malignancy, a thorough examination and generous sampling of surgical resection specimen is warranted, although a benign salivary gland neoplasm, commonly Warthin's tumor, is often identified.

Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Carcinoma in a Young Female: Case Report and Review of Literature.

Thyroglossal duct remnants form during embryologic development and can develop into a thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC). In rare cases, carcinoma is present within these cysts, most commonly papillary thyroid carcinoma. Diagnosis is difficult, but imaging and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies can help with the diagnosis. Given the rarity of TGDC carcinoma, treatment is not well agreed upon and can include the Sistrunk procedure, thyroidectomy, nodal dissection, and postoperative radioactive iodine treatment. Here, we describe the presentation, workup, and treatment of a 20-year-old female with papillary thyroid carcinoma present within both a thyroglossal duct cyst and the thyroid gland.

Malignant paraganglioma presenting as a mandibular metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors. Bony metastases most commonly occur in the ribs, vertebrae, and pelvis. Few cases of mandibular metastases have been reported. METHODS: A 75-year-old female presented with a 6-month history of an enlarging mandibular mass. A biopsy was consistent with a paraganglioma. RESULTS: Staging workup with 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography demonstrated 2 hypermetabolic intra-abdominal lesions adjacent to the inferior vena cava. These were confirmed as paraganglioma by biopsy and presumed as the primary lesions. The patient underwent left segmental mandibulectomy and neck dissection with osteocutaneous fibula free tissue reconstruction. CONCLUSION: A rare case of malignant paraganglioma presenting as a mandibular metastasis is described. Nuclear medicine studies for paraganglioma are reviewed.

Venous Complications in One Versus Two Vein Anastomoses in Head and Neck Free Flaps.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare rates of reexploration and flap failure in patients with 1- and 2-vein anastomoses in free flap reconstructions. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 300 patients undergoing free flap reconstruction to head and neck defects from 2010 to 2014. RESULTS: One venous anastomosis was performed in 229 patients, and 2 venous anastomoses were performed in 71 patients. The 1-vein group had significantly more reexplorations in the operating room (36/229, 15.7%) compared with the 2-vein group (4/71, 5.6%; P = .028), even when controlling for flap type ( P = .022). This finding remained true among radial forearm flaps (17/81, 21% vs 3/53, 5.7%; P = .024). The number of venous anastomoses was not significantly associated with flap failure, though patients with flap failure did have a significantly greater proportion of venous issues ( P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Two-vein anastomoses do not appear to reduce rates of flap failure or postoperative venous thrombosis but are associated with a lower number of reexplorations in the operating room even after accounting for differences in flap types and surgeons.

Predictors of survival in parotid adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified: a National Cancer Database study of 3155 patients.

BACKGROUND: Parotid adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (PANOS) is a common parotid cancer, but studies specifically on this subject are limited. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the National Cancer Database. RESULTS: Ten percent of all parotid cancers were PANOS (n = 3155). Median age was 67 years. Most patients were men (62.8%) with high-grade histology (67.2%). Regional metastasis was common (35.9%), whereas occult nodal metastasis (20.2% overall) was less frequent in non-high-grade lesions (8.5% vs 31.6%; p < .001). Distant metastasis was rare (7.9%). Five-year overall survival (OS) was 47%. In multivariate analysis, age, regional metastasis, distant metastasis, high-grade, and T classification were predictors of lower survival. Patients with stage III to IV disease receiving surgery and radiotherapy had a better OS than those receiving surgery alone (51% vs 41%; p < .001). CONCLUSION: PANOS is an aggressive disease with frequent regional metastasis and low survival. Numerous variables are associated with worse survival. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38:1208-1212, 2016.

Benign Parotid Tumors.

This article reviews the epidemiology, embryology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, and basic management principles for the more common benign parotid neoplasms. The various histopathologies are also discussed and summarized.

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the major salivary glands: Predictors of survival in a non-endemic region.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC) of the salivary glands is extremely rare worldwide, with studies limited to small case reports and case series from endemic areas (Southern China, Arctic Inuits) and strong association to Epstein Barr Virus (EBV). Studies on non-endemic regions are even more limited given the reality of only sporadic cases in these areas. Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we present the largest study on salivary LEC from a non-endemic region, the United States. METHODS: A retrospective review of the NCDB from 1998-2012 for LEC of the major salivary glands was performed. Demographic and clinical variables were extracted for analysis. Multivariate COX regression was used to assess predictors of survival. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-eight cases were identified (0.66% of all salivary cancers). Median age at diagnosis was 62 with peak incidence in ages 50-70. Most patients were Caucasian (81.2%), without gender preference. Regional metastasis was common (45.1%) and did not significantly impact survival. Distant metastasis was rare (2%). Overall survival (OS) at 5- and 10 years was 77% and 56%. Surgery and radiotherapy significantly showed better survival outcomes than surgery alone (p<0.001). Age >62, advanced stage, and dual modality therapy were significant predictors of survival in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Lymphoepithelial carcinoma in the US mostly affects an older, Caucasian demographic. Regional metastasis is common and survival is fair at 5- and 10 years. Surgery and radiation are recommended for early and advanced disease stages. Age, stage, and therapy are significant predictors of survival outcomes.

Treatment and Survival Trends in Glottic Carcinoma in Situ and Stage I Cancer From 1988 to 2012.

OBJECTIVE: To identify trends in treatment and survival for patients with stage I glottic cancer and glottic carcinoma in situ (CIS). METHODS: The 18-registry SEER data were analyzed for CIS and stage I glottic cancer. Treatment variables and observed and relative survival were assessed separately for stage I and glottic CIS. RESULTS: Among 14 025 cases of stage I glottic cancer identified from 1988 to 2012, radiation was the most common treatment for all eras. An increase in surgical treatment occurred with a decline in combination therapy. There were 3169 cases of glottic CIS, with surgery the most common initial treatment but with radiotherapy increasing across the years. Relative survival was similar for treatment type and era of diagnosis. Among the 3738 patients with glottic CIS, 5.4% went on to develop invasive glottic carcinoma of any stage, with invasive cancer more common in patients treated by surgery alone compared to radiation or surgery with radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite changes in treatment modalities for CIS and stage I glottic cancer, there have not been significant changes in survival for CIS, with slightly improved survival for treatment with surgery alone. Patients treated with surgery alone had an increased rate of subsequent invasive cancer.

Airway algorithm for the management of patients with a King LT.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To discuss an algorithm for managing the airway in patients presenting with a King LT in place. STUDY DESIGN: Case series at a single institution with planned chart review. METHODS: This study reviewed the management of three patients who presented to a tertiary academic medical facility emergency department following placement of a King LT at an outside hospital or in the field. Clinical history at admission as well as each patient's hospital course was evaluated. We discuss the management of the airway in each of these cases and use these to help design an algorithm for improving outcomes in patients with a King LT in place. RESULTS: In each of the three cases presented, the Otolaryngology Department was consulted for definitive airway management. In two of these patients, the airway was successfully secured using endotracheal intubation. Only one patient required tracheostomy. We discuss an algorithm for managing these patients to obtain a safe airway, which includes assessing the airway with flexible endoscopy and then proceeding with intubation by the Seldinger technique or intubation using a video laryngoscope. In some cases, tracheostomy will be required to definitively secure the airway. CONCLUSIONS: The King LT is a valuable tool available in the field to help to temporarily secure the airway. Otolaryngologists should have an appropriate airway algorithm for managing patients with a King LT in place to minimize the need for a tracheostomy.

Influence of cAMP and protein kinase A on neurite length from spiral ganglion neurons.

Regrowth of peripheral spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) fibers is a primary objective in efforts to improve cochlear implant outcomes and to potentially reinnervate regenerated hair cells. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) regulates neurite growth and guidance via activation of protein kinase A (PKA) and Exchange Protein directly Activated by Cylic AMP (Epac). Here we explored the effects of cAMP signaling on SGN neurite length in vitro. We find that the cAMP analog, cpt-cAMP, exerts a biphasic effect on neurite length; increasing length at lower concentrations and reducing length at higher concentrations. This biphasic response occurs in cultures plated on laminin, fibronectin, or tenascin C suggesting that it is not substrate dependent. cpt-cAMP also reduces SGN neurite branching. The Epac-specific agonist, 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP, does not alter SGN neurite length. Constitutively active PKA isoforms strongly inhibit SGN neurite length similar to higher levels of cAMP. Chronic membrane depolarization activates PKA in SGNs and also inhibits SGN neurite length. However, inhibition of PKA fails to rescue neurite length in depolarized cultures implying that activation of PKA is not necessary for the inhibition of SGN neurite length by chronic depolarization. Expression of constitutively active phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, but not c-Jun N-terminal kinase, isoforms partially rescues SGN neurite length in the presence of activated PKA. Taken together, these results suggest that activation of cAMP/PKA represents a potential strategy to enhance SGN fiber elongation following deafness; however such therapies will likely require careful titration so as to promote rather than inhibit nerve fiber regeneration.

Local repair of persistent tracheocutaneous fistulas.

Tracheocutaneous fistulas may persist after tracheostomy. Suture closure of the fistula may result in complications, including infection, wound dehiscence, and pneumomediastinum. We present a simplified and relatively safe technique to close persistent fistulas that may be performed under local anesthesia. A retrospective chart review was performed on 13 patients who were successfully treated, including 1 with incomplete closure that was successfully addressed by additional procedures. Our review included analysis of reported risk factors for persistence of tracheocutaneous fistulas: previous irradiation of the neck, an extended duration of cannulation, previous tracheostomies, obesity, and use of a Bjork flap or 4-flap epithelial-lined tracheostomy. All 13 patients in the study were found to have at least 1 of these risk factors.