Managing Mandibular Osteoradionecrosis.

OBJECTIVE: Mandibular osteoradionecrosis (MORN) is a morbid complication of head and neck radiation therapy. Recent advances in surgical and medical therapies underscore the need for a shift in traditional treatment paradigms and a disease grading system that can guide appropriate management. DATA SOURCES: Pubmed/MEDLINE. REVIEW METHODS: We conducted a detailed review of publications related to MORN, specifically focusing on its staging and management techniques. Articles meeting inclusion criteria were synthesized into a final narrative review. CONCLUSION: There has been a paradigm shift away from hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of MORN. Growing evidence for the efficacy of pentoxifylline and tocopherol in early-stage disease and novel surgical techniques to manage moderate and late-stage disease warrant an updated staging stratification which is proposed. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This review summarizes the clinical efficacy of established and novel therapeutic modalities currently available in treating MORN, emphasizing the significant advances achieved over the last decade. It introduces a contemporary staging and treatment algorithm which incorporates traditional, evidence-supported surgical and medical management with effective early intervention strategies.

Preoperative Hypoalbuminemia Predicts 30-day Complications in Head and Neck Microvascular Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Hypoalbuminemia, a marker for poor nutritional status, has been associated with postoperative complications, including head and neck cancer surgery. This study investigates the impact of hypoalbuminemia on head and neck microvascular free tissue transfer reconstruction. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study queried the 2005-2021 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases. Reconstructive cases performed by otolaryngologists (CPT: 15756, 15757, 15758, 15842, 20955, 20956, 20957, 20962, 20969, 20970, 20972, 20973, 43116, 43496, 49006, and 49906) with available preoperative albumin, BMI, and age were included. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as a preoperative albumin <3.5 g/dL. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: A total of 3,886 cases met the inclusion criteria, of which 835 (21.5%) had hypoalbuminemia. The hypoalbuminemia cohort was older, had lower BMI, had higher ASA classification, and had worse functional health status. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression showed that hypoalbuminemia was associated with unplanned return to the operating room within 30 days (OR: 1.36, p < 0.01), unplanned reoperation (OR: 1.36, p < 0.01), any complication (OR: 1.77, p < 0.01), surgical complications (OR: 1.94, p < 0.01), and medical complications (OR: 1.34, p = 0.01). Hypoalbuminemia was correlated with a longer hospital stay, superficial surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, transfusion, deep vein thrombosis, and acute renal failure. CONCLUSION: Hypoalbuminemia is a risk factor for postoperative complications after microvascular free tissue transfer for head and neck reconstruction. This study suggests that preoperative optimization of hypoalbuminemia may be beneficial for these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Longitudinal Analysis of the Use of Facial Reanimation Procedures for Bell's Palsy.

Background: Treatment of Bell's palsy ranges from medical management with high-dose corticosteroids to complex facial reanimation procedures. Objective: To characterize the number of static, dynamic, and combined facial reanimation procedures for the management of Bell's palsy using a national database over time. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients in the 2013-2020 National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database with a postoperative diagnosis of Bell's palsy. Cases were categorized as involving only static, only dynamic, and a combination of static and dynamic procedures. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were performed for patient demographics, and linear regressions were created to evaluate utilization trends. Results: In total, 294 patients were identified. There was no significant difference in patient sex and comorbidities between these treatment groups. Of the 294 patients, 101 received both types of procedures, 107 received only dynamic procedures, and 86 received only static procedures. The trendlines for all treatment groups were significantly positive (B = 1.27 for both, B = 0.89 for dynamic only, and B = 1.01 for static only). Conclusion: In this study of a national surgical database, an increase in static, dynamic, and combined treatments for patients with Bell's palsy was found.

Nasal Lining Reconstruction with Prelaminated Forehead Flap.

A successful nasal reconstruction relies heavily on a stable internal lining. Larger defects pose unique challenges for internal lining reconstruction as obtaining tissue of adequate size while maintaining airway patency is difficult. The prelamination technique uses a staged skin graft to the paramedian forehead flap prior to transfer. As such, a composite flap can be later transferred to reconstruct internal and external nasal defects concomitantly. This article reviews the current background, techniques, and clinical considerations in the use of the prelaminated forehead flap for nasal lining reconstruction in partial to total nasal defects.

Mandibular Osteoradionecrosis: Defining the Microbial Milieu and Antimicrobial Resistance at the Time of Rescue Flap Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To report the microorganisms and their antibiotic sensitivity profile from tissue cultures and stains at the time of anterolateral thigh fascia lata (ALTFL) rescue flap for management of mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN). METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent ALTFL rescue flap for native mandibular ORN between 2011 and 2022. RESULTS: Twenty-six cases comprising 24 patients (mean age 65.4 years, 65.4% male) with mandibular ORN from whom tissue cultures and gram stain were obtained at the time of ALTFL rescue flap. 57.7% grew bacterial species, while 34.6% grew fungal species. Multibacterial speciation was noted in 26.9% of cultures. A combination of bacterial and fungal growth was also seen in 15.4% of cases. All gram-positive cocci (GPC) were pansensitive to antibiotics except for one case of Staphylococcus aureus, which was resistant to levofloxacin. Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) species were isolated in 50.0% of cases. All fungal growth was due to Candida species. No growth was noted in 23.1% of cases. Multidrug resistance was noted in 53.8% of cases when GNB was isolated. CONCLUSION: We report 76.9% of our cases of mandibular ORN had microbial growth from tissue cultures obtained at the time of the ALTFL rescue flap. Fungal growth was noted in a substantial number of cases and should be obtained as a specimen when pursuing culture-driven antibiotic therapy. Most GPCs were pansensitive to antibiotics, while GNBs were often the harbinger of multidrug resistant mandibular ORN. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:166-169, 2024.

Minimally Invasive Approach to Access Vessels for Microvascular Anastomosis in Head and Neck Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: To describe our technique, review indications, and evaluate the outcomes of the minimal access approach for recipient vessel identification in microvascular tissue transfer. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent microvascular reconstruction using the minimal access technique between 2015 and 2021. RESULTS: We report 236 cases, comprising 214 patients with a mean age of 60.2 years (3-88). The most common primary defect sites were the mandible (22.6%), cranium (14%), maxilla (13.2%), skull base (12.8%), and nose/nasal cavity (10.6%). Indications for free flap reconstruction included head and neck cancer extirpation (32.2%), osteoradionecrosis (29.7%), acquired deformity (14.0%), chronic wound (11.9%) and oral motor dysfunction (7.2%). Free flap donor sites used were the anterolateral thigh (84.3%), fibula (7.2%), and radial forearm (6.4%). Vessels utilized include superficial temporal (49.8%), facial (38.3%), angular (11.1%), and transverse cervical (0.4%). The overall complication rate was 14% (n = 33), with surgical complications at the recipient site accounting for 67.6% (n = 25). Flap failure occurred in 3.4% of procedures. Prior head and neck surgery and free flaps were associated with an increased risk of major recipient site complications (n = 20, p = 0.0257 and n = 14, p = 0.0117, respectively). CONCLUSION: Minimal access techniques allow consistent recipient vessel identification for microvascular-free tissue transfer. These approaches may be utilized in reconstructing a broad range of head and neck defects, are low morbidity, and contribute to an overall shorter length of stay. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Laryngoscope, 134:2177-2181, 2024.

Reassessing the Role of Phonomicrosurgery and Smoking Status in the Management of Reinke's Edema.

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate recurrence patterns of Reinke's edema (RE) following phonomicrosurgery and compare current and former smokers' outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent microflap excision for RE at our institution since 2008. Patient data were collected, including demographics, smoking history, and operative and voice outcomes during the available follow-up period. Descriptive statistics, student's t-tests, Chi-squared analyses, and Fischer's exact tests were used for the appropriate between-group comparisons utilizing JMP statistical software. RESULTS: Patients who quit smoking on the day of surgery or continued to smoke postoperatively were included in our group of current smokers (n = 56). Patients who quit smoking within the month of surgery or longer were included in our group of former smokers (n = 22). There was no significant difference in postoperative voice outcomes between groups. Eight patients in the entire cohort experienced recurrence during the available follow-up period. Fischer's exact test revealed no statistically significant association between smoking status and recurrence (two-tailed p > 0.05). The mean time to recurrence for current smokers who did recur was 69 and 54 months for former smokers. CONCLUSION: We report low overall recurrence rates after microflap excision of RE lesions compared with historical data, without any significant difference in recurrence or voice outcomes when comparing current and former smokers. Further prospective trials with larger sample sizes are warranted to guide the surgical management of RE patients and the implications of smoking status. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 2023.

Evaluation of Anterolateral Thigh Fascia Lata Rescue Flap for Mandibular Osteoradionecrosis.

Importance: Mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a progressive disease that can be difficult to treat. Conservative measures often fail, while conventional definitive management requires a morbid segmental resection with osteocutaneous reconstruction. Evidence of the anterolateral thigh fascia lata (ALTFL) rescue flap technique's safety, effectiveness, and long-term outcomes is needed. Objective: To determine the long-term outcomes of the ALTFL rescue flap procedure for treating patients with mandibular ORN. Design, Settings, and Participants: This was a retrospective medical record review performed at a single tertiary-level academic health care institution with patients who were appropriate candidates for the ALTFL procedure to treat mandibular ORN from March 3, 2011, to December 31, 2022. Data analyses were performed from January 1 to March 26, 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: Patient characteristics, preoperative radiographic Notani staging, intraoperative defect size, length of stay, complication rates, and clinical and radiographic findings of progression-free intervals. Results: The study population of 43 patients (mean [SD] age, 66.1 [47-80] years; 24 [55.8%] male individuals) included 52 cases of mandibular ORN. The preoperative Notani staging of the study population was known for 46 of the 52 total cases: 11 cases (23.9%) were stage I; 21 (45.7%), stage II; and 14 (30.4%), stage III. The mean defect area was 20.9 cm2. Successful arrest of ORN disease progression was noted in the clinical and radiographic findings of 50 of the 52 (96.2%) cases, with only 2 (3.8%) cases subsequently requiring fibular free flap reconstruction. The major complication rate was 1.9% (1 case). Clinical and radiographic progression-free intervals were assessed, and no statistically significant differences were noted between Notani staging groups (log-rank P = .43 and P = .43, respectively); ie, patients with stage III disease had no significant difference in risk of clinical (HR, 0.866; 95% CI, 0.054-13.853) or radiographic (HR, 0.959; 95% CI, 0.059-15.474) progression vs those with stage I disease. Weibull profiling revealed 96.9%, 94.6%, and 93.1% successful mandibular ORN arrest at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The major complication rate was 1.9%. Mean (SD) length of stay was 2.7 (0.0-7.0) days. Mean (SD) radiographic follow-up was 29.3 (30.7) months. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this large retrospective patient case series support the continued success of the ALTFL rescue flap technique, a safe and highly effective long-term treatment for mandibular ORN in carefully selected patients.

Outcomes After Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Salvage Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Investigate outcomes following oral cavity and oropharyngeal salvage surgery. METHODS: Adult patients who underwent salvage surgery for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx from 1996 to 2018 were analyzed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. Disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), associated factors, and basic quality measures were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients (72% oral cavity, 28% oropharynx) were followed for a median of 17.9 months. Median DFS and OS were 9.9 and 21 months, respectively. Surgery with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy compared to surgery alone (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03-0.78) and negative margins (HR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.14-0.90) were associated with better DFS, while lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) (HR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.14-6.19) and higher stage (III vs. I-II, HR = 3.94, 95% CI: 1.22-12.71) were associated with worse DFS. Higher stage was associated with worse OS (HR = 3.79, 95% CI: 1.09-13.19). Patients were hospitalized for a median of 8 days with 24% readmitted within 30 days. A total of 72% and 38% of patients, respectively, underwent placement of a feeding tube or tracheostomy. CONCLUSIONS: After oral cavity and oropharyngeal salvage surgery, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, negative margins, negative LVSI, and lower stage were associated with a lower risk of recurrence. Only lower-stage disease was associated with improved survival. The majority of patients had feeding tubes, half underwent free tissue transfer, a third required tracheostomy, and a quarter was readmitted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 132:1984-1992, 2022.

Ewing Sarcoma of the Craniofacial Bones: A Qualitative Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review on the demographics, characteristics, management, treatment, complications, and outcomes of Ewing sarcomas in the craniofacial bones. DATA SOURCES: Using Cochrane Library, EmBase, and PubMed, the authors identified 71 studies to be included. REVIEW METHODS: The Cochrane Library, EmBase, and PubMed databases were used to identify literature relating to Ewing sarcomas in the craniofacial bone to conduct a systematic review. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment strategies were extracted. RESULTS: Seventy-one studies encompassing 102 patients were identified. The most common craniofacial locations involved were the frontal bone (16.7%, n = 17), nasal cavity (16.7%, n = 17), and temporal bone (14.7%, n = 15). Stratified by location, the most common presenting symptoms were frontal bone (palpable mass, n = 8, 47.1%), nasal cavities (epistaxis, n = 9, 52.9%), and temporal bones (headache, n = 5, 33.3%). The 3 most commonly used treatment strategies were a combination of surgical intervention/radiotherapy/chemotherapy (n = 43, 43%), a combination of radiotherapy/chemotherapy (n = 18, 18%), and a combination of surgical intervention/chemotherapy (n = 15, 15%). Patients who received a combination of surgical intervention/radiotherapy/chemotherapy experienced local recurrence rate of 16.6%. However, other combinations of therapies such as surgical intervention/chemotherapy and radiotherapy/chemotherapy had a lower local recurrence rate but were limited by small sample size. Most patients (79.0%) were disease free without evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Ewing Sarcoma of the craniofacial bones has a good prognosis when treated appropriately. Given that our study was limited by retrospective data, we advise clinicians to use the findings of this article with their own clinical judgment to determine which treatment strategy they should pursue.

The utility of ICG fluorescence for sentinel lymph node identification in head and neck melanoma.

PURPOSE: Perform an evidence-based review to determine the utility of indocyanine green fluorescence (ICG) to detect sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in patients with head and neck melanoma compared to blue dye or radiocolloid injection (RI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify patients with head and neck melanoma managed with ICG fluorescence. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Included studies were assessed for level of evidence. Patient demographics and data on SLN identification were determined. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies encompassing 399 patients (75% male, 25% female, average age 57.1 years) met inclusion criteria. Publications comprised of two case reports, four retrospective case series, twelve cohort studies, and four clinical trials. Most common site of melanoma was scalp/temple/forehead (35%), cheek/midface (22%), and ear (17%) with an average Breslow thickness of 3.32 mm. SLN was identified in 80.7% (n = 201/249) of patients using ICG-RI, 85.2% (n = 75/88) using RI alone, and 63.4% (n = 52/82) using blue dye-RI. CONCLUSIONS: ICG-99mTc-nanocolloid hybrid tracer may be a superior alternative to blue dye + adiocolloid and has theoretical advantages compared to RI alone. Additional prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to further compare these methods and obtain data on false negative rates, operating room time, and cost effectiveness to fully elucidate the utility of ICG-99mTc-nanocolloid over current methods used for SLN identification in this patient population.

Tracheal Resection in the Management of Thyroid Cancer: An Evidence-Based Approach.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the effect of patient demographics and surgical approach on patient outcomes after tracheal resection in the management of thyroid cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Systematic review of literature was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library to identify patients with thyroid carcinoma who underwent tracheal resection. Pooled estimates for patient demographics, presenting findings, complications, and outcomes are determined using random-effects meta-analyses. RESULTS: Ninety-six relevant studies encompassing 1,179 patients met inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis pooled rates of complications: 1.7% (confidence interval [CI] 0.8-2.5; P < .001; I2 = 1.85%) airway complications, 2.8% (CI 1.6-3.9; P < .001; I2 = 13.34%) bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, 2.2% (CI 1.2-3.1; P < .001; I2 = 6.72%) anastomotic dehiscence. Circumferential resection pooled estimates major complications, locoregional recurrence, distal recurrence, overall survival: 14.1% (CI 8.3-19.9; P < .001; I2 = 35.26%), 15% (CI 9.6-20.3; P < .001; I2 = 38.2%), 19.7% (CI 13.7-25.8; P < .001; I2 = 28.83%), 74.5% (CI 64.4-84.6; P < .001; I2 = 85.07%). Window resection estimates: 19.8% (CI 6.9-32.8; P < .001; I2 = 18.83%) major complications, 25.6% (CI 5.1-46.1; P < .014; I2 = 84.68%) locoregional recurrence, 15.6% (CI 9.7-21.5; P < .001; I2 = 0%) distal recurrence, 77.1% (CI 58-96.2; P < .001; I2 = 78.77%) overall survival. CONCLUSION: Management of invasive thyroid carcinoma may require tracheal resection to achieve locoregional control. Nevertheless, postoperative complications are not insignificant, and therefore this risk cannot be overlooked when counseling patients perioperatively. Laryngoscope, 131:932-946, 2021.

Functional Reconstruction of Forehead and Midface Deficits Using the Endoscopic Technique and Bio-Absorbable Implants.

OBJECTIVES: Functional deficits of the forehead and midface can pose significant problems for patients varying from mild asymmetry to various degrees of functional impairment including total paralysis. Our objectives were to analyse the use of bio-absorbable implants to reconstruct forehead and midface deficits, all of which were for functional (noncosmetic) reasons. METHODS: This study was a retrospective case series between 2008 and 2018. Institutional review board approval was obtained from the Beaumont Health Human Investigation Committee. Surgeries were performed at a tertiary care centre. We evaluated 50 patients who underwent correction of functional deficits of forehead, eyebrow, and midface using the endoscopic technique and bio-absorbable implants. Patient demographics and indicated etiologies and characterization of minor and major complications and their occurrence rates were characterized. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included in the study from 2008 to 2018, with 68% female and 32% male. Combined blepharoplasty and brow lift was the most commonly performed procedure, followed by midface lift and browplasty. The mean follow-up time was 372 days. No major operative complications including stroke, permanent nerve paralysis, or mortality occurred. There was a 4% rate of temporary nerve paresthesia that resolved, 2% rate of infection, and 6% rate of implant migration requiring revision surgery. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic approach and use of bio-absorbable implants to reconstruct functional deficits of the forehead and midface are safe and effective. There were zero major complications and most of the minor complications were temporary. There was a significant association between non-age-related functional impairment and risk of complication.

OBJECTIFS: Les déficits fonctionnels du front et de la région médiofaciale représentent des problèmes importants pour les patients, qui varient entre une légère asymétrie à divers degrés d'atteinte fonctionnelle, y compris la paralysie totale. Les chercheurs visaient à analyser l'utilisation d'implants bioabsorbables pour la reconstruction des déficits du front et de la région médiofacale, dans tous les cas pour des raisons fonctionnelles (non esthétiques). MÉTHODOLOGIE: La présente série rétrospective portait sur les cas observés entre 2008 et 2018. Le comité de recherche sur la santé humaine de Beaumont est le comité d'analyse institutionnel qui a approuvé l'étude. Les opérations étaient exécutées dans un centre de soins tertiaires. Les chercheurs ont évalué 50 patients qui ont fait corriger des déficits fonctionnels du front, des sourcils et de la région médiofaciale par technique endoscopique et implants bioabsorbables. Ils ont colligé la démographie des patients, les étiologies indiquées, les complications mineures et majeures et leur fréquence. RÉSULTATS: Cinquante patients ont participé à l'étude entre 2008 et 2018, pour un pourcentage de 68 % de femmes et de 32 % d'hommes. La principale intervention était une association de blépharoplastie et de redrapage des sourcils, suivie d'un redrapage de la région médiofaciale et d'une plastie des sourcils. Le suivi moyen durait 372 jours. Les chercheurs n'ont constaté aucune complication opératoire majeure, y compris les accidents vasculaires cérébraux, la paralysie nerveuse permanente et la mortalité. Ils ont remarqué un taux de paresthésie nerveuse temporaire qui s'est résorbée de 4 %, un taux d'infection de 2 % et un taux de migration de l'implant exigeant une réintervention chirurgicale de 6 %. CONCLUSION: L'endoscopie et les implants bioabsorbables pour reconstruire les déficits fonctionnels du front et de la région médiofaciale sont à la fois sécuritaires et efficaces. Ils n'ont suscité aucune complication majeure, et la plupart des complications mineures étaient temporaires. Il y avait une association significative entre une atteinte fonctionnelle non liée à l'âge et le risque de complication.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in the Head and Neck: An Evidence-Based Approach.

OBJECTIVE: To perform an evidence-based review with recommendations that evaluates the indications and utility of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the head and neck. METHODS: The authors searched the PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant literature. The primary outcome was successful intended use of NPWT, be it for granulation tissue formation, infection control, or complete wound closure. Patient demographics, etiology, and other clinical characteristics were explored. Meta-analysis of observational studies was used to examine response rates and wound sizes. RESULTS: Fifty-seven articles encompassing 522 patients were included. The most common etiologies reported included: neoplasm (343 patients [65.7%]), oro-/pharyngocutaneous fistula (9.8%), infection (10.5%), and trauma (9.6%). The majority of wounds treated were in the neck (61.6%). Potential risk factors that may compromise wound healing were noted in 217 of 522 patients (41.6%). Of these 217 patients, 135 had properly documented risk factors, with the most common being prior irradiation (63%). The overall mean response across studies was 85.7% (95% confidence interval: 0.806-0.896, P < 0.001, I2 = 0 %). CONCLUSION: Negative pressure wound therapy is useful for the management of head and neck wounds and should be considered for patients in whom wound healing is progressing insufficiently, including those with a history of head and neck cancer, oro-/pharyngocutaenous fistula, and trauma. Randomized controlled trials further comparing NPWT versus other modalities may be invaluable in further delineating its appropriate role. Laryngoscope, 129:671-683, 2019.

Characteristics and management of sinonasal paragangliomas: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Paragangliomas of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, although exceedingly rare, can exhibit frequent and aggressive recurrences. Our objective was to evaluate tumor characteristics, clinical course, management, and associated complications of sinonasal paragangliomas METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, searching for sinonasal paraganglioma. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were assessed for level of evidence. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, primary intervention, and other clinical characteristics were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-five relevant studies encompassing 54 patients with sinonasal paraganglioma were identified. The most common tumor locations were the nasal cavity (66.7%), ethmoid sinuses (22.2%), maxillary sinuses (7.4%), and sphenoid sinuses (3.7%). Common presenting symptoms included recurrent epistaxis (68.5%), nasal obstruction (53.7%), and headache (13.0%). Tumors were malignant in 28.6% of patients. Only 4 cases (7.4%) involved functional tumors. Initial management was always surgical, via either an open (63.0%) or endoscopic (33.3%) approach. Radiotherapy was used as adjunctive treatment in 10 cases (18.5%). Recurrence rate was 21.7% and occurred between 12 to 156 months after initial resection. The overall survival was 87.0% with a metastatic rate of 8.7%. CONCLUSION: Sinonasal paragangliomas are vascular neoplasms manifesting clinically with recurrent epistaxis and nasal obstruction. Management goals are total resection with clear margins and long-term follow-up due to tendency for local recurrence. Radiotherapy has been utilized as adjuvant therapy with variable results. Further randomized controlled studies may be invaluable in elucidating these findings.

Incorporation of antibiotics and systemic steroids by sinus surgeons: is there widespread consensus?

BACKGROUND: The objective of this work was to evaluate factors associated with antibiotic and oral corticosteroid (OCS) prescription among otolaryngologists regularly performing sinus surgery. METHODS: Fellowship-trained rhinologists, including fellowship directors, were identified via the American Rhinologic Society (ARS) website. Non-fellowship-trained otolaryngologists performing ≥25 balloons (frontal/maxillary) or ≥25 functional endoscopic sinus surgeries (FESSs) (frontal/maxillary/ethmoids) were also included in "balloon surgeons" and "sinus surgeon" cohorts, respectively. Prescribing data for Medicare Part D beneficiaries was obtained for 2015. RESULTS: Otolaryngologists included in this analysis wrote a median of 54 scripts for antibiotics, with a 15.1% antibiotic prescription rate. The overall script length per antibiotic was 11.1 days. Of fellowship-trained rhinologists, 90.2% wrote fewer than 100 scripts, compared to 25.6% and 32.5% of sinus surgeons and balloon surgeons, respectively. Fellowship-trained rhinologists wrote lengthier antibiotic scripts (14.1 vs 10.3 days, p < 0.05). Clinicians who have been in practice longer prescribed antibiotics significantly more frequently. Fellowship-trained rhinologists had a greater OCS rate (8.9%) than balloon and sinus surgeons (7.1%), also writing lengthier courses (15.0 vs 8.1 days). Early-career otolaryngologists wrote lengthier steroid prescriptions than those with 11 to 20 years and >20 years in practice. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic and OCS utilization varies by type of training, as non-fellowship-trained sinus surgeons and balloon surgeons tend to utilize antibiotics more aggressively, and fellowship-trained rhinologists utilize OCS more frequently. Otolaryngologists with more years in practice are more likely to incorporate antibiotics in the management of sinus disorders, although these conclusions must be considered in the context of this resource's limitations. Further clarification of guidelines may be helpful for minimizing divergent practices and maintaining a consensus.

Opioid Prescription Among Sinus Surgeons.

Background Misuse and diversion of opioids have contributed to the U.S. opioid crisis, making an understanding of specialty-specific and procedure-specific trends essential. Objective The objective of this analysis was to evaluate nationwide trends in opioid prescribing patterns among sinus surgeons performing functional endoscopic sinus surgery and maxillary sinus balloon dilation, specifically examining factors associated with variations. Methods High-volume sinus surgeons were identified through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services database and cross-referenced against prescriptions to Medicare Part D beneficiaries during 2013 through 2015. Number of opioid prescriptions, prescription lengths, and demographic information were obtained. Results This cohort of 570 surgeons wrote 21,042 opioid prescriptions (5.4 days per prescription) in 2015, with 80.3% and 54.7% writing >10 and >25 prescriptions, respectively. Surgeons writing a greater amount of prescriptions wrote lengthier courses throughout all 3 years ( P = .01, P = .002, P = .003). Female otolaryngologists wrote lengthier prescriptions (6.2 vs 5.3 days, P = .01). Early career otolaryngologists (≤10 years) offered fewer prescriptions compared to those who had greater experience (31.1 vs 39.3, P = .02). Moreover, 73.6% of fellowship-trained otolaryngologists offered >10 prescriptions versus 82.7% of nonfellowship-trained otolaryngologists ( P = .02). Practitioners in the South on average prescribed the greatest amount of opioids ( P < .05). Conclusion A majority of sinus surgeons prescribe ≥25 opioid prescriptions annually, with otolaryngologists who write a greater amount of prescriptions writing lengthier courses. As the mean opioid prescription length is 5.4 days, recent legislation limiting opioid prescriptions to 5 days may only have a modest impact for preventing the diversion of perioperative opioid prescriptions. These data suggest further standardized guidelines may be beneficial in elucidating the appropriate indications for the prescription of opioids among sinus surgeons.

Management of Epistaxis in Children and Adolescents: Avoiding a Chaotic Approach.

This article provides an organized foundation that facilitates the management of acute epistaxis and an understanding of features that merit further diagnostic workup. Prompt management, including measures such as holding pressure and using nasal packing, takes precedence over comprehensive diagnostic workup. Severe, recurrent, and posteriorly based bleeds should prompt consideration of alternate interventions and expert consultation.

Endoscopic and external approaches for orbital decompression: an analysis of trends from a U.S. perspective.

BACKGROUND: Although the endoscopic approach has been increasingly utilized for a variety of sinonasal and skull base pathologies, there has been little inquiry into its adoption in the surgical management of orbital disease. Our objective was to evaluate nationwide temporal and geographic trends in approaches for orbital decompression. METHODS: Data available from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) were evaluated, focusing on the use of open and endoscopic approaches for orbital decompression (CPT codes 67414, 67445, 31292, and 31293) among Medicare beneficiaries over a 10-year period. Regional data were also analyzed. RESULTS: There were 8047 orbital decompressions billed to Medicare from 2007 to 2016. The number of external and endoscopic approaches increased by 73.0% and 29.2%, respectively, while the number of Medicare beneficiaries increased by 29.1%. Endoscopic decompression represented 23.5% of Medicare-billed orbital decompressions in 2016 (221 of 939), down from 29.2% in 2007 (171 of 586). The South had the greatest proportion of decompressions utilizing an endoscopic approach (30.2%). CONCLUSION: There has not been a clear movement toward the endoscopic approach for orbital decompression, with modest growth when compared with external approaches. Potential explanations include the specialty-exclusive nature of approaches, as well as a lack of consensus; the latter idea is further reinforced by geographic variation. High-quality prospective trials may clarify the role of endoscopic approaches in these patients.