Modified Frailty Index Associates With Transoral Robotic Surgery Complications and Survival: A National Database Study.

OBJECTIVE: The modified frailty index (mFI-5) is a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-derived 5-factor index that has been proven to reflect frailty and predict morbidity and mortality. We hypothesize that mFI-5 is a valid predictive measure in the transoral robotic surgery (TORS) population. METHODS: Retrospective study utilizing the TriNetX US-collaborative health records network querying for TORS patients. Cohorts were stratified by mFI-5 score which uses five ICD-10 codes: nonindependent functional status, hypertension, obstructive respiratory disease, heart failure, and diabetes mellitus. Cohorts were matched by age using propensity score matching. Outcome measures included survival, infection, pneumonia, tracheostomy dependence, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy dependence. Reported odds ratios were normalized to mFI-5 = 0. RESULTS: A total of 9,081 patients were included in the final analysis. Greater mFI-5 scores predicted decreased survival and increased incidence of postoperative infection and pneumonia. Odds of 5-year mortality were 1.93 (p = 0.0003) for mFI-5 = 2 and 1.90 (p = 0.0002) for mFI-5 = 3. Odds of 2-year mortality were 1.25 (p = 0.0125) for mFI-5 = 1, 1.58 (p = 0.0002) for mFI-5 = 2, and 1.87 (p = 0.003) for mFI-5 = 3. Odds of postoperative infection were 1.51 (p = 0.02) for mFI-5 = 2 and 1.78 (p = 0.05) for mFI-5 = 3. Two-year odds of developing pneumonia were 1.69 (p = 0.0001) for mFI-5 = 2 and 2.84 (p < 0.0001) for mFI-5 = 3. Two-month odds of pneumonia were 1.50 (p = 0.0259) for mFI-5 = 2 and 2.55 (p = 0.0037) for mFI-5 = 3. mFI-5 = 4 or 5 had too few patients to analyze. Using polynomial regression to model age versus incident 5-year post-TORS death (R2 = 0.99), mFI-5 scores better predicted survival than age alone. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that mFI-5 predicts mortality, pneumonia, and postoperative infection independently of age. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Proposal for standardized ultrasound analysis of the salivary glands: Part 1 submandibular gland.

Objectives: The Salivary Gland Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery seeks to standardize terminology and technique for ultrasonograpy used in the evaluation and treatment of salivary gland disorders. Methods: Development of expert opinion obtained through interaction with international practitioners representing multiple specialties. This committee work includes a comprehensive literature review with presentation of case examples to propose a standardized protocol for the language used in ultrasound salivary gland assessment. Results: A multiple segment proposal is initiated with this focus on the submandibular gland. We provide a concise rationale for recommended descriptive language highlighted by a more extensive supplement that includes an extensive literature review with additional case examples. Conclusion: Recommendations are provided to improve consistency both in performing and reporting submandibular gland ultrasound.

Otolaryngology Applicant Perspectives on In-person and Virtual Residency Interviews.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to understand applicant perspectives on in-person and virtual otolaryngology residency interviews. STUDY DESIGN: Survey study. SETTING: Otolaryngology residency applicants who were interviewed during 2022-2023. METHODS: Survey sent to all otolaryngology residency applicants who interviewed during the 2022-2023 interview season. RESULTS: A total of 499 applicants were surveyed with 150 responses (30%). Approximately 48.3% of respondents were offered an in-person interview with 78.9% accepting the offer. Of those who did not accept, reasons included not wanting to travel (21.1%) and time conflicts (15.5%). When comparing virtual versus in-person interviews, those who attended virtual interviews were more likely to disagree that they connected with residents (P = .02) and that they had an improved perspective of the program (P = .002). The majority of applicants agreed that virtual interviews are more inclusive and equitable than in-person interviews (70.4%). When asked which interview style applicants would prefer, 63.1% of applicants preferred an in-person interview when compared to virtual with a second look option (29.5%) and virtual (7.4%). Respondents who self-identified as being underrepresented in medicine were less likely to choose in-person as their preferred interview format (P = .01) and were more likely to decline an in-person interview offer due to monetary limitations (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Applicants indicated dissatisfaction with connecting with residents and improving their perspective of the program when in a virtual setting. Applicants felt that virtual interviews were more equitable, but that if the barriers to equity were lessened then they would prefer in-person interviews.

Oncologic Safety of Close Margins in Patients With Low- to Intermediate-Grade Major Salivary Gland Carcinoma.

Importance: Postoperative radiation therapy for close surgical margins in low- to intermediate-grade salivary carcinomas lacks multi-institutional supportive evidence. Objective: To evaluate the oncologic outcomes for low- and intermediate-grade salivary carcinomas with close and positive margins. Design, Setting, and Participants: The American Head and Neck Society Salivary Gland Section conducted a retrospective cohort study from 2010 to 2019 at 41 centers. Margins were classified as R0 (negative), R1 (microscopically positive), or R2 (macroscopically positive). R0 margins were subclassified into clear (>1 mm) or close (≤1 mm). Data analysis was performed from June to October 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: Main outcomes were risk factors for local recurrence. Results: A total of 865 patients (median [IQR] age at surgery, 56 [43-66] years; 553 female individuals [64%] and 312 male individuals [36%]) were included. Of these, 801 (93%) had parotid carcinoma and 64 (7%) had submandibular gland carcinoma, and 748 (86%) had low-grade tumors and 117 (14%) had intermediate-grade tumors, with the following surgical margins: R0 in 673 (78%), R1 in 168 (19%), and R2 in 24 (3%). Close margins were found in 395 of 499 patients with R0 margins (79%), for whom margin distances were measured. A total of 305 patients (35%) underwent postoperative radiation therapy. Of all 865 patients, 35 (4%) had local recurrence with a median (IQR) follow-up of 35.3 (13.9-59.1) months. In patients with close margins as the sole risk factor for recurrence, the local recurrence rates were similar between those who underwent postoperative radiation therapy (0 of 46) or observation (4 of 165 [2%]). Patients with clear margins (n = 104) had no recurrences. The local recurrence rate in patients with R1 or R2 margins was better in those irradiated (2 of 128 [2%]) compared to observed (13 of 64 [20%]) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01-0.24). Multivariable analysis for local recurrence found the following independent factors: age at diagnosis (HR for a 10-year increase in age, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.06-1.67), R1 vs R0 (HR, 5.21; 95% CI, 2.58-10.54), lymphovascular invasion (HR, 4.47; 95% CI, 1.43-13.99), and postoperative radiation therapy (HR, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.04-0.29). The 3-year local recurrence-free survivals for the study population were 96% vs 97% in the close margin group. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of patients with low- and intermediate-grade major salivary gland carcinoma, postoperative radiation therapy for positive margins was associated with decreased risk of local recurrence. In isolation from other risk factors for local recurrence, select patients with close surgical margins (≤1 mm) may safely be considered for observation.

Effect of preoperative programmed death-1 or programmed death ligand-1 immune check point inhibition on complications after surgery for primary head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: There is sparse literature on the effect of preoperative immunotherapy on complications after surgery for primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The objectives are to compare complication rates in patients receiving surgery with and without neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors (nICI) for primary HNSCC and to evaluate factors associated with increased odds of surgical complications. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent ablation and free flap reconstruction or transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for primary HNSCC between 2017-2021 was conducted. Complications were compared between patients who underwent surgery with or without nICI before and after propensity score matching. Regression analysis to estimate odds ratios was performed. RESULTS: A total of 463 patients met inclusion criteria. Free flap reconstruction constituted 28.9% of patients and TORS constituted 71.1% of patients. nICI was administered in 83 of 463 (17.9%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference in surgical, medical, or overall complications between patients receiving surgery with or without nICI. In the unmatched cohort, multivariable model identified non-White race, former/current smoking history, free flap surgery, and perineural invasion as factors significantly associated with increased complications. In the matched cohort, multivariable model identified advanced age and free flap surgery as factors significantly associated with increased complications. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: It is safe to give immunotherapy before major surgery in patients who have head and neck cancer. Advanced age, non-White race, current/former smoking, free flap surgery, and perineural invasion may be associated with increased the odds of surgical complications.

Nivolumab and ipilimumab in combination with radiotherapy in patients with high-risk locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

BACKGROUND: The combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab has been approved for the treatment of multiple solid tumors. This was a phase I study investigating definitive radioimmunotherapy (RIT) with nivolumab and ipilimumab for the treatment of locally advanced (LA) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed, stage IVA-IVB SCCHN eligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy received nivolumab (3 mg/kg every 2 weeks for a total of 17 doses) and ipilimumab (1 mg/kg every 6 weeks for a total of 6 doses) starting 2 weeks prior to radiotherapy. The primary endpoint was safety of definitive RIT. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Exploratory endpoints included the association of baseline programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression as well as on-treatment changes in immune bias with treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were enrolled. With a median follow-up of 36.1 months, grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events were reported in 21 individuals (88%); 5 individuals developed in-field soft tissue ulceration during consolidation immunotherapy, resulting in one fatality. The 3-year PFS and OS rates were 74% (95% CI 58% to 94%) and 96% (95% CI 88% to 100%), respectively. PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) did not correlate with death or disease progression. Decreases in extracellular vesicle PD-L1 within the concurrent RIT phase were associated with prolonged PFS (p=0.006). Also, interval decreases in circulating interleukin (IL)4, IL9, IL12, and IL17a during concurrent RIT were associated with subsequent ulceration. CONCLUSIONS: Definitive RIT with nivolumab and ipilimumab has sufficient clinical activity to support further development. Early changes in circulating biomarkers appear able to predict treatment outcomes as well as ensuing in-field soft tissue ulceration. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03162731.

IL-8 correlates with nonresponse to neoadjuvant nivolumab in HPV positive HNSCC via a potential extracellular vesicle miR-146a mediated mechanism.

Therapy using anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has revolutionized the treatment of many cancers including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), but only a fraction of patients respond. To better understand the molecular mechanisms driving resistance, we performed extensive analysis of plasma and tumor tissues before and after a 4-week neoadjuvant trial in which HNSCC patients were treated with the anti-PD-1 inhibitor, nivolumab. Luminex cytokine analysis of patient plasma demonstrated that HPVpos nonresponders displayed high levels of the proinflammatory chemokine, interleukin-8 (IL-8), which decreased after ICI treatment, but remained higher than responders. miRNAseq analysis of tetraspanin-enriched small extracellular vesicles (sEV) purified from plasma of HPVpos nonresponders demonstrated significantly lower levels of seven miRNAs that target IL-8 including miR-146a. Levels of the pro-survival oncoprotein Dsg2, which has been to down-regulate miR-146a, are elevated with HPVpos tumors displaying higher levels than HPVneg tumors. Dsg2 levels decrease significantly following ICI in responders but not in nonresponders. In cultured HPVpos cells, restoration of miR-146a by forced expression or treatment with miR-146a-loaded sEV, reduced IL-8 level, blocked cell cycle progression, and promoted cell death. These findings identify Dsg2, miR-146a, and IL-8 as potential biomarkers for ICI response and suggest that the Dsg2/miR-146a/IL-8 signaling axis negatively impacts ICI treatment outcomes and could be targeted to improve ICI responsiveness in HPVpos HNSCC patients.

Differences in Functional and Survival Outcomes Between Patients Receiving Primary Surgery vs Chemoradiation Therapy for Treatment of T1-T2 Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Importance: Due to lack of data from high-powered randomized clinical trials, the differences in functional and survival outcomes for patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) undergoing primary transoral robotic surgery (TORS) vs primary radiation therapy and/or chemoradiation therapy (RT/CRT) are unclear. Objectives: To compare 5-year functional (dysphagia, tracheostomy dependence, and gastrostomy tube dependence) and survivorship outcomes in patients with T1-T2 OPSCC receiving primary TORS vs RT/CRT. Design, Setting, and Population: This national multicenter cohort study used data from a global health network (TriNetX) to identify differences in functional and survival outcomes among patients with OPSCC who underwent primary TORS or RT/CRT in 2002 to 2022. After propensity matching, 726 patients with OPSCC met inclusion criteria. In the TORS group, 363 (50%) patients had undergone primary surgery, and in the RT/CRT group, 363 (50%) patients had received primary RT/CRT. Data analyses were performed from December 2022 to January 2023 using the TriNetX platform. Exposure: Primary surgery with TORS or primary treatment with radiation therapy and/or chemoradiation therapy. Main Outcomes and Measures: Propensity score matching was used to balance the 2 groups. Functional outcomes were measured at 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, and more than 5 years posttreatment and included dysphagia, gastrostomy tube dependence, and tracheostomy dependence according to standard medical codes. Five-year overall survivorship was compared between patients undergoing primary TORS vs RT/CRT. Results: Propensity score matching allowed a study sample with 2 cohorts comprising statistically similar parameters with 363 (50%) patients in each. Patients in the TORS cohort had a mean (SD) age of 68.5 (9.9) vs 68.8 (9.7) years in RT/CRT cohort; 86% and 88% were White individuals, respectively; 79% of patients were men in both cohorts. Primary TORS was associated with clinically meaningful increased risk of dysphagia at 6 months (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.01-1.84) and 1 year posttreatment (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.22-2.39) compared with primary RT/CRT. Patients receiving surgery were less likely to be gastrostomy tube dependent at 6 months (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.21-1.00) and 5 years posttreatment (risk difference, -0.05; 95% CI, -0.07 to -0.02). Differences in overall rates of tracheostomy dependence (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.51-1.82) between groups were not clinically meaningful. Patients with OPSCC, unmatched for cancer stage or human papillomavirus status, who received RT/CRT had worse 5-year overall survival than those who underwent primary surgery (70.2% vs 58.4%; hazard ratio, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.40-0.79). Conclusions and Relevance: This national multicenter cohort study of patients undergoing primary TORS vs primary RT/CRT for T1-T2 OPSCC found that primary TORS was associated with a clinically meaningful increased risk of short-term dysphagia. Patients treated with primary RT/CRT had an increased risk of short- and long-term gastrostomy tube dependence and worse 5-year overall survival than those who underwent surgery.

Variance in 3D anatomic localization of surgical margins based on conventional margin labeling in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: In head and neck cancer (HNC), positive margins are strongly predictive of treatment failure. We sought to measure the accuracy of localization of margin sampling sites based on conventional anatomic labels using a digital 3D-model. METHODS: Preoperative CT scans for 9 patients with HNC treated operatively at our institution were imported into a multiplanar radiology software, which was used to render a digital 3D model of each tumor intended to represent the resection specimen. Surgical margin labels recorded during the operative case were collected from pathology records. Margin labels (N = 64) were presented to participating physicians.Participants were asked to mark the anatomic location of each surgical margin using the 3D-model and corresponding radiographic planes for reference.For each individual margin, the 3D coordinates of each participant's marker were used to calculate a mean localization point called the geometric centroid. Mean distance from individual markers to the centroid was compared between participantsand margin types. RESULTS: Amongst 7 surgeons, markers were placed a mean distance of 12.6 mm ([SD] = 7.5) from the centroid.Deep margins were marked with a greater mean distance than mucosal/skin margins (19.6 [24.8] mm vs. 15.3 [14.9] mm, p = 0.034). When asked to relocate a margin following re-resection, surgeons marked a point an average of 20.6 [12.4] mm from their first marker with a range of 3.9- 45.1 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Retrospective localization of conventionally labeled margins is an imprecise process with variability across the care team. Future interventions targeting margin documentation and communication may improve sampling precision.

Feasibility and Cost of Telehealth Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Care: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of telehealth head and neck cancer (HNC) survivorship care. DATA SOURCES: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL. REVIEW METHODS: A systematic search for peer-reviewed feasibility studies on telehealth models for HNC survivorship care published between 2005 and 2021 was conducted using the terms "head and neck cancer" and "telehealth" and their synonyms. Inclusion criteria were studies on telehealth survivorship program interventions for HNC patients with quantitative feasibility outcome measures (eg, enrollment, retention, attrition/dropout rate, adherence/task completion rate, patient satisfaction, cost). RESULTS: Thirty-eight studies out of 1557 identified met inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. Feasibility outcomes evaluated were enrollment and attrition rates, adherence/task completion rates, patient satisfaction, and user feedback surveys in different survivorship domains. Patient enrollment ranged from 20.8% to 85.7%, while attrition ranged from 7% to 47.7%. Overall, adherence was 30.2% higher in the intervention group than in the control group (46.8% vs 16.6%). Studies with cost analysis found telehealth models of care to be statistically significantly less expensive and more cost-efficient than the standard model of care, with a $642.30 saving per patient (n = 3). Telehealth models also substantially reduced work time saving per visit (on average, 7 days per visit). CONCLUSION: While telehealth survivorship programs are feasible and cost-effective and are associated with improved patient outcomes, they might not be ideal for every patient. Further investigations are needed to understand the role of telehealth in survivorship care, given the variability in study design, reporting, measures, and methodological quality.

Postoperative opioid-prescribing practices in otolaryngology: Evidence-based guideline outcomes.

Objectives: We previously reported that >50% of postoperative opioids prescribed at our institution went unused for common otolaryngologic procedures. Based on these findings, we instituted multimodal, evidence-based guidelines for postoperative pain management. In the second part of our multiphasic study, we evaluated the effects of these guidelines on (1) quantity of unused opioids, (2) patient satisfaction, and (3) institutional perceptions toward the opioid epidemic and prescribing guidelines. Methods: Standardized, procedure-specific opioid prescription guidelines were created using prospective data from the first phase of our study and evidence from current literature. Again, we examined sialendoscopy, parotidectomy, parathyroidectomy/thyroidectomy, and transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Patients were surveyed at their first postoperative appointment. Groups from Phases I and II were compared. Attending physicians were surveyed before the start of the multiphasic project and after prescribing guidelines were implemented. Results: Prescribing guidelines led to an average reduction in prescribed morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per patient by: 48% (sialendoscopy), 63% (parotidectomy), 60% (para/thyroidectomy), and 42% (TORS). Average used MME per patient for parotidectomy was significantly reduced (64%). The proportion of unused MME per patient and patient satisfaction scores did not significantly change after guidelines were implemented. Conclusion: Implementation of opioid-prescribing guidelines and the use of multimodal analgesia substantially reduced the amount of opioids prescribed across all procedures without impacting patient satisfaction. Level of Evidence: 2.

Evaluating YouTube videos on sialendoscopy as an educational resource for patients.

Objectives: Patients are increasingly relying on YouTube for health information. We objectively evaluated the quality and comprehensiveness of sialendoscopy YouTube videos available to patients. We further investigated the relationship between video content and video popularity. Methods: We identified 150 videos using the search term "sialendoscopy." Videos were excluded if they were lectures for medical professionals, operating room (OR) recordings, unrelated, non-English, or non-audio. Video quality and comprehensiveness were evaluated using modified DISCERN criterion (range: 5-25) and novel sialendoscopy criterion (NSC, range: 0-7), respectively. Secondary outcomes included standard video metrics and Video Power Index to measure popularity. Videos were classified binarily by uploader type as from an academic medical center or from other sources. Results: Twenty-two (14.7%) of 150 videos were included for review, with 7 (31.8%) uploaded from academic medical institutions. One hundred-nine (72.7%) videos were excluded as lectures for medical professionals or OR recordings. Overall mean modified DISCERN (13.45 ± 3.42) and NSC (3.05 ± 0.96) scores were low; however, videos uploaded by academic medical institutions were significantly more comprehensive (NSC mean difference = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.16-1.80, p = .02). There were no significant correlations between video popularity and objective measures of quality or comprehensiveness. Conclusions: This study highlights the paucity and low quality of sialendoscopy videos for patients. More popular videos are not higher quality, and most videos are targeted more toward physicians rather than patients. As YouTube becomes increasingly used by patients, there is opportunity for otolaryngologists to produce more informative videos for patients while implementing targeted strategies to increase viewership. Level of Evidence: NA.

Effects of Prior Tracheostomy on Total Laryngectomy Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether preoperative tracheostomy (PreOT) increases risk of complications after total laryngectomy (TL) and to determine if timing of tracheostomy creation is associated with an increased risk. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital between 2007 and 2020. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were patients who underwent primary or salvage TL for oncologic treatment. Dependent variables of interest included surgical complications, such as wound dehiscence, infection, hematoma, complete flap failure, fistula formation, and stoma stenosis, as well as medical complications. Categorical variables were compared with chi-square test or Fisher exact test, and continuous variables were compared with an independent t test. Multivariable regression was conducted to assess predictors of complications after laryngectomy. RESULTS: A total of 306 patients were included. Primary TL was performed in 161 (53%) patients and salvage in 145 (47%) patients. Of the patients undergoing primary laryngectomy, 105 (65%) received a PreOT. Of the patients undergoing salvage laryngectomy, 86 (59%) received a PreOT. In both primary and salvage cases, there was no association between PreOT and surgical or medical complications. Additionally, there was no significant association between timing of tracheostomy and surgical complications. On multivariable analysis, the presence of a PreOT was not associated with surgical complications. In salvage cases, those with a PreOT had a significantly longer average length of stay than those without a PreOT (12 vs 9 days, P = .008). CONCLUSION: PreOT in patients undergoing primary and salvage laryngectomies was not associated with surgical or medical complications postlaryngectomy. Timing of tracheostomy in relation to laryngectomy was not found to adversely affect clinical outcomes.

Effect of p16 Status on Survival Outcomes in Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of p16 status on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) undergoing treatment with curative intent; and to assess how p16 status may affect patterns of recurrence. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary medical center. METHODS: Patients with sinonasal SCC treated with curative intent from 2012 to 2018 were identified. Independent variable of interest was p16 status, which was assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) with a 70% staining cutoff for positivity. Kaplan Meier survival curve was plotted to assess correlation between p16 status and DFS and OS. Association between recurrence patterns and p16 status was conducted using chi square and fisher's exact tests. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis was conducted to assess association between independent variables and DFS. RESULTS: Fifty patients with sinonasal SCC met inclusion criteria. Patients were p16 positive in 28/50 (56%) of cases. Kaplan Meier survival curve revealed no statistically significant association between p16 status and DFS or OS survival (P = .780, P = .474). There was no difference in recurrence patterns in patients with p16 positive versus negative tumors. CONCLUSION: p16 status did not have prognostic value on DFS and OS in our cohort of patients with sinonasal SCC undergoing treatment with curative intent. There was no difference in recurrence patterns between the 2 populations. Based on the results of this study, p16 status should not impact counseling of patients as it relates to their prognosis from SNM.

Impact of Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment on Patient-Partner Intimacy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis and treatment on patient- and partner-perceived intimacy and to understand if a diagnosis of HPV-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma influences patient-partner intimacy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational. SETTING: Single tertiary care center. METHODS: An investigator-developed questionnaire was used to prospectively survey patients and partners in 2 groups based on human papillomavirus (HPV) status: HPV+ and HPV- at diagnosis (visit 1) and after treatment (visit 2). Surveys were scored on a 60-point scale, and results were categorized as follows: loss of intimacy (0-30), stable relationship (31-41), or improvement in intimacy (42-60). Responses of couples who participated together were assessed for concordance. Responses were considered discordant if patient and partner scores equated to different levels of perceived intimacy. Median patient and partner scores were compared via Mann-Whitney U test, and concordance was assessed with a chi-square test. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients and 28 partners completed surveys at visit 1 and 28 patients and 15 partners at visit 2. Median scores among patients and partners were similar at the first time point (HPV+, 45 vs 45, P = .64; HPV-, 42.6 vs 40.8, P = .29) and the second (HPV+, 44.5 vs 44, P = .87; HPV-, 40.2 vs 39.6, P = .90). Concordance rates between HPV+ and HPV- couples were 63% vs 44% (P = .43) for the first time point and 89% vs 50% (P = .24) for the second. CONCLUSION: Patients and partners reported stable or improved intimacy at both time points, and most couples tended to agree on their levels of perceived intimacy. A diagnosis of HPV did not appear to significantly affect intimacy scores.

Programmed cell death protein 1 axis blockade in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Neoadjuvant and adjuvant approaches.

Immunotherapy and in particular programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors have been applied not only in the management of recurrent or metastatic disease but also as component of potentially curative treatment for many solid tumors. The incorporation of immunotherapy as neoadjuvant and /or adjuvant therapy in the treatment paradigm of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is appealing with the goals of enhancing antitumor efficacy and, at the same time, reduce toxicity. This review analyzes the rationale for employing immunotherapy in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings, reviews the results of relevant clinical trials, and examines the potential benefits and caveats of neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant approaches in patients with SCCHN.

Analysis of cost and outcomes in bony versus soft tissue midface free flap reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes and cost of soft tissue versus bony midface free flap reconstruction (MR) with and without virtual surgical planning (VSP) were evaluated. METHODS: Retrospective review of MR including ischemic time (IT), operative duration (OD), length of stay (LOS), and total cost (TC). Eighty-one soft tissue and 76 bony MR (VSP = 23) were reviewed. RESULTS: Bony MR was used for higher complexity defects (p = 0.003) and was associated with higher IT (p < 0.001), OD (p < 0.001), LOS (p = 0.032), and TC (p < 0.001). VSP was associated with a mean 111.2 ± 37.9 minute reduction in OD (p = 0.004) compared to non-VSP bony flaps. VSP was associated with higher itemized cost, but no increase in TC (p = 0.327). CONCLUSIONS: Bony MR was used for higher complexity MR and was associated with increased TC, LOS, OD, and IT. VSP shortened OD with no significant increase in TC.

Otolaryngology Subspecialty Surgical Rescheduling Rates During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: In the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020, elective and oncologic surgical cases were cancelled. After adequate safety protocols were established, each subspecialty within otolaryngology faced unique challenges in reengaging patients for surgical scheduling. Study Design: Retrospective review from March to May 2020. Setting: Single academic institution. Methods: Patients whose otolaryngology surgery was cancelled due to COVID-19 hospital precautions were identified. Rescheduling rates were analyzed by subspecialty. Case completion was determined as the percentage of initially cancelled cases that were completed within 6 months of their original planned dates. Results: Of 833 otolaryngology cases scheduled between March 16 and May 29, 2020, a total of 555 (66.63%) were cancelled due to COVID-19 precautions, and 71.17% were rescheduled within 6 months. Cancellation and rescheduling rates per subspeciality were as follows, respectively: head and neck surgery, 42.79% and 88.76%; sleep surgery, 83.92% and 64.07%; rhinology and skull base, 72.67% and 64.80%; facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, 80.00% and 74.17%; otology and neurotology, 71.05% and 66.67%; and laryngology, 68.57% and 79.17%. The case completion rates were as follows: head and neck surgery, 95.2%; laryngology, 85.7%; facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, 79.3%; otology and neurotology, 76.3%; rhinology and skull base, 74.4%; and sleep surgery, 69.9%. Conclusion: Differences for surgical rescheduling rates during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown exist among otolaryngology subspecialties. Our experience suggests that subspecialties that functioned on an elective nature were more likely to face lower rates of case completion.

Postoperative Opioid-Prescribing Practices in Nasal Surgery: A Prospective Study.

Importance: There has been a greater awareness of the opioid epidemic. Studies are needed to better characterize opioid usage after outpatient nasal surgery. Objective: Provide data to guide prescription management for nasal procedures and investigate opioid prescription and subsequent consumption, with the aim of offering analysis to build evidence-based guidelines for postoperative pain management. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this prospective single-center study, morphine milligram equivalents (MME) consumption and pain scores were collected in 69 patients who underwent nasal surgery. Main Measures and Outcomes: Patient demographics, MME use, and pain scores were examined. MME use was compared with patient demographics, surgical procedure type, and postoperative pain scores. Results: In total, 3302 MME were prescribed: 2012 MME (61%) were used, leaving 1290 MME (39%). Patients were prescribed a total average of 47.8 ± 24.0 MME. Four (6%) patients required a second prescription. History of opioid use, benzodiazepine use, and obesity were negative predictors of opioid consumption (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion and Relevance: Assessing opioid consumption for nasal procedures will guide prescribing practices. Our results indicate that prescription practices can likely be down titrated in patients with a history of certain medication consumption.