Physical activity counseling during and following stem cell transplantation - patients' versus advisors' perspectives.

BACKGROUND: People receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) endure long phases of therapy and immobility, which diminish their physical activity (PA) level leading to physical deconditioning. One of the reasons is a lack of clarity on the part of those who work in oncology clinical settings of their role in assessing, advising, and referring patients to exercise. Therefore, our study investigates reported physical activity counseling behavior of health care professionals (HCPs) and the patient perspective on this topic. METHODS: Physicians (N = 52), nurses (N = 52) physical therapists (N = 26), and patients receiving HSCT (N = 62) participated in a nationwide cross-sectional online-survey. Patients' preferred source of information concerning PA was determined. We examined HCPs self-assessed PA counseling behavior and patients' PA recall by assessing the use of the 5As (Ask, Advice, Agree, Assist, Arrange). Analysis of survey responses was descriptive. Univariate multinomial logistic regression examined whether sociodemographic factors and patient characteristics influence the response behavior. RESULTS: Physicians and PA specialists were patients' preferred source of information regarding PA. A large discrepancy between HCPs' perception and the degree to which HSCT patients recall advice became apparent; profound counseling steps like making referrals were less often recalled in our patient sample. Inactive patients reported to receive less basic PA counseling by physicians. CONCLUSION: Future research should identify the requirements to increase patients' recall concerning PA counseling in the setting of HSCT. Important messages about PA need to be made more salient to those who are less active and less engaged.

Acromioclavicular joint suture button repair leads to coracoclavicular tunnel widening.

PURPOSE: Biomechanical evaluation of three different suture button devices used in acromioclavicular joint repair and analysis of their effect on post-testing tunnel widening. METHODS: Eighteen human shoulder girdles were assigned into three groups with a similar mean bone mineral density. Three different single-tunnel acromioclavicular repair devices were tested: (1) AC TightRope® with FiberWire; (2) AC Dog Bone™ Button with FiberTape; (3) Low Profile AC Repair System. Biomechanical testing was performed simulating the complex movement of the distal clavicle as follows. A vertical load of 80 N was applied continuously. The rotation of the clavicle about its long axis was set at 10° anterior and 30° posterior for 2500 cycles at 0.25 Hz. The horizontal translation of the clavicle was set at 6 mm medial and 6 mm lateral for 10,000 cycles at 1 Hz. The coracoclavicular distance was measured before and after testing. After testing, each sample underwent micro-CT analysis. Following 3D reconstruction, the area of the bone tunnels was measured at five defined cross sections. RESULTS: In TightRope® and Dog Bone™ groups, all samples completed testing, whereas in the Low Profile group, three out of six samples showed system failure. The mean absolute difference of coracoclavicular distance after testing was significantly greater in the Low Profile group compared to TightRope® and Dog Bone™ groups (4.3 ± 1.3 mm vs 1.9 ± 0.7 mm vs 1.9 ± 0.8 mm; p = 0.001). Micro-CT analysis of the specimens demonstrated significant tunnel widening in the inferior clavicular and superior coracoid regions in all three groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Significant tunnel widening can be observed for all devices and is primarily found in the inferior parts of the clavicle and superior parts of the coracoid. The Low Profile AC Repair System showed inferior biomechanical properties compared to the AC TightRope® and AC Dog Bone™ devices. Therefore, clinicians should carefully select the type of acromioclavicular repair device used and need to consider tunnel widening as a complication.

All-suture anchor pullout results in decreased bone damage and depends on cortical thickness.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of cortical and cancellous bone structure on the biomechanical properties of all-suture and conventional anchors and compare the morphological bone damage after their failure. The hypothesis of the study is that all-suture anchor pullout is less invasive and that the pullout force is influenced by the cortical thickness. METHODS: Thirty human humeri were biomechanically tested as follows: starting with a load cycle from 20 to 50 N, a stepwise increase of the upper peak force by 0.05 N for each cycle at a rate of 1 Hz was performed. Analysis included maximum pullout strength for three different anchor implantation angles (45°, 90°, 110°) of the two anchor types. After anchor pullout, every sample underwent micro-CT analysis. Bone mineral density (BMD) and cortical thickness were determined at the anchor implantation site. Furthermore, the diameter of the cortical defect and the volume of the bone cavity were identified. RESULTS: The maximum pullout strength of all-suture anchors demonstrates a strong correlation to the adjacent cortical thickness (r = 0.82, p ≤ 0.05) with at least 0.4 mm needed to withstand 200 N. No correlation could be seen in conventional anchors. Moreover, no correlation could be detected for local BMD in both anchors. All-suture anchors show a significantly narrower cortical defect as well as a smaller bone cavity following pullout (4.3 ± 1.3 mm vs. 5.3 ± 0.9 mm, p = 0.037; 141 mm3 vs. 212 mm3; p = 0.009). The cortical defect is largest if the anchors are placed at a 45° angle. CONCLUSION: In contrast to conventional anchors, the pullout force of all-suture anchors depends on the thickness of the humeral cortex. Furthermore, all-suture anchors show a significantly smaller cortical defect as well as decreased bone damage in the case of pullout. Therefore, the clinical implication of this study is that all-suture anchors are advantageous due to their bone preserving ability. Also, intraoperative decortication should not be performed and cortical thickness should be preoperatively evaluated to decrease the risk of anchor failure.

Biomechanical comparison of polylactide-based versus titanium miniplates in mandible reconstruction in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the mechanical integrity and reliability of polylactide-based miniplates for osseous free flap fixation at the mandible in an experimental study setup of a mandible reconstruction model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1.0mm titanium miniplates (group TI) (MatrixMandible, DePuy Synthes, Umkirch, Germany) and 1.5mm polylactide miniplates (group PL) (Inion CPS, Inion Oy, Tampere, Finland) were used to fix a polyurethane (PU) fibula segment to a PU mandible reconstruction model using monocortical non-locking screws. Mastication was simulated via unilateral cyclic dynamic loading at 1Hz with increasing loads (+ 0.15N/cycle, Bionix, MTS, USA). A 3D optical tracking system (Aramis, GOM, Braunschweig, Germany) was used to determine interosteotomy movements (IOM). RESULTS: IOM were higher in the polylactide group (distal: P=0.001, mesial: P=0.001). Differences in mean stiffness (titanium: 478±68N/mm; polylactide: 425±38N/mm, P=0.240) and mean force at a vertical displacement of 1.0mm (titanium: 201.6±87.1N; polylactide: 141.3±29.9N, P=0.159) were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that polylactide-based miniplates provide reduced mechanical integrity and higher interosteotomy movements in comparison to titanium miniplates in vitro. Indications for clinical use of polylactide-based miniplates in mandible reconstruction have to be placed critically. Future studies will focus on clinical complications of polylactide-based plates in risk patients.

Long-term speech and swallowing function after primary resection and sentinel node biopsy for early oral squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Analysis of long-term speech and swallowing function and subjective quality of life (QOL) after primary resection and sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in patients with early stage (cT1/T2) oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-one consecutive patients treated primarily by transoral resection without flap reconstruction and SNB for a cT1/T2 OSCC were included. Completion neck dissection (CND) was indicated in case of occult disease in the sentinel nodes. Adjuvant radiation (aRT) was administered according to the ultimate lymph node status. All patients showed no evidence of disease at time of analysis. Speech and swallowing function were assessed using standardized clinical examinations (11-item, articulation test) and validated questionnaires on subjective QOL (MDADI, FIGS). Median follow-up was 60 months (range 13-159 months) after initial treatment. RESULTS: In all assessments for speech and swallowing, the entire study cohort achieved very high scores, with mean values located in the highest 10% of the scales. Neither tumor size nor site, age, pN-category, CND, and aRT had significant impact on functional outcomes and subjective QOL with the exception of lower scores in the global and physical scores of MDADI after CND or aRT, and articulation in the population over 60 years of age. CONCLUSION: Transoral resection without reconstruction and SNB for early OSCC achieves excellent outcome with regard to speech, swallowing and subjective QOL.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy for early stage tongue cancer-a 14-year single-centre experience.

This study was performed to report the usage of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in clinical stage I or II tongue cancer patients with cN0 necks seen over a 14-year period. Data were collected prospectively, and a retrospective analysis was performed of 41 patients with early stage oral squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and a cN0 neck. Sentinel lymph node (SLN)-positive patients underwent elective neck dissection, whereas SLN-negative patients were kept under careful observation. Seven of the 41 (17%) patients enrolled in the study were found to have occult metastases. The patients were followed up for a mean duration of 92 months (range 60-144 months). The neck recurrence rate for SLN-positive patients was 0% and for SLN-negative patients was 3%. The authors recommend the routine use of SLNB in patients with early stage oral squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and a cN0 neck. Furthermore, special focus should be placed on isolated tumour cells, as their presence is of high clinical relevance.

Radiotherapy-induced anti-tumor immune response and immune-related adverse events in a case of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a challenging clinical problem. We report the case of a 46 year old male showing excellent response and signs of immunostimulation following re-re-irradiation for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma under systemic treatment with pembrolizumab. CASE PRESENTATION: Patient was first diagnosed with locoregionally advanced, non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma in 2010. After achieving complete remission following induction chemotherapy and concurrent curative chemoradiation, the patient subsequently developed distant and locoregionally recurrent disease. He received various treatments (neck dissection, radiotherapy to a bony metastasis, palliative chemotherapy, stereotactic re-irradiation of local recurrence) before initiation of anti- PD-1 immunotherapy with pembrolizumab in January of 2016. Following marked local progression 6 months thereafter, we performed re-re-irradiation of the recurrent tumor after careful evaluation and treatment planning. While treatment was well tolerated, the patient subsequently developed marked clinical and radiological signs of immunostimulation with mucosal irritation and swelling of lacrimal and salivary glands as described in the report. Immunotherapy with pembrolizumab was reinitiated, with re- staging showing excellent response with regression of all tumorous lesions. At the time of this report, following near complete recovery of inflammatory symptoms, the patient remains in excellent condition and free from recurrence under treatment with pembrolizumab. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, we report the first observation of a combined effect of immunotherapy and radiotherapy in a patient with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Demonstrating distinct signs of immunostimulation as well as excellent tumor response in a heavily pretreated patient progressing under anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, the case adds to the rising paradigm of an immunostimulatory effect of radiotherapy in patients undergoing treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

PD-L1 is a positive prognostic factor in squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule.

BACKGROUND: Aim was to analyse the role of PD-L1 in squamous cell carcinomas of the nasal vestibule. Advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule is a highly aggressive tumour. The role of PD-L1 expression is unclear in this tumour type. METHODOLOGY: Forty-six patients diagnosed between 1995 and 2014 were analyzed. Baseline characteristics and outcome were correlated to immunohistochemical staining of PD-L1. PD-L1 positivity of tumour cells and tumour infiltrating immune cells (TIIC) was defined by any staining of more than 1% of the tumour cells. RESULTS: PD-L1 expression was interpretable in 31 of 46 patients (67.4%). PD-L1 positivity was present in 14 (45.2%) patients tumour cells and 17 (54.8%) patients TIIC. PD-L1 positivity of tumour cells was associated with a favourable disease free survival (p=0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Positivity for PD-L1 in tumour cells is a prognostic factor in squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule and might enable a patient-tailored treatment.

Benefit of 18F-fluorocholine PET imaging in parathyroid surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the additional diagnostic value of 18F-fluorocholine PET imaging in preoperative localization of pathologic parathyroid glands in clinically manifest hyperparathyroidism in case of negative or conflicting ultrasound and scintigraphy results. METHODS: A retrospective, single-institution study of 26 patients diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism. In cases where ultrasound and scintigraphy failed to detect the location of an adenoma in order to allow a focused surgical approach, an additional 18F-fluorocholine PET scan was performed and its results were compared with the intraoperative findings. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients underwent 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT (n = 11) or PET/MRI (n = 15). Adenomas were detected in 25 patients (96.2%). All patients underwent surgery, and the location predicted by PET hybrid imaging was confirmed intraoperatively by frozen section and adequate parathyroid hormone drop after removal. None of the patients needed revision surgery during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that 18F-fluorocholine PET imaging is a highly accurate method to detect parathyroid adenomas even in case of previous localization failure by other imaging examinations. KEY POINTS: • With 18 F-fluorocholine PET imaging, parathyroid adenomas could be detected in 96.2%. • 18 F-fluorocholine imaging is a highly accurate method to detect parathyroid adenomas. • We encourage its use, where ultrasound fails to detect an adenoma.

Multi-slice SPECT/CT vs. lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative gamma ray probe for sentinel node mapping in HNSCC.

To assess the diagnostic potential of multi-slice single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for preoperative sentinel node (SN) mapping in early stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Retrospective case-control study including data of consecutive HNSCC patients treated between November 2011 and December 2015. The diagnostic accuracy of multi-slice SPECT/CT was assessed with regard to the gold standard intraoperative gamma ray detection probe, using McNemar's test and calculating the area under the ROC curve. Additionally, the hot spot yield of SPECT/CT and planar lymphoscintigraphy (LS) was compared. Compared to the intraoperative gold standard, SPECT/CT showed an overall positive predictive value of 60.3% [confidence interval (CI) 46.6-73.0%)], a negative predictive value of 96.3% (CI 93.6-98.1%), and an accuracy of 90.8% (CI 89.1-92.4%). SPECT/CT detected more hot spots than LS and provided detailed anatomical information as well as relevant additional findings with potential impact on further patient management. Sentinel lymph node biopsy proved to be a reliable and safe procedure with an excellent SN excision rate (97%). Multi-slice SPECT/CT is a highly accurate diagnostic test and matches the gold standard intraoperative gamma ray detection probe.

Pneumo-thorax/mediastinum/(retro)peritoneum/ scrotum - a full house of complications following JET ventilation.

We present a patient who presented to our clinic with airway obstruction secondary to oropharygeal cancer. He underwent emergent tracheostomy with JET ventilation, the latter resulting in a "full house" of barotraumatic complications including pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum and pneumo-scrotum. Free air, while sometimes dramatic as in our case, need not always be a cause for alarm and can often be managed expectantly. Our patient was treated with only a chest drain and otherwise made an uneventful recovery.

Extending the limits of reconstructive microsurgery in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Population aging strongly affects the demographic development of industrialized countries. While microsurgical procedures were initially believed to be only feasible in patients of younger age because of the duration of the surgical procedure and the higher risk of vascular insufficiency due to age-related comorbidities, it has become evident that these procedures are beneficial even for patients at an advanced age. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated microsurgical procedures in a patient cohort (n = 25 with 27 free flaps) with a minimum age of 78 years with regard to patients' characteristics, flap survival, and postoperative surgical and medical complications. RESULTS: Median age was 81 years (IQR 6). Most defects were located in the head and neck region. The mean operation time was 384 min (standard deviation (SD) 131). Flap failure was observed in three cases (11%). The median length of hospital stay was 17 days (interquartile range (IQR) 8). The mean ASA score was 2.48. Patients' age and ASA group did not correlate. The mortality rate was 4%. Postoperative surgical complications were observed in 11 cases (41%), while 19 patients (70%) showed one or more medical complications. Higher ASA classes tended to show more postoperative complications. However, neither age nor operating time nor ASA status showed significant influence on the occurrence of postoperative medical or surgical complications. CONCLUSION: There is growing demand for structural and functional restoration using free tissue transfer in an aging population. If there are no alternative treatment options available promising similar structural and functional preservation, free tissue transfer is justifiably in very old patients despite a potentially increased flap failure. As such, free tissue transfer is used as a curative treatment concept aiming at a maximum of patients' independence and early ambulation. Occurrence of complications can be diminished by adequate patient selection and thorough perioperative care.

No benefit for regional control and survival by planned neck dissection in primary irradiated oropharyngeal cancer irrespective of p16 expression.

The aim of the study was to assess regional control and survival in primary irradiated oropharyngeal cancer patients with advanced neck disease (≥cN2a) receiving planned neck dissection (PND) irrespective of the nodal response compared to salvage neck dissection (SND) in case of regional persistence or reccurence in relation to tumoral p16 overexpression. 96 consecutive patients treated at the University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland were included. Tissue microarray-based scoring of p16 expression was obtained. 5 years overall (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) in the PND and SND cohort were 70 vs. 57 % (p = 0.20) and 80 vs. 65 % (p = 0.14), respectively. Regional control in PND and SND achieved 95 vs. 87 % (p = 0.29), respectively. There was no statistically significant impact of neck treatment (PND vs. SND) on regional control or survival among patients with p16-negative tumors (5 years OS 59 vs. 50 %, p = 0.66; 5 years DSS 59 vs. 57 %, p = 0.89) nor among patients with p16-positive tumors (5 years OS 84 vs. 67 %, p = 0.21; 5 years DSS 95 vs. 81 %, p = 0.24). The type of neck dissection after primary intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) had no impact on regional control and survival even in human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated disease. Therefore we are convinced that based on the accuracy of newer diagnostic modalities the surveillance of a radiologically negative neck after primary chemoradiation (CRT) is oncologically safe irrespective of p16 expression of the tumor.

Quantification of material loss from the neck piece taper junctions of a bimodular primary hip prosthesis. A retrieval study from 27 failed Rejuvenate bimodular hip arthroplasties.

The early failure and revision of bimodular primary total hip arthroplasty prostheses requires the identification of the risk factors for material loss and wear at the taper junctions through taper wear analysis. Deviations in taper geometries between revised and pristine modular neck tapers were determined using high resolution tactile measurements. A new algorithm was developed and validated to allow the quantitative analysis of material loss, complementing the standard visual inspection currently used. The algorithm was applied to a sample of 27 retrievals (in situ from 2.9 to 38.1 months) of the withdrawn Rejuvenate modular prosthesis. The mean wear volumes on the flat distal neck piece taper was 3.35 mm(3) (0.55 to 7.57), mainly occurring in a characteristic pattern in areas with high mechanical loading. Wear volume tended to increase with time to revision (r² = 0.423, p = 0.001). Implant and patient specific data (offset, stem size, patient's mass, age and body mass index) did not correlate with the amount of material loss observed (p > 0.078). Bilaterally revised implants showed higher amounts of combined total material loss and similar wear patterns on both sides. The consistent wear pattern found in this study has not been reported previously, suggesting that the device design and materials are associated with the failure of this prosthesis.

Multilocular sinonasal malignant melanoma: a poor prognostic subgroup?

Clinical observations show that two subtypes of sinonasal malignant melanoma exist: uni- and multilocular melanoma. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence and outcome of multilocular sinonasal malignant melanoma. All patients with sinonasal malignant melanoma treated at our institution between 1992 and 2011 were included. Survival and recurrence data were analyzed related to the distribution pattern of the tumors and other factors. Twenty-five patients were identified and included in the analysis. Seven patients (28 %) suffered from multilocular, the remaining 18 patients (72 %) from unilocular sinonasal malignant melanoma. The first group showed a significantly worse disease-free survival, whereas disease-specific and overall survival did not differ between the two subtypes. Multilocular sinonasal malignant melanoma is associated with an unfavorable disease-free survival compared to its unilocular counterpart.

[Substance abuse and pregnancy from an obstetric point of view]. / Schwangerenbetreuung bei Drogenkonsum.

INTRODUCTION: In Germany we find about 2 000 newborns per year with a mother misusing drugs. It is to be feared that there is a substantial amount of underreported substance abuse in pregnant women. To care for these pregnancies from an obstetric point of view as well as from an addiction treatment point of view is a challenge for all health-care professionals, due to multiple drugs being used and the special psychosocial and health issues these mothers and babies -present. METHOD: A selective search was undertaken in Pubmed, retrieving reviews and original articles from 2001-2013, with consideration of statements, recommendations and guidelines from national and international associations and committees on the topic. This review is intended to assist gynaecologists, obstetricians and paediatricians during the complex peripartum care for the drug abusing pregnant patient. RESULTS: When offering obstetric care for these pregnancies, several issues have to be taken into account: the special psychological situation of the pregnant drug user, with frequent occurrence of psychiatric comorbidities like depression and anxiety disorders, as well as gynaecological complications like premature labour, intrauterine growth restriction and maternal infectious diseases. The pharmacological complexity of the substances abused and the possible side-effects on the foetus have to be explained to the mother. Maintenance medication for foetomaternal risk reduction and maternal stabilisation remains the state-of-the-art treatment. Furthermore, it is important to explain the neonatal abstinence syndrome to the mother as well as the result of breast-feeding in the presence of smoking and/or infectious diseases. DISCUSSION: Professionalism and empathy are needed from gynaecologists in order to achieve risk reduction for mother and child in substance-using pregnancies. However, in spite of close cooperation of all health-care professionals and avoidance of stigma, it will be difficult to offer good obstetric care to the high-risk patients with poly-drug abuse.

Development of a dynamic model for ventral hernia mesh repair.

INTRODUCTION: The adequate way of mesh fixation in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is still subject to debate. So far, simulation has only been carried out in a static way, thereby omitting dynamic effects of coughing or vomiting. We developed a dynamic model of the anterior abdominal wall. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An aluminium cylinder was equipped with a pressure controlled, fluid-filled plastic bag, simulating the abdominal viscera. A computer-controlled system allowed the control of influx and efflux, thus creating pressure peaks of up to 200 mmHg to simulate coughing and 290 mmHg to simulate vomiting. We tested fixation with tacks (Absorbatack, Covidien Deutschland, Neustadt a. D., Germany). The model was controlled for the friction coefficient of the tissue against the mesh and the physiologic elasticity of the abdominal wall surrogate. RESULTS: The model was able to create pressure peaks equivalent to physiologic coughs or vomiting. Physiologic elasticity was thereby maintained. We could show that the friction coefficient is crucial to achieve a physiologic situation. The meshes showed a tendency to dislocate with an increasing number of coughs (Fig. 4). Nevertheless, when applied in a plain manner, the meshes withstood more cough cycles than when applied with a bulge as in laparoscopic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The dynamic movement of the abdominal wall, the friction between tissue and mesh and the way of mesh application are crucial factors that have to be controlled for in simulation of ventral abdominal hernia closure. We could demonstrate that patient specific factors such as the frequency of coughing as well as the application technique influence the long term stability of the mesh.

Individualized IMRT treatment approach for cervical lymph node metastases of unknown primary.

PURPOSE: The goal of the present study was to evaluate the outcome of risk-adapted planning treatment volumes (PTVs) in patients with cervical lymph node metastases of unknown primary cancer (UPC) treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). PATIENTS AND MATERIAL: Between January 2006 and November 2012, 28 patients with cervical lymph node metastases of UPC were treated in our institution with IMRT either postoperatively (n = 20) or as definitive treatment (n = 8). Nodal involvement distributed as follows: N1 (n = 2), N2a (8), N2b (10), N2c (4), and N3 (4). Systemic therapy with cisplatin or cetuximab was added concomitantly in 20 of 28 patients (71 %). Radiotherapy using simultaneously integrated boost (SIB-IMRT) was carried out with 2.0 or 2.11 Gy single doses up to 66/70 Gy. RESULTS: Mean/median follow-up was 31.6/30.5 months (range 3-78 months). In all, 15 of 28 patients were treated with unilateral SIB-IMRT (54 %). An elective PTV to the contralateral oropharynx and contralateral level II-III lymph nodes was carried out in 8 patients with PET-CT suspected but not histologically proven involvement, recurrences or former tumor of the oropharynx. More extended treatment fields were reserved for patients with N2c or bilaterally N3 status (n = 5). The 3-year overall survival, mucosal control, neck control and distant metastasis-free survival rates were 76, 100, 93, and 88 %, respectively. No patient suffered from a locoregional recurrence. Two patients treated with radiotherapy alone had persistent nodal disease. No grade II or higher late sequel has been observed. CONCLUSION: Our single center approach to treat patients with cervical lymph node metastases of UPC with individualized, risk-adapted SIB-IMRT resulted in high locoregional tumor control and was well tolerated.

Cervical emphysema: an unusual presentation of laryngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory decompensation can occur on a background of slowly progressive airway compromise, for example in laryngeal squamous cell cancer. Surgeons in ENT, together with anaesthetists, are often asked to evaluate airway risk and as yet there is no widely adopted standardised approach. CASE REPORT: This paper reports the case of an 82-year-old male, who presented with acute airway compromise due to both endolaryngeal obstruction from a squamous cell cancer and extralaryngeal compression from massive subcutaneous emphysema. RESULTS: Primary total laryngectomy was performed, but the patient declined adjuvant radiotherapy. He died a year later from a heart attack without evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of acute airway compromise from extralaryngeal subcutaneous emphysema secondary to laryngeal cancer. Options for acute airway management are discussed.

[Total thyroidectomy in patients with amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism: when does the risk of conservative treatment exceed the risk of surgery?]. / Totale Thyreoidektomie bei amiodaroninduzierter Hyperthyreose: Wann übersteigt das Risiko der konservativen Therapie das Risiko der chirurgischen Behandlung?

Amiodarone plays a pivotal role in the treatment of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. However, amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism (AIH) is one of the most feared complications, which necessitates interdisciplinary treatment and careful balancing of the risks of conservative treatment against those of total thyroidectomy. In this article we discuss the pharmacological aspects of amiodarone and its diverse effects on the thyroid. Furthermore, we present diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and report our positive experiences with total thyroidectomy in patients with AIH. Particularly in patients for whom continuation of amiodarone treatment is compulsory, a well-timed total thyroidectomy is a reliable therapeutic option, with minimal complication rates and immediate amelioration of symptoms.