ChatGPT performance in laryngology and head and neck surgery: a clinical case-series.

OBJECTIVES: To study the performance of ChatGPT in the management of laryngology and head and neck (LHN) cases. METHODS: History and clinical examination of patients consulting at the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery department were presented to ChatGPT, which was interrogated for differential diagnosis, management, and treatment. The ChatGPT performance was assessed by two blinded board-certified otolaryngologists using the following items of a composite score and the Ottawa Clinic Assessment Tool: differential diagnosis; additional examination; and treatment options. The complexity of clinical cases was evaluated with the Amsterdam Clinical Challenge Scale test. RESULTS: Forty clinical cases were submitted to ChatGPT, accounting for 14 (35%), 12 (30%), and 14 (35%) easy, moderate and difficult cases, respectively. ChatGPT indicated a significant higher number of additional examinations compared to practitioners (p = 0.001). There was a significant agreement between practitioners and ChatGPT for the indication of some common examinations (audiometry, ultrasonography, biopsy, gastrointestinal endoscopy or videofluoroscopy). ChatGPT never indicated some important additional examinations (PET-CT, voice quality assessment, or impedance-pH monitoring). ChatGPT reported highest performance in the proposition of the primary (90%) or the most plausible differential diagnoses (65%), and the therapeutic options (60-68%). The ChatGPT performance in the indication of additional examinations was lowest. CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT is a promising adjunctive tool in LHN practice, providing extensive documentation about disease-related additional examinations, differential diagnoses, and treatments. The ChatGPT is more efficient in diagnosis and treatment, rather than in the selection of the most adequate additional examination.

Accuracy of ChatGPT in head and neck oncological board decisions: preliminary findings.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the ChatGPT-4 performance in oncological board decisions. METHODS: Twenty medical records of patients with head and neck cancer were evaluated by ChatGPT-4 for additional examinations, management, and therapeutic approaches. The ChatGPT-4 propositions were assessed with the Artificial Intelligence Performance Instrument. The stability of ChatGPT-4 was evaluated through regenerated answers at 1-day interval. RESULTS: ChatGPT-4 provided adequate explanations for cTNM staging in 19 cases (95%). ChatGPT-4 proposed a significant higher number of additional examinations than practitioners (72 versus 103; p = 0.001). ChatGPT-4 indications of endoscopy-biopsy, HPV research, ultrasonography, and PET-CT were consistent with the oncological board decisions. The therapeutic propositions of ChatGPT-4 were accurate in 13 cases (65%). Most additional examination and primary treatment propositions were consistent throughout regenerated response process. CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT-4 may be an adjunctive theoretical tool in oncological board simple decisions.

Validity and reliability of an instrument evaluating the performance of intelligent chatbot: the Artificial Intelligence Performance Instrument (AIPI).

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Artificial Intelligence Performance Instrument (AIPI). METHODS: Medical records of patients consulting in otolaryngology were evaluated by physicians and ChatGPT for differential diagnosis, management, and treatment. The ChatGPT performance was rated twice using AIPI within a 7-day period to assess test-retest reliability. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's α. Internal validity was evaluated by comparing the AIPI scores of the clinical cases rated by ChatGPT and 2 blinded practitioners. Convergent validity was measured by comparing the AIPI score with a modified version of the Ottawa Clinical Assessment Tool (OCAT). Interrater reliability was assessed using Kendall's tau. RESULTS: Forty-five patients completed the evaluations (28 females). The AIPI Cronbach's alpha analysis suggested an adequate internal consistency (α = 0.754). The test-retest reliability was moderate-to-strong for items and the total score of AIPI (rs = 0.486, p = 0.001). The mean AIPI score of the senior otolaryngologist was significantly higher compared to the score of ChatGPT, supporting adequate internal validity (p = 0.001). Convergent validity reported a moderate and significant correlation between AIPI and modified OCAT (rs = 0.319; p = 0.044). The interrater reliability reported significant positive concordance between both otolaryngologists for the patient feature, diagnostic, additional examination, and treatment subscores as well as for the AIPI total score. CONCLUSIONS: AIPI is a valid and reliable instrument in assessing the performance of ChatGPT in ear, nose and throat conditions. Future studies are needed to investigate the usefulness of AIPI in medicine and surgery, and to evaluate the psychometric properties in these fields.

Can chatbots enhance the management of pediatric sialadenitis in clinical practice?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess how well ChatGPT, an AI-powered chatbot, performed in helping to manage pediatric sialadenitis and identify when sialendoscopy was necessary. METHODS: 49 clinical cases of pediatric sialadenitis were retrospectively reviewed. ChatGPT was given patient data, and it offered differential diagnoses, proposed further tests, and suggested treatments. The decisions made by the treating otolaryngologists were contrasted with the answers provided by ChatGPT. Analysis was done on ChatGPT response consistency and interrater reliability. RESULTS: ChatGPT showed 78.57% accuracy in primary diagnosis, and 17.35% of cases were considered likely. On the other hand, otolaryngologists recommended fewer further examinations than ChatGPT (111 vs. 60, p < 0.001). For additional exams, poor agreement was found between ChatGPT and otolaryngologists. Only 28.57% of cases received a pertinent and essential treatment plan via ChatGPT, indicating that the platform's treatment recommendations were frequently lacking. For treatment ratings, judges' interrater reliability was greatest (Kendall's tau = 0.824, p < 0.001). For the most part, ChatGPT's response constancy was high. CONCLUSIONS: Although ChatGPT has the potential to correctly diagnose pediatric sialadenitis, there are a number of noteworthy limitations with regard to its ability to suggest further testing and treatment regimens. Before widespread clinical use, more research and confirmation are required. To guarantee that chatbots are utilized properly and effectively to supplement human expertise rather than to replace it, a critical viewpoint is required.

Exploring the potential of Chat-GPT as a supportive tool for sialendoscopy clinical decision making and patient information support.

INTRODUCTION: Sialendoscopy has emerged in the last decades as a groundbreaking technique, offering a minimally invasive approach for exploring and managing salivary gland disorders. More recently, the advent of chatbots, powered by advanced natural processing language and artificial intelligence algorithms, has revolutionized the way healthcare professionals and patients access and analyze medical information and potentially will support soon the clinical decision-making process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional study was designed to assess the level of agreement between Chat-GPT and 10 expert sialendoscopists aiming the capabilities of Chat-GPT to further improve the management of salivary gland disorders. RESULTS: The mean level of agreement was 3.4 (SD: 0.69; Min: 2, Max: 4) for Chat-GPT's answers while it was 4.1 (SD: 0.56; Min: 3, Max: 5) for the group of EESS (p < 0.015). The overall Wilcoxon signed-rank test yielded a significance level of p < 0.026 when comparing the level of agreement between Chat-GPT and EESS. The mean number of therapeutic alternatives suggested by Chat-GPT was 3.33 (SD: 1.2; Min: 2, Max: 5), while it was 2.6 (SD: 0.51; Min: 2, Max: 3) for the group of EESS; p = 0.286 (95% CI - 0.385 to 1.320). CONCLUSION: Chat-GPT represents a promising tool in the clinical decision-making process within the salivary gland clinic, particularly for patients who are candidates for sialendoscopy treatment. Additionally, it serves as a valuable source of information for patients. However, further development is necessary to enhance the reliability of these tools and ensure their safety and optimal use in the clinical setting.

Prophylactic antibiotics in sialendoscopy: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Antibiotics have been prescribed routinely in sialendoscopy procedures to reduce the risk of postoperative infection, despite the limited evidence supporting this practice. Being necessary to assess the need for antibiotics in Sialendoscopy, aiming to provide evidence-based guidance to clinicians regarding antibiotic administration in this procedure. MATERIALS & METHOD: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial to evaluate the of prophylactic antibiotics in Sialendoscopy was designed. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients were included in this study, including 57 females (71.8%) and 23 males (28.8%). In terms of prophylaxis, 36 patients (45%) received prophylactic treatment, and 44 patients (55%) did not. The occurrence of infectious events was observed in 2 patients (5.6%) with prophylaxis and 4 patients (9.1%) without prophylaxis. However, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.556). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our prospective, randomized clinical trial aimed to address the debate regarding the use of prophylactic antibiotics in sialendoscopy. Our study's findings suggest that the routine use antibiotics may not be necessary to prevent postoperative infections in sialendoscopy procedures. These results have important implications for clinical practice, potentially reducing the unnecessary use of antibiotics and addressing concerns related to antibiotic resistance and adverse drug reactions.

Is generative pre-trained transformer artificial intelligence (Chat-GPT) a reliable tool for guidelines synthesis? A preliminary evaluation for biologic CRSwNP therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Biologic therapies for Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) have emerged as an auspicious treatment alternative. However, the ideal patient population, dosage, and treatment duration are yet to be well-defined. Moreover, biologic therapy has disadvantages, such as high costs and limited access. The proposal of a novel Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm offers an intriguing solution for optimizing decision-making protocols. METHODS: The AI algorithm was initially programmed to conduct a systematic literature review searching for the current primary guidelines on biologics' clinical efficacy and safety in treating CRSwNP. The review included a total of 12 studies: 6 systematic reviews, 4 expert consensus guidelines, and 2 surveys. Simultaneously, two independent human researchers conducted a literature search to compare the results. Subsequently, the AI was tasked to critically analyze the identified papers, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, thereby creating a decision-making algorithm and pyramid flow chart. RESULTS: The studies evaluated various biologics, including monoclonal antibodies targeting Interleukin-5 (IL-5), IL-4, IL-13, and Immunoglobulin E (IgE), assessing their effectiveness in different patient populations, such as those with comorbid asthma or refractory CRSwNP. Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-4 receptor alpha subunit, demonstrated significant improvement in nasal symptoms and quality of life in patients with CRSwNP in several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. Similarly, mepolizumab and reslizumab, which target IL-5, have also shown efficacy in reducing nasal polyp burden and improving symptoms in patients with CRSwNP, particularly those with comorbid asthma. However, additional studies are required to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of these biologics in treating CRSwNP. CONCLUSIONS: Biologic therapies have surfaced as a promising treatment option for patients with severe or refractory CRSwNP; however, the optimal patient population, dosage, and treatment duration are yet to be defined. The application of AI in decision-making protocols and the creation of therapeutic algorithms for biologic drug selection, could offer fascinating future prospects in the management of CRSwNP.

Chat GPT for the management of obstructive sleep apnea: do we have a polar star?

PURPOSE: This study explores the potential of the Chat-Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (Chat-GPT), a Large Language Model (LLM), in assisting healthcare professionals in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It aims to assess the agreement between Chat-GPT's responses and those of expert otolaryngologists, shedding light on the role of AI-generated content in medical decision-making. METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 350 otolaryngologists from 25 countries who responded to a specialized OSA survey. Chat-GPT was tasked with providing answers to the same survey questions. Responses were assessed by both super-experts and statistically analyzed for agreement. RESULTS: The study revealed that Chat-GPT and expert responses shared a common answer in over 75% of cases for individual questions. However, the overall consensus was achieved in only four questions. Super-expert assessments showed a moderate agreement level, with Chat-GPT scoring slightly lower than experts. Statistically, Chat-GPT's responses differed significantly from experts' opinions (p = 0.0009). Sub-analysis revealed areas of improvement for Chat-GPT, particularly in questions where super-experts rated its responses lower than expert consensus. CONCLUSIONS: Chat-GPT demonstrates potential as a valuable resource for OSA diagnosis, especially where access to specialists is limited. The study emphasizes the importance of AI-human collaboration, with Chat-GPT serving as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for medical professionals. This research contributes to the discourse in otolaryngology and encourages further exploration of AI-driven healthcare applications. While Chat-GPT exhibits a commendable level of consensus with expert responses, ongoing refinements in AI-based healthcare tools hold significant promise for the future of medicine, addressing the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of OSA and improving patient outcomes.

Validation of the Quality Analysis of Medical Artificial Intelligence (QAMAI) tool: a new tool to assess the quality of health information provided by AI platforms.

BACKGROUND: The widespread diffusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms is revolutionizing how health-related information is disseminated, thereby highlighting the need for tools to evaluate the quality of such information. This study aimed to propose and validate the Quality Assessment of Medical Artificial Intelligence (QAMAI), a tool specifically designed to assess the quality of health information provided by AI platforms. METHODS: The QAMAI tool has been developed by a panel of experts following guidelines for the development of new questionnaires. A total of 30 responses from ChatGPT4, addressing patient queries, theoretical questions, and clinical head and neck surgery scenarios were assessed by 27 reviewers from 25 academic centers worldwide. Construct validity, internal consistency, inter-rater and test-retest reliability were assessed to validate the tool. RESULTS: The validation was conducted on the basis of 792 assessments for the 30 responses given by ChatGPT4. The results of the exploratory factor analysis revealed a unidimensional structure of the QAMAI with a single factor comprising all the items that explained 51.1% of the variance with factor loadings ranging from 0.449 to 0.856. Overall internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.837). The Interclass Correlation Coefficient was 0.983 (95% CI 0.973-0.991; F (29,542) = 68.3; p < 0.001), indicating excellent reliability. Test-retest reliability analysis revealed a moderate-to-strong correlation with a Pearson's coefficient of 0.876 (95% CI 0.859-0.891; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The QAMAI tool demonstrated significant reliability and validity in assessing the quality of health information provided by AI platforms. Such a tool might become particularly important/useful for physicians as patients increasingly seek medical information on AI platforms.

International palate surgery questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: This international study aimed at determining current routine palate surgeries and surgical methods adopted by otolaryngologists who practice surgical management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: An international online survey was developed with the collaboration of the YO-IFOS (Young Otolaryngologists-International Federation of Otorhinolaryngological Societies) to assess the current routines in palatal procedures. The surgeons were asked 33 multiple-choice questions. RESULTS: A total of 141 sleep surgeons answered the questionnaire, of whom 27% were from Africa, 30% from Asia, 24% from Centre-South America, and 19% from Europe. According to otolaryngology surgical specialties, 51% were sleep surgeons, 31% general ENTs, 8% Rhinologists, 7% Head & Neck surgeons, 2% otologists, and 1% maxillofacial surgeons. Of the 141 respondents, 51% answered they were sleep specialists, whereas 49% were non-sleep specialists. According to specific medical degree, 38% were specialists, 33% were consultants, 25% were professors, and 4% were residents or trainees. CONCLUSION: This study gives an overview of the current surgical practice in OSA management in otolaryngology in different countries.

Current management of xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients.

Radiotherapy (RT) continues to play a key role in the management of head and neck cancer (HNC). Xerostomia remains a principal detriment to the quality of life (QoL) for 80 % of surviving patients receiving head and neck radiation. Radiation-induced injury to the salivary glands is dose-dependent, and thus efforts have been focused on decreasing radiation to the salivary glands. Decreased saliva production reduces both short-term and long-term quality of life in head and neck survivors by impacting on taste and contributing to dysphagia. Several radioprotective agents to the salivary gland have been investigated. Although not widely practiced, surgical transfer of the submandibular gland prior to RT is the mainstay of surgical options in preventing xerostomia. This review focuses on the strategies to improve xerostomia following radiation therapy in head and neck cancers.

Lymph node metastasis in level IIb in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a multicentric, longitudinal, retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, 70% of patients in Europe and the USA are affected by a p16 + , potentially HPV driven oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. However, despite the improved survival rate in this group, the quality-of-life remains low in cases which neck dissection took place. In this vein, in recent years, some surgeons have considered to avoid dissection of level IIB, proposing a supra-selective non-IIb neck dissection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, longitudinal, multicentric study was conducted, including patients with pathologically confirmed primary HPV + or HPV - OPSCC who went through surgical treatment for the primary lesion and neck dissection. RESULTS: 141 patients were included. Among them, 99 (70.2%) were male and 42 (29.8%) were female. The mean age was 62 ± 9 years (range 36-81). The most frequent anatomical location was the tonsil in 63 (44.7%) of patients. The most common approach was the classic transoral oropharyngectomy in 51 (36.2%) patients. Immunohistochemistry for p16 was positive in 62 (44%) patients. One-hundred and five (74.5%) patients received a unilateral ND, and a 36 (25.5%) a bilateral ND. Of those, a 12.8% (18/141) of patients were level IIb LN + . According to our results, level IIb ND should be considered in patients underwent therapeutic ND with positive LN metastasis in level IIa (OR = 9.83; 95% CI 3.463-27.917) or III (OR = 6.25; 95% CI 2.158-18.143), advanced (T3/T4) oropharyngeal primary tumors (OR = 3.38; 95% CI 1.366-8.405), and patients with ENE (OR = 6.56; 95% CI 2.182-19.770), regardless of p16 status. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, level IIb ND should be considered in patients who underwent therapeutic ND with positive LN metastasis in level IIa or III, advanced oropharyngeal primary tumors, and patients with ENE, independently of p16 status. Prospective data are necessary to definitively ensure the safety of omitting ipsilateral or contralateral level IIb ND in cN - patients with early stage disease.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps management in the biologic therapy era: an international YO-IFOS survey.

PURPOSE: To investigate the consistency between the international guidelines recommendations and worldwide standard practices regarding diagnostic work-up and follow-up strategies for managing patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) in the era of monoclonal antibodies. METHODS: A questionnaire developed by the Rhinology section of the Young Otolaryngologists of the International Federation of Oto-rhino-laryngological Societies (Yo-IFOS) included items regarding the management of CRSwNP patients, monoclonal prescription, surgical and follow-up procedures, awareness of biologicals availability, and other relevant clinical practices. The online survey was directed to otolaryngologists and distributed in Europe, North America, South America, and the Middle East through otolaryngological and/or rhinological societies. RESULTS: A total of 202 responses were analyzed; the mean participants' age was 45 ± 11 (73% men and 27% women), and 31% were from the United States, Canada 19%, Europe 45%, Middle East and South America 5%. Only 60% of the respondents declared using validated symptoms and endoscopic score systems in their clinical practice. Several practice discrepancies emerged in our cohort, including preferred surgical approach, prescription of preoperative oral steroids, and perioperative antibiotics (59% and 58%, respectively), as well as divergent awareness levels of available biologics for CRSwNP worldwide. CONCLUSIONS: CRSwNP needs a complex and time-consuming assessment, according to the latest guidelines. There seems to be a gap between these recommendations and the real-world data, which should draw more attention to bringing them into uniform clinical practice in the near future.

Complications related to the Cook-Swartz implantable Doppler probe use in head and neck microvascular reconstruction: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Vascular perfusion research has been dedicated to identify inexpensive, effective, and easy to use methods to assess free flap perfusion for both buried and non-buried flaps. METHODS: Systematic review of complications in patients underwent Head and Neck microsurgical reconstruction and vascular implantable Doppler monitoring. RESULTS: Sixteen articles were included for qualitative analysis. 2535 (92.2%) patients received IDP monitorization. Venous thrombosis was the most common vascular complication effecting 28 (1.1%). Regarding complications potentially related to the use of the IDP, just one study described the presence of granuloma formation along the suture line in 2 (0.07%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that Cook-Swartz IDP will represents a safe and effective device for FF monitoring in HN reconstructive micro-surgery. A detailed prospective registration of the results and complications related to the use of IDP remains mandatory to precisely estimate results, cost, and complications.

Tissue augmentation treatment for periprosthetic leakage in patients who have undergone a total laryngectomy: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) is considered the gold standard for voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. One of the main causes of treatment failure, and a potentially serious complication, is the TEP enlargement and/or leakage around the voice prosthesis. The injection of biocompatible material to increase the volume of the puncture surrounding tissue has been studied as a popular option for conservative treatment of enlarged tracheoesophageal fistula. The aim of this paper was to perform a systematic review of the efficacy and safety of such treatment. DESINGN: Search conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Scielo and Web of Science and through the meta-searcher Trip Database based on Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. SETTINGS: Human experiments published in peer-reviewed journals, where investigators assessed the use of peri-fistular tissue augmentation for periprosthetic leakage were evaluated. PARTICIPANTS: Laryngectomized patients with voice prosthesis, presenting periprosthetik leak due to enlarged fistula. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: mean-duration without new leak. RESULTS: A total of 196 peri-fistular tissue augmentation procedures in 97 patients were found in the 15 selected articles. The 58.8% of patients had a time without periprosthetic leak after treatment of >6 months. The 88.7% of tissue augmentation treatments resulted in periprosthetic leakage cessation. The general level of evidence of the studies included in this review was low. CONCLUSIONS: Tissue augmentation treatment is a minimally invasive, biocompatible and safe solution that temporarily resolves periprosthetic leaks in many cases. There is no standard technique or material, and treatment needs to be individualised according to the experience of the practitioner and the characteristics of the patient. Future randomised studies are needed to confirm these results.

Transoral robotic cordectomy for glottic carcinoma: a rapid review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate feasibility, surgical, oncological, and functional outcomes of transoral robotic cordectomy (TORS-Co) and whether TORS-Co reported comparable outcomes of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM). METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched by three laryngologists for studies investigating feasibility, surgical, oncological, and functional outcomes of patients benefiting from TORS-Co. The following outcomes were investigated according to the PRISMA statements: age; cT stage; types of cordectomy; surgical settings; complications; and functional and feasibility features. RESULTS: Nine studies published between 2009 and 2021 met our inclusion criteria, accounting for 114 patients. There was no controlled study. TORS-Co was performed in cT1 or cT2 glottic cancer through types II, III, IV, V, or VI cordectomies. The exposure was inadequate in 4% of cases, leading to conversion in transoral laser cordectomy. Margins were positive in 4.5% and local recurrence occurred in 10.7% (N = 8/75). Tracheotomy and feeding tube requirement varied across studies, depending on the types of TORS-Co. The mean duration of robot installation/vocal cord exposure and operative times ranged from 20 to 42 min and 10 to 40 min, respectively. The mean duration of hospital stay ranged from 2 to 7 days. Complications included dyspnea, bleeding, granuloma, synechia, and tongue hematoma and dysesthesia. CONCLUSION: The current robotic systems do not appear adequate for TORS-Co. TORS-Co was associated with higher rates of complications and tracheotomy than TLM.

Epidemiological, clinical and oncological outcomes of young patients with laryngeal cancer: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate epidemiological, clinical and oncological outcomes of young patients with laryngeal cancer (LC). METHODS: PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library were searched by three researchers for studies investigating epidemiological, clinical and oncological outcomes of patients with age < 40 years old and LC. The following outcomes were investigated with PRISMA criteria: age; ethnicity; gender; tobacco/alcohol habits; anatomical, pathological, therapeutic and survival features. Authors performed a bias analysis of papers and provided recommendations for future studies. RESULTS: Seventeen papers published between 1982 and 2021 met our inclusion criteria, accounting for 928 patients with age < 40 years (female/male ratio: 2:5). There were on average 54.2 and 45.8% of smokers and drinkers. The tumor location mainly consisted of glottis (70.1%), supraglottis (27.7%) and subglottis (2.2%). Radiation therapy was the main therapeutic strategy used in young adults with LC. The 2-year overall survival ranged from 50 to 100% and depended on tumor stage, treatment, and cohort features. Four studies reported better overall survival in young compared with old adults, while there were no significant differences in three studies. There was an important heterogeneity between studies regarding the inclusion/exclusion criteria, epidemiological, clinical, pathological and treatment. CONCLUSION: It was suggested that young patients with LC had lower proportion of smokers and drinkers and better overall survival compared with older but both data of the current literature and heterogeneity between studies limit us to draw definitive conclusions.

Long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness of a magnet-based valve voice prosthesis for endoprosthesis leakage treatment.

PURPOSE: Tracheoesophageal speech is considered the gold standard for rehabilitation following total laryngectomy. The main reason of voice prosthesis failure is the endoprosthesis leakage. Provox ActiValve® incorporates a magnet-based valve system to achieve active closure of the valve to treat these leakages, with the drawback of being significantly more expensive. The aim of the study was to compare the Provox Vega® and Provox ActiValve® duration and costs in patients with replacements increase due to endoprosthetic leakage. METHODS: Prospective case-crossover study in laryngectomized patients with Provox Vega® and endoprosthesis leakage to whom a Provox ActiValve® was placed. Survival and possible factors that affect voice prosthesis were studied using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox Proportional Hazards Regression. Cost-effectiveness analysis from the perspective of the Spanish Public National Health System with incremental cost-effectiveness calculation was performed. RESULTS: A total of 159 prostheses were evaluated. The most frequent reason for replacement was the endoprosthesis leakage (N = 129; 83.77%) in both models. The mean duration-time of Provox Vega® was 44.77 ± 2.82 days (CI 95%, 39.18-50.35; median 36 days), and 317.34 ± 116.8 days (CI 95% 86.66-548; median 286 days) for the Provox ActiValve® (p < 0.000). For every replacement not made thanks to the Provox ActiValve® there was saving of 133.97€ CONCLUSIONS: The Provox ActiValve® is a cost-effective solution in patients with increased prosthesis replacements due to endoprosthetic leakage, reducing the number of changes and cost compared to Provox Vega®.

Proof-of-concept of a new FFP2 mask adapted to Otolaryngological practice in pandemic: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to appreciate the tolerance and convenience of a new FFP2 mask allowed the realization of nasal examination in period of pandemic. METHODS: Fifty-one patients were prospectively recruited from two European hospitals to test the FFP2 mask prototype. The following outcomes were evaluated in patients after the clinical examination: fear about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection; easiness of mask placement; tolerability; reassurance; and overall satisfaction about the use of this kind of mask in a pandemic context. Seven otolaryngologists evaluated the mask acceptance and usefulness in patients through a standardized physician-reported outcome questionnaire. RESULTS: Fifty patients completed the evaluation. There were 25 males and 25 females. The mean age of patients was 41 years. Ninety percent of patients considered that the use of the mask reduced the risk to be infected during the examination. Seventy percent of patients reported high or very high satisfaction and should recommend mask to other patients in pandemic period. The realization of nasal examination was easier with optic compared with flexible trans-nasal examination (p = 0.001), which significantly impacted the satisfaction level of physician (p = 0.001). The physician difficulty to perform the examination significantly impacted the satisfactory of patient (p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: The new bioserenity FFP2 mask allows the realization of the trans-nasal endoscopic examination during a pandemic. The use of this mask requires little training period of physician. The use of this mask prototype is well received by patients who reported better perception of self-protection against the virus.

Systematic review of international guidelines for head and neck oncology management in COVID-19 patients.

PURPOSE: The coronavirus pandemic has redefined the practice of head and neck surgeons in the management of oncology patients. Several countries have issued practice recommendations in that context. This review is a collaboration of the YO-IFOS (Young Otolaryngologists of the International Federation of Otolaryngological Societies) group in order to summarize, in a systematic way, all available guidelines and provide clear guidelines for the management of head and neck cancer patients in the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA statements. Inclusion criteria for the systematic review were based on the population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes according to (PICO) framework. The AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II) instrument was used to assess quality of all practice guidelines included in this review. RESULTS: Recommendations include adjustments regarding new patients' referral such as performing a pre-appointment triage and working in telemedicine when possible. Surgical prioritization must be adjusted in order to respect pandemic requirements. High-grade malignancies should, howeve,r not be delayed, due to potential serious consequences. Many head and neck interventions being aerosol-generating procedures, COVID-19 testing prior to a surgery and adequate PPE precautions are essential in operating rooms. CONCLUSION: These recommendations for head and neck oncology patients serve as a guide for physicians in the pandemic. Adjustments and updates are necessary as the pandemic evolves.