[Anatomical characteristics of the superficial temporal venous system and implications in microsurgery]. / Caractéristiques anatomiques du système veineux temporal superficiel et implications en microchirurgie.

INTRODUCTION: The superficial temporal vessels remain underused in microsurgery, the superficial temporal vein (STV) being reported as inconstant. The aim of this study was to precise the anatomical characteristics of the superficial temporal venous system by means of a cadaveric anatomical study and a doppler-ultrasound study on healthy subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to study the anatomical variations of the STV and its different branches in the temporo-parietal area, 10 hemifaces of bodies donated to science were injected with latex and dissected. A doppler-ultrasound study of the superficial temporal venous system was also performed on 10 healthy subjects in order to assess the median diameter of the STV. RESULTS: A common temporo-parietal trunk was found on all the bodies dissected, with a mean number of 1,6 [1-3] venous affluents. The STV preceded systematically the superficial temporal artery (STA) in the pre-auricular area. The arterio-venous relationships were in contrast highly variable above that area. The diameter of the STV presented major interindividual variations, with a median diameter of 1,3mm [0,5-2]. CONCLUSION: The superficial temporal vessels can be easily identified in the pre-auricular area. With a mean harvestable length of 6,5cm and a mean diameter of 1,3mm, the parietal branch of the STV presents a caliber sufficient for the realization of the anastomoses.

The immune microenvironment of HPV-negative oral squamous cell carcinoma from never-smokers and never-drinkers patients suggests higher clinical benefit of IDO1 and PD1/PD-L1 blockade.

BACKGROUND: Never-smokers and never-drinkers patients (NSND) suffering from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are epidemiologically different from smokers drinkers (SD). We therefore hypothesized that they harbored distinct targetable molecular alterations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) (discovery set), Gene Expression Omnibus and Centre Léon Bérard (CLB) (three validation sets) with available gene expression profiles of HPV-negative OSCC from NSND and SD were mined. Protein expression profiles and genomic alterations were also analyzed from TCGA, and a functional pathway enrichment analysis was carried out. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from 44 OSCC including 20 NSND and 24 SD treated at CLB were retrospectively collected to perform targeted-sequencing of 2559 transcripts (HTG EdgeSeq system), and CD3, CD4, CD8, IDO1, and PD-L1 expression analyses by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Enrichment of a six-gene interferon-γ signature of clinical response to pembrozulimab (PD-1 inhibitor) was evaluated in each sample from all cohorts, using the single sample gene set enrichment analysis method. RESULTS: A total of 854 genes and 29 proteins were found to be differentially expressed between NSND and SD in TCGA. Functional pathway analysis highlighted an overall enrichment for immune-related pathways in OSCC from NSND, especially involving T-cell activation. Interferon-γ response and PD1 signaling were strongly enriched in NSND. IDO1 and PD-L1 were overexpressed and the score of response to pembrolizumab was higher in NSND than in SD, although the mutational load was lower in NSND. IHC analyses in the CLB cohort evidenced IDO1 and PD-L1 overexpression in tumor cells that was associated with a higher rate of tumor-infiltrating T-cells in NSND compared with SD. CONCLUSION: The main biological and actionable difference between OSCC from NSND and SD lies in the immune microenvironment, suggesting a higher clinical benefit of PD-L1 and IDO1 inhibition in OSCC from NSND.

[Patient with homozygous sickle cell disease and free flap surgery: Ensuring the success of the procedure]. / Drépanocytose homozygote et nécessité d'une réparation par lambeau libre : comment assurer la réussite du projet thérapeutique.

Sickle cell anaemia is rare in France but frequent in Africa, leading to rigid, sickle-like shape red blood cells which bind together blocking microcirculation under certain circumstances. The vaso-occlusive crisis is the most frequent clinical manifestation especially in case of homozygous disease. Sickle cells disease is therefore usually considerated as a contraindication to microsurgery, however sometimes, a free flap procedure is mandatory. We here report the case of a 47-year-old man suffering with homozygous sickle cell anaemia and needing an antebrachial free flap procedure for a tongue reconstruction. The postoperative course was unremarkable apart from a delayed healing which is common in this particular localization. A review of the litterature allows to list the precautions to be taken to ensure a microsurgical procedure with this medical background. The preoperative examination has to assess usual sickle cell disease comorbidities such as kidney failure, heart failure or pulmonary hypertension. All the events leading to either low output syndrome, hypoxia, hypothermia, or a stress caused by uncontrolled pain should be avoided per- and postoperatively. With an optimum medical care, microsurgery is possible even in patients suffering with sickle cells anaemia. This case is rare in France but will become frequent in Africa with the improvement of the healthcare system, allowing to give all patients the best medical care.

Laryngeal graft after total laryngectomy in humans: A SWiM analysis.

Evaluation of the results of laryngeal transplantation (LT) in humans. Analysis of 3 bibliographic databases with the keywords "larynx, transplantation, autograft". In total, 626 abstracts were read and 25 articles selected. The main objective was to analyze the characteristics of laryngeal transplant patients. The accessory objectives comprised analysis of operative technique, immunosuppressive treatment and results. Four articles were selected for analysis. Two patients were transplanted after total laryngectomy for laryngeal carcinoma and 2 after laryngeal trauma. Three of the 4 patients had true transplantation with arterial, venous and neural microanastomosis. Two patients were decannulated and the tracheostomy tube was maintained in the other 2. Three of the 4 patients had good-quality phonation and could feed without a gastric tube. One patient died of carcinoma progression and 1 patient had to be explanted 14 years after transplantation. The number of LTs reported is too small for scientific determination of the place of this intervention in laryngology. The published results could, at first sight, suggest that the future of LT is uncertain. However, several elements, also suggest that otolaryngologists should continue to take an interest in this technique.

Observational study of the long-term impact of donor-site sequelae after head and neck reconstruction by free anterolateral thigh flap.

OBJECTIVE: Free anterolateral thigh flap has many applications in head and neck reconstruction surgery. The aims of the present study were: (1) to assess functional and esthetic sequelae of harvesting for oncologic purposes; and (2) to assess long-term impact of harvesting on quality of life according to patient and to physician. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients undergoing reconstruction by free anterolateral thigh flap following oncologic head and neck surgery were assessed by questionnaire at>6 months postoperatively. Donor site sequelae were assessed in consultation. Harvesting impact was assessed on 5-point Likert scales by patient and by surgeon. RESULTS: Thirty nine percent of patients showed≥1 sequelae. Donor site sequela impact on sport, daily living and work was assessed by patients as none or mild in 94%, 98% and 100% of cases, respectively. Sixty-one percent of patients and 58.5% of surgeons considered scar esthetics to be discreet or very discreet. CONCLUSION: Morbidity related to anterolateral thigh flap harvesting was low, and functional sequelae at the donor site were well tolerated. The scar was only moderately satisfactory, but could easily be hidden.

Reverse blood flow in cervicofacial veins after venous ligations: Potential implications in microsurgery.

INTRODUCTION: The consequences on the cervicofacial venous circulation of major cervicofacial vein ligations are poorly known. We aimed to highlight by using Doppler Ultrasound flow differences in the cervicofacial venous network in the case of unilateral or bilateral ligation of main venous collector trunks (external jugular vein [EJV] and internal jugular vein [IJV]) METHODS: A Doppler ultrasound was performed on 10 healthy volunteers, 8 patients with previous bilateral ligation of the EJV, 8 with a unilateral ligation of the EJV, and 8 with a unilateral ligation of the EJV and IJV, after modified radical neck dissection. The diameter, the flow direction and the peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the superficial temporal vein, the facial vein (FV) and the IJV were measured. RESULTS: Healthy patients had a similar right and left PSV for all the veins studied, with always antegrade flows. Patients with previous ligations had some significant right/left differences and retrograde flows. CONCLUSION: A redistribution of venous blood flow on the contralateral side of the face and neck seems to take place in the case of unilateral ligation of the EJV and/or IJV. Retrograde flows are sometimes observed in the case of previous ligation of the EJV and/or IJV and might compromise the success of venous microanastomoses.

[Impact of reconstructive or minimal invasive surgery on the assessment of current definitions of postoperative clinical target volume for head and neck cancers]. / Impact de la chirurgie reconstructrice avec lambeaux et de la chirurgie mini-invasive sur la définition du volume cible anatomoclinique des cancers de la sphère ORL.

Advances in the reconstructive surgery and minimally invasive endonasal endoscopic surgery of head and neck is poorly evaluated in terms of their impact on radiotherapy planning and outcomes. These surgical advances have resulted in reduced morbidity with equivalent or better tumor control. In the absence of a recommendation on how to delineate target volumes in patients with flaps or to consider margins after endoscopic endonasal surgery, radiotherapy practices are inevitably heterogeneous. Efforts are needed to increase the therapeutic index of postoperative radiotherapy in these situations. We analysed the rare existing literature and outlined a preliminary basis for a recommendation. Strengthening of multidisciplinarity to accurately define target volumes in these complex and relatively new situations, and "delineation concertation meetings" between radiologists, surgeons and radiation oncologists could probably contribute to improved outcomes.

Abdominoplasty after major weight loss: improvement of quality of life and psychological status.

Abdominoplasty provides a reconstructive but rarely aesthetic cosmetic solution after major weight loss. Few articles document quality of life (QOL) issues and the psychological impact of abdominoplasty on obese patients. We report a retrospective study of 41 abdominoplasties performed after an average weight loss of 40.2 kg. Data were obtained through review of patient medical files, double-blind surgical and psychological examinations, and two specifically designated questionnaires used to assess pre-abdominoplasty body perception and QOL, post-body contouring perception of improvement, and psychological status. To date, 14 patients have regained >10 kg; 84.6% have improved QOL; 86.5% have improved psychological status; 74% have better sexual relations; 53.9% admit liking their body; 76.9% are satisfied with the results of abdominoplasty; and 96.1% would be willing to undergo abdominoplasty again. Anterior dermolipectomy improves both QOL and psychological status. Provision of patient education, multidisciplinary management, and long-term follow up are necessary to obtain satisfactory results.

Day-care unit for rigid panendoscopy of the upper aerodigestive tract: A study of 436 procedures.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the role of day-care management of upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) panendoscopy and to study criteria for conventional hospital admission and reasons for conversion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study, from January 2011 to May 2013. Inclusion criteria UADT panendoscopy for carcinoma assessment. Study variables, age, gender, tumor location, reason for panendoscopy, TNM stage, previous external radiotherapy, home-to-hospital distance and Apfel, Detsky and ASA scores. A day-care and a conventional admission group were compared using Fisher's test for ASA score, student's test for age and Pearson's chi2 test for the other variables. RESULTS: Four hundred and thirty-six panendoscopies were performed: 252 in day-care, including 4 cases of conversion and 184 with conventional admission. There were no significant differences between groups for age, gender, tumor location, TNM stage, reason for panendoscopy, previous external radiotherapy, home-to-hospital distance or Apfel score. A significant difference was observed for ASA score (P<0.0001) and Detsky score (P=0.03). In 39% of cases, the reason for hospital admission without criteria defined by the French Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine (SFAR) and French Health Authority (HAS) was the patient's refusal of day care. In 10% of conventional admissions, day-care was not implemented because of psychosocial factors. CONCLUSION: Day-care management is appropriate for UADT panendoscopy in selected patients. The reasons for the high rate of patient refusal should be studied.

French Society of ENT (SFORL) guidelines for care pathway organization in head and neck oncology (short version). Early management of head and neck cancer.

Early management in oncology is based on coordination and high-quality exchange between the various health-care partners. The present guidelines are based on a literature search with levels of evidence. Treatment waiting time can be optimized by performing assessment as early as possible (Expert opinion), to limit the interval (ideally, less than 4 weeks) between first consultation and data collection. In the first specialist consultation, diagnostic work-up should be scheduled and the data required for management should be determined (Grade B). Work-up may be conducted on a day-care basis or with conventional admission (Expert opinion). The patient's medico-social context should be taken into account from the outset, with social work involvement whenever necessary (Expert opinion). Pain and nutritional management should be planned for (Grade A) and realistic therapeutic education be provided (Expert opinion). Community-hospital teamwork for supportive care should be optimized (Expert opinion). Management should be early and multidisciplinary, to shorten delay between diagnosis and treatment initiation.

Guidelines (short version) of the French Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Society (SFORL) on patient pathway organization in ENT: The therapeutic decision-making process.

OBJECTIVES: The authors present the guidelines of the French Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Society (SFORL) for patient pathway organization in head and neck cancer, and in particular for multidisciplinary team meetings. The present article concerns the therapeutic decision-making process. METHODS: A multidisciplinary work group was entrusted with a review of the scientific literature on the above topic. Guidelines were drawn up, based on the articles retrieved and the group members' individual experience. They were then read over by an editorial group independent of the work group. The final version was established in a coordination meeting. The guidelines were graded as A, B, C or expert opinion, by decreasing level of evidence. RESULTS: It is recommended that: an organ specialist should contribute to all multidisciplinary meetings on head and neck cancer; all members of the multidisciplinary meeting should have specific knowledge in head and neck cancer; any referring physician who does not follow the multidisciplinary meeting's advice should justify that decision; there should be sufficient time to prepare, discuss and sum up the cases dealt with in the multidisciplinary team meeting.

[Lacrimal duct tumors: diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas]. / Tumeurs primitives des voies lacrymales: pièges diagnostiques et thérapeutiques.

INTRODUCTION: Fewer than 250 primary tumors of the lacrimal duct have been reported in the international literature. Because their signs and symptoms are nonspecific and usually subclinical, delayed diagnosis is common. Treatment for malignant epithelial tumors is surgical, with or without radiation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present study is a retrospective analysis of five patients with malignant lacrimal duct tumors. RESULTS: Three patients were diagnosed with carcinoma requiring wide en bloc surgical resection with surgical reconstruction. One underwent adjuvant radiation therapy. Another experienced simultaneous local and lymph node recurrence after 3 years and underwent curative surgery. Two additional patients were diagnosed with diffuse malignant large B-cell non-Hodgkins lymphoma. DISCUSSION: Early symptoms of lacrimal duct tumors are nonspecific and mimic acute dacryocystitis. Lacrimal system CT, MRI and rhinoscopy may allow for earlier diagnosis. Surgical treatment requires resection with wide margins and reconstruction of the medial canthal region. CONCLUSION: Only an early diagnosis can reduce the impairment related to surgery and the extent of the required reconstruction, as well as improve survival.

Management and outcome of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas in obese patients.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas are common lesions, related to chronic smoking and drinking behaviors. But in contrast to other cancers, effect of obesity on occurrence, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of these tumors remains to date unknown. This is a retrospective review of 111 obese patients (sex ratio=6.4, median age=54.5 year old), treated between 1999 and 2007. Risk factors, tumoral localization and staging (41% stage I-II) were the same as in general population. However, we found 26.1% difficult pan-endoscopies, 54% ACE-27 comorbidity scores ≥2 and 22.5% misstaged cervical lymphadenopathy. Treatment was based upon surgery (61%) or radiotherapy-chemotherapy (39%), and 37% of patients developed complications. Median follow up (38 months) and five-year overall survival (50%) are comparable to data in non obese patients. Although no direct relation between obesity and squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck was found, obesity causes problems in tumor assessment and increases surgical complications rate. However, final good therapeutic tolerance and overall survival rate show that these patients should be managed like normal weighted ones. Receiving optimal treatments allow them to anticipate equivalent outcome as in general population.

[Mandibular hemangiopericytoma, a malignant vascular tumor]. / L'hémangiopéricytome mandibulaire, une tumeur vasculaire maligne.

INTRODUCTION: Hemangiopericytoma is a rare tumor, arising from pericytes, which are perivascular cells belonging to the capillar walls. OBSERVATION: A 41 year old man consulted for a mandibular tumor. The clinical and radiographic diagnosis was difficult. The biopsy performed in the operative room led to an embolization decided in emergency, and proved the definitive diagnosis. Despite the embolization, bleeding during surgical excision of the tumor compelled us to perform an external carotid artery ligature. The mandibular reconstruction was performed using a trapezium osteo-muscular flap. DISCUSSION: As reported in the literature, the radiographic diagnosis of hemangiopericytoma is difficult, the malignant potential is variable and the recommended treatment is surgical excision.