Pemphigus vulgaris antigen mRNA quantification for the staging of sentinel lymph nodes in head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: Molecular diagnosis has been proposed to enhance the intra-operative diagnosis of sentinel lymph node (SLN) invasion in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Although cytokeratin (CK) mRNA quantification with real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR (QRT-PCR) has produced encouraging results, the more discriminating markers remain to be identified. METHODS: Pemphigus vulgaris antigen (PVA), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA), and CK17 mRNA were quantified using QRT-PCR, and the results were compared with an extensive histopathological examination of the entire SLNs on 78 SLNs harvested from 22 patients with HNSCC. RESULTS: SCCA and CK17 quantification showed significantly higher mRNA values for macrometastases (MAs) than for either negative or isolated tumour cell (ITC) SLNs (P<0.01). Pemphigus vulgaris antigen allowed the discrimination of all MAs and micrometastases from both negative and ITC SLNs (P<0.001). For the neck staging of patients, considering metastatic vs non-metastatic status, receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis found areas under the curve of 93.8, 97.9, and 100% for CK17, SCCA, and PVA, respectively. With PVA, a cutoff value of 562 copies per 100 ng of cDNA permitted the correct distinction between patients with positive as opposed to negative neck nodes in all cases. CONCLUSION: PVA seems to be a highly promising marker for accurate intra-operative SLN staging in HNSCC by QRT-PCR.

COVID-19 and ENT Surgery.

In Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, clinical examination and invasive procedures on the respiratory tract and on airway-connected cavities, such as paranasal sinuses and the middle ear, expose people to direct transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by inhalation or ocular projection of contaminated droplets, and to indirect transmission by contact with contaminated hands, objects or surfaces. Estimating an R0 of COVID-19 at around 3 justified postponing non-urgent face-to-face consultations and expanding the use of teleconsultation in order to limit the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection of patients or health workers and comply with the lockdown. The health authority recommends cancellation of all medical or surgical activities, which are not urgent as long as this does not involve a loss of chance for the patient. The purpose of this cancellation is to significantly increase critical care capacity, prioritise the reception of patients with COVID-19, prioritise the allocation of staff and provision of the equipment necessary for their medical or surgical management, and contribute to the smooth running of downstream critical care within their establishment. Another goal is to reduce the risks of patient contamination within healthcare facilities. This document provides guidance on how to proceed with and adapt ENT surgery in the current pandemic context, as well as on the management of postponed operations. This best practice advice must of course be adapted in each region according to the development of the epidemic and pre-existing arrangements. Their local application can only be decided within the framework of collaboration between the ENT teams, the operational hygiene units and all the other specialties concerned.

[Study of the platysma coli muscle vascularisation by the facial artery. Implication during the elevation of the musculo-cutaneous platysma coli muscle flap]. / Etude de la vascularisation du muscle platysma coli par les branches de l'artère faciale. Implications lors du prélèvement du lambeau musculo-cutané de platysma coli.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to assess the vascularity of the platysma muscle by the branches of the facial artery, in order to determine the best means of harvesting a musculo-cutaneous flap while ensuring maximum vascular security. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten platysma muscles were dissected on 4 fresh specimens and one formaldehyde-preserved specimen. The dissection was performed after injection of the facial artery in 6 cases, while 4 muscles were dissected without any previous injection. RESULTS: The vascular supply of the platysma muscle comes essentially from the branches of the submental artery and from branches descending straight from the facial artery. Other collateral branches contribute to this vascularization, but their importance is minor. All these arteries reach the muscle, entering its visceral aspect, then proceed to the sternal notch in a radial axis. CONCLUSION: The size of the flap has to be defined within a quadrilateral figure with its base formed by the mandibular edge and its apex by the inferior limit of the flap. It is essential to preserve the maximum possible muscular thickness, especially on the medial side of the flap. If the facial artery needs to be ligated, this has to be done as it enters the submandibular space in order to protect most of the collateral branches destined to the muscle. The vascularization is then taken back by the homo- and contro-lateral facial vascularisation in an inverted flow in the remaining segment of the facial artery.

Drilling and control of the internal auditory canal by fixed endoscope.

Preservation of vestibular structures, particularly the posterior semicircular canal, is essential to ensure hearing preservation in addition to complete tumour resection during retrosigmoid surgical resection of a vestibular schwannoma. Drilling of the internal auditory canal (IAC) is a delicate step, during which these structures can be accidentally perforated. The orientation of the IAC results in the formation of poorly visible zones that can predispose to perforation of these structures when drilling is performed with a microscope. Hand-held endoscopy exposes all of the operative field, but immobilizes one of the surgeon's hands, making this surgery even more delicate. Fixed endoscopy is a solution that gives the surgeon greater freedom of movement, while ensuring precise control of the surgical procedure. It allows identification and avoidance of vestibular structures, while allowing resection as close as possible to the tumour. The schwannoma can be entirely cleaved when the fundus of the IAC is correctly controlled, while sparing the facial and cochlear nerves.

Use of P-values and the terms "significant", "non-significant" and "suggestive" in Abstracts in the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of P-values and the terms "significant", "non-significant" and "suggestive" in Abstracts in the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive articles accepted for publication during the period January 2016 - February 2019 were systematically reviewed. Main goal: descriptive analysis of the citation of P-values and use of the terms "significant", "non-significant" and "suggestive" in Abstracts. Secondary goal: analytic study of: (i) correlations between citation of a P-value and the main characteristics of authors and topics; and (ii) misuse of the terms "significant", "non-significant" and "suggestive" with respect to cited P-values, and correlations with author and topic characteristics. RESULTS: In all, 91 articles were included. P-values and the terms "significant", "non-significant" and "suggestive" were cited in 35.1%, 41.7%, 10.9% and 0% of Abstracts, respectively. Citing a P-value did not significantly correlate with author or topic characteristics. There were discrepancies between the terms "non-significant", "significant" and "suggestive" and P-values given in the body of the article in 57.1% of Abstracts, with 30.7% overestimation and 25.2% underestimation of results, without significant correlation with author or topic characteristics. CONCLUSION: Authors, editors and reviewers must pay particular attention to the spin resulting from inappropriate use of the terms "significant", "non-significant" and "suggestive" in Abstracts of articles submitted to the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Diseases, to improve the rigor, quality and value of the scientific message delivered to the reader.

Surgical management of carotid body tumors.

BACKGROUND: Carotid body tumors (CBT) should be considered when evaluating every lateral neck mass. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of 52 patients with 57 CBT. The surgical approach and complications were reviewed. All patients were operated on without preoperative embolization. RESULTS: Multifocal paraganglioma (PG) were detected in six cases. A succinate dehydrogenase subunit D (SDHD) mutation was discovered in four patients. Vascular peroperative complication occurred in one case. Vascular reconstruction was decided peroperatively in five cases (8.8%). Vascular reconstruction was 0% for Shamblin 1 or 2 tumors, but 28.5% for Shamblin 3. A postoperative nerve paresis was reported in 24 patients (42.1%) and vagal nerve paralysis persisted in four cases (7.01%). The rate of serious complications, e.g., permanent nerve palsy, preoperative and postoperative complications, was 14.03%; it was 2.3% for Shamblin 1 or 2 tumors and 35.7% for Shamblin 3. One patient had malignant PG with node metastasis and was not referred for radiotherapy. No recurrence or metastasis was reported after 6-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Early surgical treatment is recommended in almost all patients after preoperative evaluation and detection of multifocal tumors. Surgical excision of small tumors was safe and without complication, but resection of Shamblin 3 tumors can be challenging. Routine preoperative embolization of carotid body paragangliomas is not required.

Assessment and management of cervico-mediastinal goiter.

Cervico-mediastinal goiter is a particular entity from the point of view of thyroid surgery. Its volume, hardness and intrathoracic extension require the surgeon to adapt technique and perform a painstaking preoperative work-up, so as to draw up fully-fledged plan. CT is now indispensable, to anticipate risks and determine whether sternotomy is needed. Surgery seems to induce more postoperative complications than in conventional surgery, although they can be reduced by retrograde dissection of the inferior laryngeal nerve and downward dissection of the posterior side of the lobe to optimize control of adjacent structures. This surgery requires optimal teamwork between all of the specialties involved in patient management: medical, radiological, anesthesiological and surgical.

[The tumors of the ear]. / Les tumeurs de l'oreille.

Any cutaneous lesion of the outer ear must be managed jointly by a dermatologist and an ENT, regardless of the age of the patient. The presence of a malignant cutaneous carcinoma (Squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma) of the pavilion requires a minimum extension assessment by a cervical ultrasound, CT-scan and MRI will be prescribed according to the degree of infiltration and the presence of clinics signs (lymphadenopathy, facial paralysis, cognitive impairment). A polyp of the external auditory meatus must be systematically biopsied in consultation and, if necessary, in the operating room with fresh anatomopathological analysis. Any "otitis externa", which does not progress favorably under local treatment, must lead to eliminate a tumoral pathology of the external acoustic meatus or of the middle ear. Any suspicion of cholesteatoma should lead to an ENT consultation to confirm the diagnosis and consider its treatment to limit the auditory dysfunction. Any unilateral neurosensorial hearing loss or unilateral vestibular involvement with normal otoscopy should lead to eliminate a inner ear tumor by an MRI of the inner ear and the ponto-cerebellar angle in millimeter sections.

Tracheal rhinoscleroma.

INTRODUCTION: Tracheal rhinoscleroma is an infectious granulomatosis of the tracheobronchial tract caused by a Gram-negative bacillus. Exclusively tracheal involvement has been rarely reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to report a case of subglottic stenosis secondary to rhinoscleroma. SUMMARY: A 46-year-old North African woman with no medical or surgical history presented with inspiratory dyspnoea that had been present for several years. Endoscopic examination under general anaesthesia revealed tracheal stenosis. Histological examination of mucosal biopsies demonstrated Mikulicz cells and culture of bacteriological samples taken during a second biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of rhinoscleroma. CO2 laser subglottic obstruction relief was performed and treatment with ofloxacin was initiated. No recurrence of tracheal stenosis was observed with a follow-up of 6 months. DISCUSSION: The diagnosis of rhinoscleroma is based on histological and bacteriological examination. Cultures are positive in 60% of cases, but negative cultures do not exclude the diagnosis of rhinoscleroma. Specific treatment consists of long-term antibiotic therapy, while surgery may be indicated for symptomatic treatment.

Interest of video-assisted minimally invasive surgery in primary hyperparathyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery is the only radical and definitive treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism. Exploration of the four parathyroid sites is giving way to minimally invasive techniques. The present study sought to compare two minimally invasive parathyroidectomy techniques, by classical cervicotomy (MIP-C) and by video-assistance (MIP-VA), in terms of success rate, complications rate, operating time, and patient and community physician satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A non-randomized retrospective comparative study included 112 patients presenting with primary hyperparathyroidism with identified parathyroid adenoma, operated on between January 2005 and October 2010. The two groups were constituted according to the surgeons' habitual practice: 54 cases of MIP-VA and 58 of MIP-C. RESULTS: Results for MIP-VA and MIP-C were respectively: success, 96.3% vs. 100% (P=0.09); mean scar size, 1.47 vs. 3.43cm (P<0.01); hypocalcemia, 2 vs. 3 cases (P=0.1); theater time, 94.25 vs. 76min (P=0.02); and postoperative stay, 1.08 vs. 1.37 days (P=0.07). Patient satisfaction was comparable between groups, while 93.3% of community physicians found MIP-VA preferable to MIP-C, although only 39.3% had known the MIP-VA technique. CONCLUSION: With efficacy, morbidity and patient satisfaction comparable to classical surgery, MIP-VA significantly reduced cervicotomy size and hospital stay. Community physicians considered it to be preferable to MIP-C.

Traumatic intra-sphenoidal pseudoaneurysm lodged inside the fractured sphenoidal sinus.

We describe a case of traumatic intra-sphenoidal right internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm lodged inside the fractured sphenoidal sinus that developed in a patient with a previous history of frontal and skull base fractures involving the sphenoid sinus and walls of the carotid canal, but with normal intracranial findings at early CT angiography. The patient presented two episodes of massive life-threatening delayed epistaxis before successful endovascular treatment combining the use of coils and an uncovered stent was instituted. This case report highlights that patients with head trauma who present sphenoid sinus fractures with or without massive epistaxis should be evaluated for the development of traumatic internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm as soon as possible. If the first angiographic evaluation reveals normal findings, repeated epistaxis should prompt a second angiographic evaluation because psudoaneurysm takes time to develop. Early treatment with uncovered stent of the aneurysm can be a life-saving therapeutic approach.

Analysis of case reports submitted to the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To assess flaws, rejection rate and reasons for rejection of case reports submitted for publication in the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective analysis of flaws noted in reviewing 118 case reports from 29 countries consecutively submitted to the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Diseases during the period Sept. 1, 2014 to Sept. 30, 2015. RESULTS: The most frequent flaws, noted in 74.5% of cases, were: lack of originality (more than 15 such cases previously reported in the medical literature) and lack of new data contributing to the medical literature. Overall, 5% of the cases were accepted for publication, 7% were not resubmitted by the authors, and 88% were rejected. On univariate analysis, none of the variables under analysis correlated with acceptance or rejection of the submitted case. Editorial decision time varied from 1 to 7months (median, 1 month). In 16.3% of the 104 cases of rejection (17/104), the editors suggested resubmission in the section "Letter to the Editor" or "What is your diagnosis?"; 15 of the 17 reports were resubmitted, and 10 (66.6%) were ultimately accepted for publication. CONCLUSION: The editorial committee of the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Diseases hope that the present data and review of the literature will provide authors with a framework to avoid major errors leading to rejection and will speed publication of the case reports they submit to our columns in the near future.

Surgical treatment of a case of adult epiglottic laryngomalacia.

INTRODUCTION: Adult laryngomalacia is rare. It may be idiopathic or secondary to trauma or degenerative disease. CASE REPORT: A 25-year-old man presented with inspiratory dyspnea on effort of several months' evolution. Flexible endoscopy found epiglottic laryngomalacia, managed by CO2 laser V-shaped partial epiglottectomy. DISCUSSION: Excessive resection of the epiglottis may lead to false passage; insufficient resection risks being ineffective. V-shaped partial epiglottectomy minimizes risk of false passage while ensuring permanent respiratory airflow via the epiglottic V during epiglottic movement.

Characteristics and analysis of scientific articles submitted to the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate characteristics, suggested modifications and reasons for rejection in scientific articles submitted for publication in the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study analyzed the flaws noted by reviewers in 52 scientific articles submitted to the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases between August 31, 2014 and February 28, 2015. RESULTS: Fifteen flaws concerning content and 7 concerning form were identified. In more than 25% of submissions, major flaws were noted: purely descriptive paper; lack of contribution to existing state of knowledge; failure to define a clear study objective and/or analyze the impact of major variables; poorly structured Materials and methods section, lacking description of study population, objective and/or variables; lack of or inappropriate statistical analysis; Introduction verbose and/or misrepresenting the literature; excessively heterogeneous and/or poorly described study population; imprecise discussion, straying from the point, overstating the significance of results and/or introducing new results not mentioned in the Results section; description of the study population placed in the Results section instead of under Materials and methods; serious mistakes of syntax, spelling and/or tense; and failure to follow the Instructions to Authors. After review, 21.1% of articles were published, 65.3% rejected and 13.4% non-resubmitted within 3 months of review. On univariate analysis, the only variable increasing the percentage of articles accepted was the topic not being devoted to head and neck surgery (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: These results document the excessive flaw rate still to be found in manuscripts and demonstrate the continuing need for authors to master and implement the rules of scientific medical writing.

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.

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.

Maxillary sinus mucocoeles--10 cases--8 treated endoscopically.

Maxillary sinus mucocoeles are rare, but may cause significant problems outside the sinus including diplopia and cheek swelling. We present 9 patients suffering from maxillary sinus mucocoele, including one patient with bilateral involvement, representing 10 involved sinuses. Eight sinuses were treated endoscopically and followed-up for 3 to more than 6 years; one of these developed a recurrence. Two sinuses were treated using a classical external approach (Caldwell-Luc), one at the beginning of our series, and one as the endoscopic technique was difficult to perform due to loss of anatomical landmarks. One of these two sinuses developed a recurrence and was then successfully treated endoscopically. We discuss the aetiology, pathogenesis and appropriate treatment of this unusual condition. Endoscopic treatment appears to be effective and leads to minimal recurrence. The aim is to perform a wide removal of the medial wall of the maxillary sinus including most of the inferior turbinate, immediately posterior to the lachrymal duct leaving intact the sinus mucosa. In some cases, however, the endoscopic technique can be difficult to perform due to loss of essential anatomical landmarks and in these cases recourse to an external approach may be necessary.

Endoscopic surgical treatment of sinonasal polyposis-medium term outcomes (mean follow-up of 5 years).

BACKGROUND: Between 30 and 50% of patients with sinonasal polyposis (SNP) will require surgical treatment. OBJECTIVE: To determine the medium term risks and benefits of endonasal ethmoidectomy in SNP. METHOD: 132 cases of SNP have been retrospectively studied before and after endoscopic nasal surgery with a mean follow-up of 5 years. Functional symptoms and appearances on endoscopic examination were recorded on graded scales. Non-parametric statistical analyses for matched series were used in the assessment of data. RESULTS: Post-operative normalisation of nasal function was obtained in 62% of cases. Each of the four main nasal symptoms (nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, facial pain and anosmia) was improved (p = 0.001). Patients with associated asthma or ASA triad had higher scores for nasal obstruction and rhinorrhoea (Fisher's exact test; p < 0.02). The pre-operative clinical stage of SNP correlated neither with recurrence nor with functional outcomes (Fisher's exact test; p > 0.05). The requirement for steroid treatment of concurrent asthma was also reduced post-operatively (p = 0.001). The association with asthma and its level of treatment was not related to the frequency of recurrence of SNP (Chi2; p > 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: Functional outcomes for patients with SNP and asthma were significantly improved by endoscopic surgical treatment, even if the appearance of the nasal mucosa did not always return to normal.

[Repeat surgery for thyroid nodules (excluding cancer and hyperthyroidism)]. / Reprises chirurgicales en pathologie nodulaire thyroïdienne (cancer et hyperthyroïdie exclus).

Second procedures for recurrent thyroid disease are known to carry a high risk of iatrogenic damage, particularly to the inferior laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands. This risk has been clearly evaluated for the primary procedure, but is less clearly for second procedures. A series of 117 patients with solitary or multiple cold thyroid nodules were evaluated (excluding those patients re-operated for recurrent thyroid carcinoma or goitre associated with hyperthyroidism) to determine the operative risks. The level of transient and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was 2.56% and 1.7% respectively. The level of transient and permanent hypocalcaemia was 12.9% and 4.62% respectively. The frequency of re-operation for recurrent disease involving the pyramidal lobe following total thyroidectomy (6 cases) highlights the importance of removing it during the primary procedure. The number of cases of cancer discovered at re-operation was 4.3% (5 cases out of 117).

[Substernal goiter. Report of 212 cases]. / Les goitres plongeants. A propos de 212 cas.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this retrospective study was to report the results of the surgical treatment in a series of 210 patients operated on for substernal goiters. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From 1982 to 1996, 210 patients with substernal goiters, including 80% of women, were operated on via a cervical approach in 208 cases, via a sternotomy in two cases. Two patients with operative contra-indications were not operated on. Twenty-five were operated on for a substernal recurrence of a goiter. In 160 cases, extraction of the substernal portion was easy. In 48 cases, removal of the substernal portion was facilitated by the discovery of the recurrent nerve at its entering into the larynx and a downward dissection of the tracheal attachments of the lobe. The complete dissection of the cervical portion made easier the ascension of the substernal portion even in very large substernal components. RESULTS: Three papillary carcinomas were diagnosed. A transient laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in 7.2% of the patients and a transient hypoparathyroidism in 13.4%, A definitive laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in 1.2% of the patients, and a persistent hypoparathyroidism in 2.1%. Of the 25 patients who underwent surgery for recurrence of a goiter, three (12%) developed a transient laryngeal nerve palsy, one (4%) a permanent nerve palsy, four (20%) a transient hypoparathyroidism and one (4%) a persistent hypocalcemia. CONCLUSION: CT scan and MRI are the best explorations to evaluate intrathoracic extension of substernal goiters. Thyroidectomy was performed via a cervical incision in 208 patients and via a sternotomy in two patients only. The complete dissection of the cervical portion with discovery of the recurrent nerve at its entering into the larynx, facilitates the ascension of the substernal portion even in very large substernal goiters.