Metastatic Meningioma of the Neck: A Case Report and Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Although meningiomas are the most common central nervous system neoplasms, extracranial metastases are exceedingly rare. There are even fewer reports of metastatic meningiomas to the neck. METHODS: We described a patient with multiply recurrent orbital meningioma with metastasis to the neck found incidentally during neck exploration for composite resection and free tissue reconstruction. We performed a systematic review for all records pertaining to metastatic meningiomas to the cervical regions. RESULTS: We found 9 previous reports of cervical metastatic meningiomas. Almost all cases underwent extensive local resection. There was no evidence of an association between the histological grade of the tumor and risk of metastasis to the neck. Cervical lymph node dissemination is more common in patients presenting after previous primary tumor resection. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of a neck mass, our findings suggest that metastatic meningioma should be included in the differential diagnosis, especially in patients with previous resections.

Anterolateral thigh osteomyocutaneous flap in head and neck: Lessons learned.

BACKGROUND: Concerns regarding iatrogenic femur fracture may deter adoption of the anterolateral thigh osteomyocutaneous (ALTO) flap as an alternative reconstructive technique for large composite defects of the head and neck. We describe the evolution of our experience with this flap and the lessons learned in femur management. METHODS: Records from a prospective database (July 2009-January 2020) were reviewed to identify patients with composite osseous free tissue reconstructions. Venous thromboembolic events (VTE), femur fracture, estimated blood loss (EBL), procedure time, blood transfusions, and length of stay (days) were compared for ALTO flaps prior to and after the adoption of intramedullary fixation protocol. RESULTS: ALTO represented 10.5% (n = 23) of total osseus (n = 219) flaps. For large composite reconstructions with either ALTO flap, double flap (n = 2), or subscapular mega flaps (n = 14), ALTO flaps were most frequently used (59%, n = 23/59). There were no differences in operative time prior to and after implementation of prophylactic fixation [median (range): 5.4 (1.7-19.2) vs. 5.8 (1.7-15.0), p = .574]. Additionally, there were no differences in VTE, femur fracture, EBL, blood transfusion, or length of stay (p > .05) with adoption of prophylactic intramedullary fixation. CONCLUSIONS: The ALTO flap represents a useful tool to consider in the armamentarium of reconstructive options for large through and through defects of the head and neck. In our experience, the ALTO flap is a reasonable alternative to subscapular or double flap reconstructions and especially in the setting of unusable fibular flaps or when bone need exceeds that available from the scapula.

Outcomes After Tracheostomy in COVID-19 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcomes of patients undergoing tracheostomy for COVID-19 and of healthcare workers performing these procedures. BACKGROUND: Tracheostomy is often performed for prolonged endotracheal intubation in critically ill patients. However, in the context of COVID-19, tracheostomy placement pathways have been altered due to the poor prognosis of intubated patients and the risk of transmission to providers through this highly aerosolizing procedure. METHODS: A prospective single-system multi-center observational cohort study was performed on patients who underwent tracheostomy after acute respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19. RESULTS: Of the 53 patients who underwent tracheostomy, the average time from endotracheal intubation to tracheostomy was 19.7 days ±â€Š6.9 days. The most common indication for tracheostomy was acute respiratory distress syndrome, followed by failure to wean ventilation and post-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation. Thirty patients (56.6%) were liberated from the ventilator, 16 (30.2%) have been discharged alive, 7 (13.2%) have been decannulated, and 6 (11.3%) died. The average time from tracheostomy to ventilator liberation was 11.8 days ±â€Š6.9 days (range 2-32 days). Both open surgical and percutaneous dilational tracheostomy techniques were performed utilizing methods to mitigate aerosols. No healthcare worker transmissions resulted from performing the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations to tracheostomy practices and processes were successfully instituted. Following these steps, tracheostomy in COVID-19 intubated patients seems safe for both patients and healthcare workers performing the procedure.

Pectoralis major muscle flap use in a modern head and neck free flap practice.

PURPOSE: Pectoralis major muscle flaps (PMMF) are a commonly used reconstructive modality to repair head and neck defects. As the use of free flap reconstruction is increasingly practiced in the head and neck, the role of the PMMF may be changing as well. This study sought to analyze indications and outcomes for PMMF following head and neck resections from one surgeon's experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review from December 1, 2013 through September 30, 2017 at a tertiary care academic medical center. Indications for the PMMF were examined as well as surgical outcomes. Basic demographic data, patient head and neck cancer history, history of radiation and/or chemotherapy, and history of previous reconstructive procedures were obtained and compared across all subjects. RESULTS: Forty patients underwent a PMMF within the designated time frame. The majority of patients were male (83%) and the average age was 65 years (range 55.4-74.6 years). Of the 40 cases, 9 of the PMMFs were performed as primary reconstruction of the defect. In the remaining 31 cases, these flaps were utilized as a secondary reconstructive option following fistula formation (13), dehiscence (6), need for an additional flap for recurrent disease (6) infection (4), or major bleeding (2). In every case that it was utilized, the PMMF was the definitive reconstruction. Within the same time frame, 429 free flaps were performed by the same surgeon, with an average of 125 free flaps performed yearly. The rate of total flap failure overall was 3.9%. The other failed free flap reconstructive options used besides a PMMF were secondary free flaps (11), local wound care (4), or obturator placement (2). The secondary pectoralis flaps occurred following 7.2% of free flaps with total or partial failure that were performed within the same time range. The indications for the PMMF did not change or evolve during the time frame of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Although free flaps were performed with far greater frequency than PMMFs at our institution, the PMMF demonstrated continued utility as a secondary reconstructive option. For a surgeon who performs a high volume of free flaps, preservation of the pectoralis muscle and associated vasculature for possible later secondary reconstruction should be considered due to its strong efficacy.

Predictors of Nodal Metastasis in Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity and Oropharynx.

INTRODUCTION: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) is an uncommon malignancy, with limited literature available on its clinical and pathologic characteristics. Here, we describe the behavior of MEC of the UADT including pathologic characteristics and predictors of nodal metastasis. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients with MEC of the UADT treated at an academic medical center from January 2008 to May 2018. Data was collected about demographics and tumor characteristics including clinical and histological data. The two-tailed Student t test and χ2 analysis were performed to assess for predictors of nodal metastasis. RESULTS: We identified 44 patients with minor salivary gland MEC of the oral cavity (OC) and oropharynx (OP). All patients were treated with primary site surgery. The primary site was the OC in 25 patients (57%) and OP in 19 (43%). Low-grade histology was seen in 27 specimens (61.4%), intermediate histology in 9 specimens (20.5%), and high-grade histology in 8 specimens (18.2%). Perineural invasion was noted in 10 specimens (22.7%). Neck dissection was performed in 17 patients (39%), with pathologically positive nodes found in 9 (20.5%). Notably, 5 of the 9 positive nodal specimens were found in clinically node-negative necks. Pathologically positive cervical lymph nodes were significantly associated with the OP as the primary site (p = 0.0005), perineural invasion (p = 0.012), lymphovascular invasion (p < 0.001), and high-grade histology (p = 0.004) in the primary specimen. DISCUSSION: MEC of the UADT is an uncommon malignancy. Our findings suggest elective neck dissection should be considered with perineural and lymphovascular invasion, high-grade tumor, and the OP as the primary site.

Anatomical Variations of the Superficial Radial Nerve Encountered during Radial Forearm Free Flap Elevation.

A frequently encountered anatomical structure in the elevation of a radial forearm free flap is the superficial branch of the radial nerve. This structure has a relatively consistent anatomic location, but variations do occur. We present a case where the superficial branch of the radial nerve was in an usual position but remained superficial to the brachioradialis throughout its course. Two previous reports also describe the superficial branch of the radial nerve remaining superficial to the brachioradialis, although, in these reports, the nerve was more medial than is typical. We postulate that one of the most common anatomic variations of the superficial branch of the radial nerve is for it to remain superficial to the brachioradialis. As this variation could potentially be confused with the medial or lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerves, it is important for the reconstructive surgeon to be aware of this to prevent inadvertent injury.

Defining the Role of Free Flaps for Transoral Robotic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Transoral surgical techniques for oropharyngeal tumors have been widely accepted, yet often results in a significant functional deficit. Current reports on the safety, feasibility, and swallowing performance after microvascular reconstruction are limited to small volume case series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 42 consecutive patients, between December 2013 and May 2016, who underwent transoral robotic surgery oropharyngectomy followed by microvascular reconstruction. RESULTS: Swallowing outcomes postoperatively resulted in 39 (93%) of patients tolerating oral intake postoperatively, with 13 (87%) of 15 patients at 1-year follow-up consuming an entirely oral diet. Thirty-eight (95%) of 40 patients who underwent a tracheostomy at the time of surgery were ultimately decannulated. No patients experienced complete flap failure in the current study. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive transoral surgical techniques have offered the opportunity to minimize surgical morbidity and potentially deintensify adjuvant therapies. Reconstructive options have evolved to match surgical advances seen with robotic surgeries of oropharyngeal cancers. Microvascular reconstruction has been indicated in select patients including those with extensive soft palate resection, primary tumor abutment of the medial pterygoid musculature, exposure of internal carotid artery vasculature, prior radiation therapy, or a significant defect of the oropharyngeal sphincter. Select patients, based on previously identified criteria, were preoperatively identified as suitable candidates for microvascular reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects. This study demonstrates that complex transoral robotic surgical defects are amenable to microvascular reconstructive in carefully selected patients.

An Airway Rapid Response System: Implementation and Utilization in a Large Academic Trauma Center.

BACKGROUND: Rapid response teams mobilize resources to patients experiencing acute deterioration. Failed airway management results in death or anoxic brain injury. A codified, systems-based approach to bring personnel and equipment to the bedside for multidisciplinary airway assessment and rescue was reflected in the initial implementation of an airway rapid response (ARR) team. METHODS: A retrospective review of records of 117 ARR events in a 40-month period (August 2011-November 2014) was undertaken at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, a 789-bed, academic, urban, tertiary care, Level 1 trauma center. RESULTS: Of the 117 ARR events, 60 (51.3%) were called in the ICU, and 43 (36.8%) in the general ward. A definitive airway was secured in all patients for whom airway management was attempted. A new surgical airway was performed in five of the patients. Seven patients went to the operating room for airway management. Nine patients died or had care withdrawn shortly after the ARR. CONCLUSION: Difficult airway emergencies represent a small but critical element of airway rescue scenarios. Before the implementation of the ARR system, the process to bring the right team, equipment, expertise, and consensus on the right actions to critical airway emergencies was ad hoc. ARR activation, which brings multidisciplinary airway consultation, expert skills, and advanced airway equipment to the bedside, contributed to definitive airway management for surgical and nonsurgical airways. Performance of a bedside emergency surgical airway was uncommon. The ARR system represents a significant enhancement of the "anesthesia stat" system that typifies the airway emergency system at many institutions.

Risk of lymph node metastasis and recommendations for elective nodal treatment in squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus: a SEER analysis.

BACKGROUND: Risk of nodal involvement in patients with squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus has not been well defined, especially by risk factors beyond local T-stage. Additional criteria defining patients at highest risk, as well as specific nodal levels at highest risk, has been limited in small retrospective series. We describe a population-based assessment of specific nodal involvement in this group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database from 2004 to 2010 identified 1283 eligible patients with SCC of the nasal cavity or maxillary sinus. Neck involvement and individual nodal level involvement at presentation were assessed, and comparison made with a contemporaneous cohort of patients with a borderline clinically significant risk of nodal involvement and recurrence. RESULTS: Among 1283 patients, 182 (14.2%) had nodal involvement at presentation (4-27% by site and local extension). T-stage alone was associated with higher rates of nodal involvement in maxillary sinus SCC, while higher T-stage and size >2 cm were associated with higher rates of nodal involvement in nasal cavity SCC on multivariable analysis. Facial nodes and cervical nodes at levels 1 and 2 have the highest rates of involvement in T4a nasal cavity SCC, whereas nodal levels 1, 2, and/or 3 have the highest rates of involvement in T2 or higher maxillary sinus SCC when compared with a clinical reference standard. CONCLUSION: In this population-based study, there are high rates of initial nodal involvement when stratified by local extent determined by T-stage in nasal cavity SCC and maxillary sinus SCC, and independently by size in nasal cavity SCC. Involvement of the facial and nodal levels 1-3 varies depending on site and local extent of tumor involvement. These observations may help guide treatment decision making in the inclusion of and extent of elective nodal treatment fields.

Scapular osteocutaneous free flap for total lower lip and mandible reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Total lower lip and mandible defects following tumor resection present challenging reconstructions. The use of dual free flaps leads to increased donor-site morbidity and risk of flap failure. We present a single scapular free flap approach with unique use of osteotomies for lip reconstruction in a small series of patients. METHODS: A case series was conducted from 2007 to 2012 on three patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity requiring large resection. Patients ranged in age from 34 to 64 years. A scapular free flap was used for reconstruction of mandible, floor of mouth, total lower lip and chin defects ranging in size from 7 × 4 cm to 11 × 7 cm. Harvested bone was extended medially beyond the lateral border of scapula. Osteotomies were oriented to support the soft tissue flap to rebuild lip height and restore oral competence. RESULTS: Skin paddles ranged in size from 10-11 cm × 18-25 cm. Bone flap size was not reported but vertical height of osteotomies ranged from 3-4 cm. All flaps survived microvascular transfer. One patient suffered from shoulder dysfunction and sialorrhea necessitating a second procedure. A second patient developed exposed hardware after radiation. Follow-up ranged from 10 to 36 months. All patients achieved good oral competence and cosmesis by 9 months post-operative. CONCLUSIONS: This single-flap approach may provide an alternative to dual free flap reconstruction of total lower lip and mandible. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:480-484, 2016.

Flap-based Closure of Acquired Tracheoesophageal Fistulas.

Iatrogenic tracheoesophageal fistulae management and repair are difficult to manage with few resourced describing management and repair. Two cases are presented describing the approach to and repair of a tracheoesophagea fistula; one with a free flap and one with local flap reconstruction. Both cases utilized allograft material to maintain separation between the alimentary and repiratory tracts. Laryngoscope, 2024.

Preoperative Circulating Tumor HPV DNA and Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Disease.

Importance: The utility of preoperative circulating tumor tissue-modified viral human papillomavirus DNA (TTMV-HPV DNA) levels in predicting human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+ OPSCC) disease burden is unknown. Objective: To determine if preoperative circulating tumor HPV DNA (ctHPVDNA) is associated with disease burden in patients with HPV+ OPSCC who have undergone transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study comprised patients with HPV+ OPSCC who underwent primary TORS between September 2021 and April 2023 at one tertiary academic institution. Patients with treatment-naive HPV+ OPSCC (p16-positive) and preoperative ctHPVDNA levels were included, and those who underwent neck mass excision before ctHPVDNA collection were excluded. Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcome was the association of increasing preoperative ctHPVDNA levels with tumor size and lymph node involvement in surgical pathology. The secondary outcome was the association between preoperative ctHPVDNA levels and adverse pathology, which included lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, or extranodal extension. Results: A total of 70 patients were included in the study (65 men [93%]; mean [SD] age, 61 [8] years). Baseline ctHPVDNA levels ranged from 0 fragments/milliliter of plasma (frag/mL) to 49 452 frag/mL (median [IQR], 272 [30-811] frag/mL). Overall, 58 patients (83%) had positive results for ctHPVDNA, 1 (1.4%) had indeterminate results, and 11 (15.6%) had negative results. The sensitivity of detectable ctHPVDNA for identifying patients with pathology-confirmed HPV+ OPSCC was 84%. Twenty-seven patients (39%) had pathologic tumor (pT) staging of pT0 or pT1, 34 (49%) had pT2 staging, and 9 patients (13%) had pT3 or pT4 staging. No clinically meaningful difference between detectable and undetectable preoperative ctHPVDNA cohorts was found for tumor size or adverse pathology. Although the median preoperative ctHPVDNA appeared to be higher in pT2 through pT4 stages and pN1 or pN2 stages, effect sizes were small (pT stage: η2, 0.002 [95% CI, -1.188 to 0.827]; pN stage: η2, 0.043 [95% CI, -0.188 to 2.600]). Median preoperative log(TTMV-HPV DNA) was higher in active smokers (8.79 [95% CI, 3.55-5.76]), compared with never smokers (5.92 [95% CI, -0.97 to 1.81]) and former smokers (4.99 [95% CI, 0.92-6.23]). Regression analysis did not show an association between tumor dimension or metastatic lymph node deposit size and preoperative log(TTMV-HPV DNA). After univariate analysis, no association was found between higher log(TTMV-HPV DNA) levels and adverse pathology. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study, preoperative ctHPVDNA levels were not associated with disease burden in patients with HPV+ OPSCC who underwent TORS.

Transoral robotic surgery with free flap reconstruction: Functional outcomes of 241 patients at a single institution.

BACKGROUND: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal malignancy optimizes oncologic outcomes while preserving functionality. This study identifies patterns of functional recovery after TORS with free flap reconstruction (FFR). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study at a tertiary care center of patients with primary oropharyngeal tumors treated with TORS with FFR between 2010 and 2022. Patients were categorized into: adjuvant chemoradiation or radiation, or no adjuvant therapy (NAT). Functional outcomes were measured by functional oral intake scale (FOIS). RESULTS: 241 patients were included. FOIS declined at first postoperative appointment (median = 7.0 to 2.0, IQR = [7.0, 7.0], [2.0, 4.0]), and progressively improved to 6.0 (5.0, 6.0) after 1 year, with NAT having the highest FOIS (7.0, p < 0.05). Predictors of poor long-term FOIS included RT and hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) involvement (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TORS with FFR leads to good long-term function with minimal intake restrictions. Radiation therapy and CN XII involvement increase risk of worse functional outcomes.

Airway trauma in a high patient volume academic cardiac electrophysiology laboratory center.

BACKGROUND: Providing anesthesia and managing airways in the electrophysiology suite can be challenging because of its unique setting outside of the conventional operating room. We report our experience of several cases of reported airway trauma including tongue and pharyngeal hematoma and vocal cord paralysis in this setting. METHODS: We analyzed all of the reported airway trauma cases between December 2009 and January 2011 in our cardiac electrophysiology laboratories and compared these cases with those without airway trauma. Data from 87 cases, including 16 cases with reported airway trauma (trauma group) and 71 cases without reported airway trauma from the same patient population pool at the same period (control group), were collected via review of medical records. RESULTS: Airway trauma was reported for 16 patients (0.7%) in 14 months among 2434 anesthetic cases. None of these patients had life-threatening airway obstruction. The avoidance of muscle relaxants during induction in patients with a body mass index less than 30 was found to be a significant risk factor for airway trauma (P = 0.04; odds ratio, 10; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-482). Tongue or soft tissue bite occurred in 2 cases where soft bite block was not used during cardioversion. No statistically significant difference was found between the trauma and the control groups for preprocedure anticoagulation, anticoagulation during the procedure, or reversal of heparin at the end of the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of reported airway trauma was 0.7% in our study population. Tongue injury was the most common airway trauma. The cause seems to have been multifactorial; however, airway management without muscle relaxant emerged as a potential risk factor. Intubation with muscle relaxant is recommended, as is placing a soft bite block and ensuring no soft tissue is between the teeth before cardioversion.

Post-operative Monitoring for Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction in the Era of Resident Duty Hour Restrictions: A Retrospective Cohort Study Comparing 2 Monitoring Protocols.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether 2 different methods of post-operative head and neck free flap monitoring affect flap failure and complication rates. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 803 free flaps performed for head and neck reconstruction by the same microvascular surgeon between July 2013 and July 2020 at 2 separate hospitals within the same healthcare system. Four-hundred ten free flaps (51%) were performed at Hospital A, a medical center where flap checks were performed at frequent, scheduled intervals by in-house resident physicians and nurses; 393 free flaps (49%) were performed at Hospital B, a medical center where flap checks were performed regularly by nursing staff with resident physician evaluation as needed. Total free flap failure, partial free flap failure, and complications (consisting of wound infection, fistula, and reoperation within 1 month) were assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between Hospitals A and B when comparing rates of total free flap failure, partial free flap failure, complication, or re-operation (P = .27, P = .66, P = .65, P = .29, respectively). There were no significant differences in urgent re-operation rates for flap compromise secondary to thrombosis and hematoma (P = .54). CONCLUSIONS: In our series, free flap outcomes did not vary based on the degree of flap monitoring by resident physicians. This data supports the ability of a high-volume, well-trained, nursing-led flap monitoring program to detect flap compromise in an efficient fashion while limiting resident physician obligations in the age of resident duty hour restrictions.

Association of Head and Neck Anatomic Zones with Microvascular Reconstruction Outcomes.

Background: Head and neck free flap survival relies on adequate tissue perfusion from the external carotid artery (ECA), and vessel length is inversely proportional to blood flow rate. Objective: Investigate whether distance from the ECA (as a proxy for pedicle vessel length) predicts flap survival or complications. Methods: Retrospective review of free flaps performed at three academic centers from 9/2006 to 8/2021. Flaps were categorized by distance from the ECA: orbit and above (zone 1), maxilla to parotid (zone 2), and mandible and below (zone 3). Secondary analysis assessed flap outcomes stratified by average historical pedicle length. Results: A total of 2,369 flaps were identified in zones 1 (n = 109), 2 (n = 1878), and 3 (n = 382). Rates of flap failure (4.9%) and perioperative complications (36.3%) did not differ by zone or pedicle length. Zone 3 flaps, most commonly located in the larynx and hypopharynx, had significantly higher rates of fistula and infection. Conversely, 30-day readmission rates were significantly lower in patients with zone 2 flaps (p < 0.001). Rates of all other complications did not differ significantly between zones. Conclusions: Proximity to mucosal anatomic sites was a more powerful predictor of free flap viability than pedicle length or ECA proximity.

Orbital resection by intranasal technique (ORBIT): A new classification system for reporting endoscopically resectable primary benign orbital tumors.

BACKGROUND: The Cavernous Hemangioma Exclusively Endonasal Resection (CHEER) staging system has become the gold standard for outcomes reporting in endoscopic orbital surgery for orbital cavernous hemangiomas (OCHs). A recent systematic review demonstrated similar outcomes between OCHs and other primary benign orbital tumors (PBOTs). Therefore, we hypothesized that a simplified and more comprehensive classification system could be developed to predict surgical outcomes of other PBOTs. METHODS: Patient and tumor characteristics as well as surgical outcomes from 11 international centers were recorded. All tumors were retrospectively assigned an Orbital Resection by Intranasal Technique (ORBIT) class and stratified based on surgical approach as either exclusively endoscopic or combined (endoscopic and open). Outcomes based on approach were compared using chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests. The Cochrane-Armitage test for trend was used to analyze outcomes by class. RESULTS: Findings from 110 PBOTs from 110 patients (age 49.0 ± 15.0 years, 51.9% female) were included in the analysis. Higher ORBIT class was associated with a lower likelihood of gross total resection (GTR). GTR was more likely to be achieved when an exclusively endoscopic approach was utilized (p < 0.05). Tumors resected using a combined approach tended to be larger, to present with diplopia, and to have an immediate postoperative cranial nerve palsy (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic treatment of PBOTs is an effective approach, with favorable short-term and long-term postoperative outcomes as well as low rate of adverse events. The ORBIT classification system is an anatomic-based framework that effectively facilitates high-quality outcomes reporting for all PBOTs.

Institutional analysis of intra- and post-operative tracheostomy management for risk reduction.

Objectives: Determine variability in intra- and post-operative management of tracheostomies (trachs) at our institution as existing literature suggests that trachs are a frequent trigger for airway-related emergencies. Catalyze the development of an institution-wide protocols for trach care. Methods: A 39-question online survey was sent to 55 providers who perform open and percutaneous trachs at three of the hospitals within our large, urban, academic medical center. These providers were identified by surveillance of the operating room schedules for 1 year. Results: The survey was completed by 40 of the 53 eligible providers (75.5%). Response rate by question varied. Respondents included members of all departments that perform trachs at our institution (Otorhinolaryngology, Trauma Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology).While most responses demonstrated uniformity in practice, notable variations included the following: 80% of percutaneous trach providers stated that morbid obesity was not a contraindication to performing a trach outside of the operating room (n = 20) while 58% of open trach providers stated that morbid obesity was a contraindication; only 35% of open trach providers perform a Bjork flap (n = 350). The survey also identified significant variability in practice with regards to timing of trach suture removal. Discussion: Lack of uniformity was identified in several practices related to intra- and post-operative tracheostomy care. Results did, however, trend toward consensus in many areas. The results are being used to establish a more consistent approach to tracheostomy management across our institution to ensure standardization of practice amidst the rapidly evolving practices of trach placement. Implications for practice: With ongoing evolution in the methods of trach placement and its management, the concepts put forth here will be a resource for health care providers at other institutions to consider intra-institutional analysis and establishment of practice standardization.