Treatment discordance in the utilization of neck dissection for stage I-II supraglottic tumors.

BACKGROUND: In 2018, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines began recommending the use of neck dissection during surgical management of stage I-II supraglottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). METHODS: Trends and factors associated with the use of neck dissection during larynx-preserving surgery for patients with cT1-2, N0, M0 supraglottic LSCC in the National Cancer Database (2004-2020) were evaluated using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 2080 patients who satisfied study eligibility criteria, 633 (30.4%) underwent neck dissection. Between 2018 and 2020, the rate of neck dissection was 39.0% (114/292). After multivariable adjustment, academic facility type, undergoing biopsy prior to surgery, and more radical surgery were significant predictors of receiving neck dissection. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this national analysis suggest that the utilization of guideline-concordant neck dissection for management of stage I-II supraglottic LSCC remains low and highlight the need to promote the practice of neck dissection for this patient population.

Impact of Functional Conservation Surgery on Sleep Respiration of Patients with Glottic Cancer.

Objective: Laryngeal cancer is a common tumor in the head and neck, and surgery is one of the main treatment methods for laryngeal cancer. Laryngeal cancer surgery destroys the laryngeal cartilage scaffold, leading to structural changes in the laryngeal cavity and affecting respiratory compliance during sleep. However, less attention has been paid to the impact of changes in laryngeal structure on sleep breathing conditions. This article conducts a prospective study on the effects of preserving laryngeal function in cancer glottic surgery on sleep and respiratory status in patients, in order to understand the preoperative and postoperative OSAHS(obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome) of glottic cancer patients , as well as the impact of surgery on OSAHS of patients. Provide a reference for improving the sleep quality of postoperative patients with laryngeal cancer. Methods: 47 patients with glottic cancer who underwent laryngeal function preservation surgeries were studied. They are divided into 28 cases of T1 and T2, who underwent vertical lateral frontal partial laryngectomy (VLFPL), and 19 cases of T3 and T4 who underwent vertical lateral frontal subtotal laryngectomy (VLFSL). All patients' sleep breathing statuses were recorded using a portable sleep breathing monitor one week before surgery and two months after the removal of the tracheal cannula. Analyze the proportion of OSAHS in the 47 patients before and after surgery and compare the obstructive sleep apnea scores of these patients using the Wilcoxon rank sum test of paired grade data. The paired data t-test was used to analyze the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), apnea index (AI), hypopnea index (HI), minimum blood oxygen saturation (LSaO2), and mean blood oxygen saturation (MSaO2) of all study subjects, patients undergoing VLFPL and VLFSL. Results: 1. Among the 47 patients with glottic cancer, 42.6% (20 / 47) were in line with OSAHS before the operation, and 57.4% (27 / 47) were in line with OSAHS after the operation. 47 patients showed an increasing trend in the OSAHS scores (no, mild, moderate, and severe) after surgery compared to the before-surgery scores, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). 2. Among the 47 study subjects, AHI and HI increased after surgery compared to preoperative, while LSaO2 and MSaO2 decreased after surgery compared to preoperative (P < .05); There was no statistically significant difference between postoperative and preoperative AI (P > .05). Among 28 patients undergoing VLFPL, LSaO2 decreased after surgery compared to before surgery (P < .05) and there was no statistically significant difference in AHI, AI, MSaO2, and HI after surgery compared to before surgery (P > .05). Among 19 patients undergoing VLFSL, AHI, and HI increased after surgery, while LSaO2 and MSaO2 decreased after surgery (P < .05) and there was no statistically significant difference in postoperative AI compared to preoperative (P > .05). Conclusion: The prevalence of OSAHS in patients with glottic cancer before and after surgery was higher than that in the general population. The effect of functional preservation surgery on sleep breathing in patients with glottic cancer is related to the degree of destruction of the thyroid cartilage scaffold and the scope of surgery. Surgery mainly increases the degree of OSAHS by aggravating patients' hypoventilation rather than apnea.

Induction Toripalimab and Chemotherapy for Organ Preservation in Locally Advanced Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer: A Single-Arm Phase II Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy, toxicities, and potential role of larynx preservation of induction chemotherapy combined with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor in locally advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a single-arm phase II study. Patients with histopathologically confirmed, resectable locally advanced laryngeal/hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status 0-1 were eligible. Three cycles of induction chemotherapy (paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 d1, cisplatin 25 mg/m2 d1-3) combined with PD-1 inhibitor (toripalimab 240 mg d0) were administered. Response assessment was performed after induction chemoimmunotherapy using RECIST 1.1 criteria. Patients with a complete/partial response of the primary tumor received concurrent chemoradiation, followed by maintenance therapy of toripalimab. Otherwise, patients were referred to surgery, followed by adjuvant (chemo) radiation and maintenance therapy of toripalimab. The primary endpoint is a larynx preservation rate at 3 months postradiation. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were enrolled. Most cases exhibited stage IV disease (81.5%), with T4 representing 37.0%. Five patients underwent pretreatment tracheostomy because of impaired larynx function. Overall response rate of induction chemoimmunotherapy was 85.2%. At 3 months postradiation, the larynx preservation rate was 88.9%. With a median follow-up of 18.7 months, the 1-year overall survival rate, progression-free survival rate, and larynx preservation rate were 84.7%, 77.6%, and 88.7%, respectively. When excluding those with pretreatment tracheostomy, the 1-year larynx preservation rate was 95.5%. Exploratory analysis revealed that relapse correlated with enrichment of RNA signature of hypoxia and M2 macrophage-associated genes. CONCLUSIONS: Induction toripalimab combined with chemotherapy provided encouraging activity, promising larynx preservation rate and acceptable toxicity in this cohort of extensively locally advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer.

Thyroidectomy with and without laryngectomy: Differences in post-operative hypocalcemia and management.

BACKGROUND: Total laryngectomy (TL) with thyroidectomy can pose significant risks to parathyroid function, and variance in rates of post-operative hypocalcemia (POH) based on extent of thyroidectomy have not been previously reported. Our objective is to identify the rates of hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism in TL+/-thyroidectomy and compare this to matched thyroidectomy alone cohorts. METHODS: Multi-institutional retrospective chart review of patients treated surgically for laryngeal cancer with TL or benign/malignant thyroid disease with thyroidectomy at regional tertiary care centers in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana from 2016 to 2019. Cases were evaluated for post-operative and post-discharge calcium and parathyroid hormone levels, post-operative and long-term calcium supplementation, and intraoperative parathyroid identification and management. RESULTS: 101 TL and 319 thyroidectomy patients' charts were reviewed. Regression analysis revealed increased odds of hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism in TL + TT versus TT alone (OR 10.7, OR 16.5, p < 0.001, respectively). TL + HT versus HT alone had increased odds of hypoparathyroidism (OR 1.6, p < 0.001). TL with any thyroidectomy compared to TL alone demonstrated both increased odds of hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism (OR 4.4 p = 0.009, and OR 4.5 p = 0.05). Odds of requiring long-term calcium supplementation were significantly increased with the addition of thyroidectomy across all groups. TL + TT was 8 times as likely (p = 0.002) and TL + HT was 5.3 times as likely (p = 0.001) to require long-term calcium supplementation compared to TL alone. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroidectomy combined with TL demonstrates marked increased risk of parathyroid dysfunction and resultant POH. Despite improved visualization of soft tissue anatomy with TL, risk of parathyroid injury in these settings requires special attention to extent of parathyroid dissection and potential devascularization to reduce long-term sequelae of hyperparathyroidism. Therefore, post-operative calcium monitoring after TL is necessary and should resemble the long-standing stringent protocols that already exist for monitoring in thyroidectomy populations.

Os sentidos de adoecidos acometidos por câncer de laringe submetidos a laringectomia total / The meaning of sick people affected by laryng cancer submitted to total laryngectomy

Objetivo: desvelar os sentidos do adoecimento por câncer de laringe de adoecidos laringectomizados totais. Método: estudo de caso apoiado na Interpretação das Culturas de Clifford Geertz, realizado a partir do ambulatório de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia localizado na cidade de Belém, Pará, Brasil, com um grupo de 11 homens. Foram realizadas visitas posteriormente ao domicílio dos participantes. A coleta de dados constou de entrevistas semiestruturadas, com posterior análise indutiva de conteúdo. Resultados: foram divididos em duas macrocategorias: "Experiências com a doença" e "Mudanças na vida social, experiências com a imagem corporal e enunciação". A primeira foi relacionada aos sinais, sintomas e busca de tratamento para a doença, a fé religiosa, à família como suporte e a segunda às mudanças na vida social, na enunciação e imagem corporal. Considerações finais: desvelaram-se formas de avaliação para a rouquidão, a busca pelos remédios caseiros, o apoio na religião e na família e um sentimento de incompletude. Além disso, as condutas para reabilitação vocal e social envolvem o estímulo, adaptação e o combate à ansiedade e insegurança quanto à voz esofágica. (AU)

Objective: To reveal the meanings of illness due to laryngeal cancer of patients suffering from total laryngectomy. Methods: Case study supported by Clifford Geertz's Interpretation of Cultures, carried out from the High Complexity outpatient clinic in Oncology located in the city of Belém, Pará, Brazil, with a group of 11 men. Later visits were made to the participants' homes. Data collection consisted of semi-structured interviews, with subsequent inductive content analysis. Results: They were divided into two macro categories: "Experiences with the disease" and "Changes in social life, experiences with body image and enunciation". The first was related to signs, symptoms and seeking treatment for the disease, religious faith, the family as a support and the second to changes in social life, enunciation and body image. Conclusion: Forms of evaluation for hoarseness, the search for home remedies, support in religion and family and a feeling of incompleteness were revealed. In addition, conduct for vocal and social rehabilitation involves stimulating, adapting and combating anxiety and insecurity regarding the esophageal voice. (AU)

Objetivo: Revelar el significado de la enfermedad debida al cáncer de laringe de pacientes con laringectomía total. Métodos: Estudio de caso apoyado por la Interpretación de las Culturas por Clifford Geertz, realizado desde la clínica ambulatoria de Oncología de Alta Complejidad ubicada en la ciudad de Belém, Pará, Brasil, con un grupo de 11 hombres. Posteriormente se hicieron visitas a las casas de los participantes. La recopilación de datos consistió en entrevistas semiestructuradas, con posterior análisis de contenido inductivo. Resultados: Se dividieron en dos macro categorías: "Experiencias con la enfermedad" y "Cambios en la vida social, experiencias con la imagen corporal y la enunciación". El primero estaba relacionado con los signos, síntomas y la búsqueda de tratamiento para la enfermedad, la fe religiosa, la familia como apoyo y el segundo con los cambios en la vida social, el enunciado y la imagen corporal. Conclusión: Se revelaron formas de evaluación de la ronquera, la búsqueda de remedios caseros, el apoyo en la religión y la familia y un sentimiento de incompletitud. Además, las conductas para la rehabilitación vocal y social implican estimular, adaptar y combatir la ansiedad y la inseguridad con respecto a la voz esofágica. (AU)

Laringectomía total en el adulto mayor, Guantánamo 2015-2019 / Laringectomia total em idosos, Guantánamo 2015-2019 / Total laryngectomy in older adult, Guantanamo 2015-2019

Introducción: El cáncer laríngeo en el adulto mayor tiene una incidencia elevada por múltiples factores que se incrementan con la edad, pero con un tratamiento específico adecuado como la laringectomía total permiten mejorar y elevar la calidad de vida de estos pacientes. Objetivo: Caracterizar el resultado de las intervenciones por laringectomía total realizadas en pacientes adultos mayores en el servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto", provincia Guantánamo, en el período de enero de 2015 a diciembre de 2019. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de corte transversal en el total de pacientes (n=32) de 60 años y más a los que se les realizó laringectomía total durante el periodo estudiado. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, hábitos tóxicos, condicionantes prequirúrgicas, técnica quirúrgica y complicaciones más frecuentes. Los datos se obtuvieron de las historias clínicas. Resultados: La mayoría de los pacientes correspondió al sexo masculino (90,6 porciento) entre 70-74 años; el 71,8 porciento de los pacientes fumaba. La laringectomía total combinada con tiroidectomía unilateral o bilateral y vaciamiento cervical selectivo fue la técnica quirúrgica más empleada y el faringostoma la complicación predominante. Conclusiones: La caracterización de los resultados de la laringectomía total en el adulto mayor portador de carcinoma epidermoide laríngeo aporta datos que permiten una mejor atención integral a este grupo poblacional(AU).

Introduction: Laryngeal cancer has a high incidence in older adult due to various factors which has been increasing in frequency with age. However, assuming an adecuated and specific treatment like total laryngectomy, allows improving and enhancing the patient's quality of life. Objective: To characterize the outcomes of total laryngectomy in older adult patients treated in the otorhinolaryngology service at the Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto" in Guantánamo, from January 2015 to December 2019. Method: A descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study was conducted on the total of patients (n=32) 60 and older, who underwent total laryngectomy during the mentioned period. Variables used were as follow: age, sex, toxic habits, preoperative conditions, surgical technique and, most frequent complications. Data was gathered from medical records. Results: Male patients 70 to 74 years were predominant (90.6 percent) and most of them smoked (71.8 percent). Total laryngectomy combined with unilateral or bilateral thyroidectomy and selective neck dissection was the most common surgical technique used and pharyngostoma was the predominant complication. Conclusions: The characterization of total laryngectomy outcomes in older adult with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma provides important data for better comprehensive care in this population group(AU).

Introdução: O câncer de laringe em idosos apresenta alta incidência devido a múltiplos fatores que aumentam com a idade, mas com um tratamento específico adequado como a laringectomia total, melhoram e melhoram a qualidade de vida desses pacientes. Objetivo: Caracterizar o resultado da laringectomia total realizada em pacientes idosos no serviço de Otorrinolaringologia do Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto", província de Guantánamo, no período de janeiro de 2015 a dezembro de 2019. Método: Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo e transversal em todos os pacientes (n=32) com 60 anos ou mais que realizaram laringectomia total. durante o período estudado. As variáveis estudadas foram: idade, sexo, hábitos tóxicos, condições pré-cirúrgicas, técnica cirúrgica e complicações mais frequentes. Os dados foram obtidos dos prontuários médicos. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino (90,6 porcento) entre 70-74 anos; 71,8 porcento dos pacientes fumavam. A laringectomia total combinada com tireoidectomia unilateral ou bilateral e dissecção cervical seletiva foi a técnica cirúrgica mais utilizada e a faringostomia a complicação predominante. Conclusões: A caracterização dos resultados da laringectomia total em idosos com carcinoma espinocelular de laringe fornece dados que permitem uma melhor assistência integral a este grupo populacional(AU).

Does thyroid-sparing total laryngectomy decrease the risk of hypothyroidism?

BACKGROUND: Thyroid lobectomy is recommended with total laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network ('NCCN') guidelines. However, it is associated with a 32-89 per cent risk of hypothyroidism, with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to determine whether preserving the whole thyroid, compared to a single lobe, does indeed significantly lower the incidence of hypothyroidism in the setting of total laryngectomy. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. The overall incidence of hypothyroidism was 45.2 per cent. The incidence of hypothyroidism was significantly reduced in patients who underwent thyroid-sparing total laryngectomy compared to hemithyroidectomy (p = 0.037). Adjuvant radiotherapy was associated with a higher incidence of hypothyroidism (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Thyroid-preserving laryngectomy should be advocated in carefully selected patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma, as it reduces the incidence of hypothyroidism.

Expiratory Muscle Strength Training in patients After Total Laryngectomy; A Feasibility Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) is a threshold based device-driven treatment for improving expiratory pressure. EMST proved to be effective in different patient groups to improve cough function. To date, EMST has not been tested in the total laryngectomy population (TL). METHODS: This prospective, randomized case-series study examined feasibility, safety, and compliance of EMST in a group of TL participants and its effects on pulmonary function, physical exertion, fatigue, and vocal functioning. Ten TL participants were included in the study to perform a 4 till 8 weeks of EMST. Objective and subjective outcome measures included manometry, spirometry, cardio pulmonary exercise testing (CPET), voice recordings, and patient reported outcome measures. Group means were reported and estimates of the effect are shown with a 95% confidence interval, using single sample t-tests. RESULTS: Nine participants completed the full study protocol. Compliance to the training program was high. All were able to perform the training, although it requires adjustments of the device and skills of the participants. Maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) and vocal functioning in loudness improved over time. After EMST no changes were seen in other objective and subjective outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: EMST appears to be feasible and safe after total laryngectomy. MEP improved over time but no improvement in the clinically relevant outcome measures were seen in this sample of relatively fit participants. Further investigation of the training in a larger group of participants who report specifically pulmonary complaints is recommended to investigate if the increase in MEP results in clinical benefits. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Speech and swallowing outcomes after laryngectomy for the dysfunctional irradiated larynx.

PURPOSE: To characterize outcomes of total laryngectomy for the dysfunctional larynx after radiation. METHODS: Retrospective case series of all subjects who underwent total laryngectomy for the irradiated dysfunctional larynx between 2000 and 2018 at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center at a single tertiary care academic medical center. Main outcomes included enteral tube feeding dependency, functional tracheoesophageal speech, and number and timing of postoperative pharyngeal dilations. RESULTS: Median time from radiation to laryngectomy was 2.8 years (range 0.5-27 years). Functional outcomes were analyzed for the 32 patients with 1-year follow-up. Preoperatively, 81% required at least partial enteral tube feeding, as compared to 34% 1-year postoperatively (p = 0.0003). At 1 year, 81% had achieved functional tracheoesophageal speech, which was associated with cricopharyngeal myotomy (p = 0.04, HR 0.04, 95% CI 0.002-0.949). There were 34% of subjects who required at least one pharyngeal dilation for stricture by 1 year postoperatively. Over half (60%) of the cohort were dilated over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Laryngectomy for the dysfunctional larynx improves speech and swallowing outcomes in many patients. Cricopharyngeal myotomy is associated with improved postoperative voice. While the need for enteral feeding is decreased, persistent postoperative swallowing dysfunction is common. Careful patient selection and education regarding functional expectations are paramount.

Does Thyroid Gland Preserving Total Laryngectomy Affect Oncological Control in Laryngeal Carcinoma?

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid lobectomy is recommended with total laryngectomy in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. However, it is associated with a 32% to 89% risk of hypothyroidism, which is a problem for patients without access to thyroid hormone monitoring and replacement. A number of studies have reported a low incidence of thyroid gland involvement and recommended preserving the thyroid gland in favorable cases. Yet there are no studies that report whether thyroid preserving laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer adversely affects oncologic outcomes compared to patients who have undergone thyroid lobectomy. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether patients who underwent thyroid gland preserving laryngectomy had higher local recurrence rates or poorer disease-free survival. METHOD: A retrospective folder review of patients who underwent a total laryngectomy over a 12-year period was conducted. Local recurrence and disease-free survival were determined for patients who had both their thyroid lobes preserved and compared with those who had a thyroid lobectomy. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients had thyroid preserving laryngectomy and 73 patients had a thyroid lobectomy. The duration of follow-up was 18 to 132 months (median, 30; IQR, 30). There was no significant difference in local recurrence rates (P = .76) or survival curves between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Thyroid preserving laryngectomy in selected patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma does not increase local recurrence rates, nor does it negatively affect disease-free survival. Thyroid preservation is appropriate when intraoperative inspection of the larynx shows no extralaryngeal extension or when paratracheal nodal metastases are not a concern. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4 Laryngoscope, 130:1465-1469, 2020.

Thyroid and Parathyroid Functions After Pharyngo-Laryngo-Esophagectomy for Cervical Esophageal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cervical esophageal cancer (CEC) patients whose larynx function cannot be preserved often undergo chemoradiotherapy, whereas those with residual or recurrent lesions undergo a pharyngo-laryngo-esophagectomy (PLE); however, some need to undergo a pharyngolaryngectomy with total esophagectomy (PLTE) for synchronous or metachronous esophageal cancer. We retrospectively evaluated the relationship between preoperative irradiation (or the extent of esophageal resection) and postoperative endocrine complications in CEC, including hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism. METHODS: The cancers of 35 (5.4%) of 678 esophageal cancer patients with esophagectomy treated in 2000-2017 were CECs. We also analyzed the 17 cases of CEC patients who underwent PLE with thyroid lobectomy-11 with irradiation before PLE and 6 without irradiation. Seven patients underwent a PLTE. RESULTS: Hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism occurred in 14 and 12 patients, respectively. The hypothyroidism rate was significantly higher in patients with irradiation versus those without irradiation (100% vs. 50%; p = 0.010), and the hypoparathyroidism rate was significantly higher in the PLTE versus non-PLTE patients (100% vs. 50%; p = 0.026). The mean levothyroxine dosage was 1.60 µg/kg/day in the PLE patients post-irradiation. CONCLUSIONS: Irradiation appears to be a risk factor for hypothyroidism after PLE with thyroid lobectomy, while PLTE might have some effect on hypoparathyroidism. Due to vocal function loss, PLE patients may experience symptoms from endocrine complications. Levothyroxine treatment soon after PLE for post-irradiation patients and patients requiring as-needed calcium or vitamin D supplementation based on biochemical hypocalcemia for PLE (especially PLTE), may be effective in preventing symptomatic endocrine complications.

Perioperative Management of Total Laryngectomy Patients: A Survey of American Head and Neck Society Surgeons.

OBJECTIVES: Standards of care for total laryngectomy (TL) patients in the postoperative period have not been established. Perioperative care remains highly variable and perhaps primarily anecdotally based. The aim of this study was to survey members of the American Head and Neck Society to capture management practices in the perioperative care of TL patients. METHODS: In this survey study, an electronic survey was distributed to the international attending physician body of the American Head and Neck Society. Forty-five-question electronic surveys were distributed. A total of 777 members were invited to respond, of whom 177 (22.8%) fully completed the survey. The survey elicited information on management preferences in the perioperative care of TL patients. Differences in management on the basis of irradiation status and pharyngeal repair (primary closure vs regional or free flap reconstruction) were ascertained. Main outcomes and measures were time to initiate oral feeding, perioperative antibiotic selection and duration, and estimated pharyngocutaneous fistula rates. These measures were stratified by patient type. RESULTS: Most respondents completed head and neck fellowships (77.0%) and practice at academic tertiary centers (72.3%). Ampicillin/sulbactam was the most preferred perioperative antibiotic (43.2%-49.1% depending on patient type), followed by cefazolin and metronidazole in combination (32.0%-33.7%) and then clindamycin (10.8%-12.6%). Compared with nonirradiated patients, irradiated patients were significantly more likely to have longer durations of antibiotics ( P < .05), longer postoperative times to initiate oral feeding ( P < .05), and higher estimated fistula rates ( P < .05). Additionally, in nonirradiated patients, flap-repaired patients (vs primary repair) were significantly more likely to have longer durations of antibiotics (odds ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.48) and postoperative times to initiate oral feeding (odds ratio, 2.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.76-2.84). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative management of TL patients is highly variable. Management of antibiotics and oral feeding are significantly affected by irradiation status and scope of pharyngeal repair. Further studies are needed to standardize perioperative care for this unique patient population.

Functional fat injection under local anesthesia to treat severe postsurgical dysphagia, case report.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we present the first application of functional fat injection performed under local anesthesia in the treatment of severe dysphagia secondary to head and neck cancer surgery. METHODS: Functional fat injection was performed using a transcervical approach. Control of injection depth and site was performed through a transnasal flexible endoscope. The effect of surgery was evaluated through videofluoroscopy (VFS), Fiberendoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), and Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10). RESULTS: Before the functional fat injection, the patient was dependent on permanent tube feeding; the VFS and FEES revealed a severe impairment of swallowing abilities. The EAT-10 scored 26. Twelve months after surgery, the patient was on oral diet, the VFS demonstrated mild to moderate dysphagia, the FEES demonstrated aspiration only with liquids and the EAT-10 improved. CONCLUSION: Functional fat injection under local anesthesia could be useful in the treatment of chronic dysphagia in selected patients.

Treatment of Carcinoma in Situ of Glottis by KTP Fiberoptic Laryngeal Laser Surgery Under Local Anesthesia

The optimal treatments of carcinoma in situ of glottis include radiotherapy, laser surgery and vertical partial laryngectomy. Conventional surgical treatments need general anesthesia and radiotherapy has several complications. Recently, the effectiveness of 532 nm potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser has been proven and widely used in vocal fold diseases even some cases of vocal fold dysplasia. A patient with difficult laryngeal exposure underwent fiberoptic laryngeal laser surgery using KTP laser under local anesthesia, showed improved voice outcome and the glottic lesion was removed successfully without local recurrence and regional metastasis 18 months after surgery.

From VA Larynx to the future of chemoselection: Defining the role of induction chemotherapy in larynx cancer.

Organ preservation protocols utilizing induction chemotherapy as a selection agent have played a critical role in the treatment of advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). The selection of patients who will have a good response to chemoradiation allows for organ preservation in a significant group of patients and minimizes the rate of surgical salvage. While there remains debate regarding its utility when compared to surgery or other organ preservation regimens, the data does suggest an important role for induction chemotherapy in LSCC. In addition, there are continued opportunities to identify pretreatment biomarkers for induction chemotherapy, whether genetic, epigenetic or cellular, that could predict response to treatment and select patients to therapy (whether organ preservation or surgery). As our understanding of the biology of larynx cancer advances, induction paradigms have utility for the development and adoption of novel agents and therapeutics. The background of induction chemotherapy as a selection agent and future directions of this approach are discussed.

Self-expression and identity after total laryngectomy: Implications for support.

OBJECTIVE: To explore how individuals with a laryngectomy (IWL) from diverse backgrounds make meaning and adjust to the physical and functional changes from a total laryngectomy. To examine the extent primary supporters (PS) and health professionals (HP) are able to support IWL with the psychosocial and existential challenges rendered by a surgery that significantly impacts a person's talking, breathing, swallowing, and appearance. METHODS: A constructivist grounded theory approach and symbolic interactionism were used to guide data collection and analysis. Semi-structured interviewing occurred. RESULTS: Twenty-eight participants (12 IWL, 9 PS, and 7 HP) were interviewed. The findings suggest that IWL experience significant change to their self-identity and there is evidence of a range of passive and active reframing patterns (destabilised, resigned, resolute, and transformed). The loss of self-expression included changes to communicative participation, personal style, food preferences, and social roles. Short and longer-term supports appear to influence outcomes but are often ill-equipped to manage the psychosocial needs of IWL. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of self-expression after total laryngectomy influences self-identity and adjustment. How individuals reframe their identity appears to be tied with how they view their disabilities and disfigurement. These perceptions also appear to be influenced by the reactions of others and the support available. Further resourcing, education, and training are needed so that PS and HP can provide holistic care.

Carcinoma sarcomatoide de laringe. ¿Un reto histológico? / Sarcomatoid carcinoma of larynx. A histological challenge?

Introducción. El carcinoma sarcomatoide puede aparecer en cualquier parte del cuerpo, siendo las glándulas salivales mayores su principal localización en cabeza y cuello, pero en la laringe representa aproximadamente un 1%. Cuenta con componentes epiteliales y mesenquimales, lo que ha llevado a plantear múltiples teorías acerca de su origen. Por esto su diagnóstico anatomopatológico puede ser un reto. Caso clínico. Presentamos un caso clínico de un varón de 76años fumador que consulta por disfonía. Se observa una lesión en cuerdas vocales sin adenopatías ni metástasis. Se le realiza microcirugía laríngea con escisión completa de la lesión, y el diagnóstico anatomopatológico es de carcinosarcoma, mostrando positividad intensa y difusa para vimentina y focal para AE1-AE3, CK5 y p63. El paciente recibe tratamiento complementario con radioterapia. Discusión. El carcinoma sarcomatoide tiende a manifestarse con síntomas obstructivos como la disfonía. Su pronóstico depende del estadio y de si hay o no metástasis. Suelen ser positivos los marcadores epiteliales citoqueratina (AE1-AE3), antígenos de membrana epitelial (EMA), Ki 67 y marcadores mesenquimales como vimentina, desmina y S-100. En cuanto al tratamiento, se recomienda de entrada una biopsia por escisión seguida o no de radioterapia complementaria, aunque la radioterapia sola también ha tenido éxito (T2-T1). En estadios T3-T4 pueden ser tratados con resección local, laringectomía parcial, total con o sin vaciamiento, seguida de radioquimioterapia concomitante (AU)

Introduction. Sarcomatoid carcinoma can occur in any part of the body; in the head and neck it occurs most frequently in the major salivary glands, with only about 1% of cases found in the larynx. As it has both epithelial and mesenchymal components, there are many theories concerning its origin and it can prove a diagnostic challenge. Case report. A 76 year old male smoker presented with dysphonia. Vocal cord injury was found on examination but no lymphadenopathy or metastases were present. Laryngeal microsurgery was performed with complete excision of the lesion. Histopathology showed it to be a carcinosarcoma which showed intense and diffuse positivity for vimentin and focal positivity for AE1-AE3, CK5 and p63. The patient underwent radiotherapy as complementary treatment. Discussion. Sarcomatoid carcinoma usually presents with obstructive symptoms such as dysphonia. Prognosis depends on the stage and the presence or not of metastases. Both epithelial markers EMA, cytokeratin (AE1-AE3), epithelial membrane antigen, Ki 67 and mesenchymal markers such as vimentin, desmin, S-100 may be positive in these tumours. Recommended treatment for T2-T1 stages is an excisional biopsy which can be followed by adjuvant radiotherapy; radiotherapy alone has also been successful. T3-T4 stages can be treated with local excision, partial laryngectomy or total laryngectomy with subsequent ganglion emptying and concomitant radio and chemotherapy (AU)