Tumescent local anesthesia in geriatric patients with head and neck skin cancer - a retrospective study of 782 patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Due to frailty, dermatosurgery in the elderly is preferably performed under tumescent local anesthesia, but data is limited. The aim was to evaluate tumescent local anesthesia for skin cancer surgery in the elderly with focus on clinical benefits (treatment processes, pain management) and local postoperative complication risk. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Investigation of patients ≥ 75 years with inpatient head and neck skin cancer surgery under tumescent local anesthesia. RESULTS: 2,940 procedures in 782 patients (mean age 83.3 years) were performed with the aim of complete tumor resection during the inpatient stay. 3.8 (range: 1-20) interventions were done over an average of 4.9 days (range: 1-28). 43.2% did not require any postoperative analgesia. 53.5% received NSAIDs, 3.3% opioids. Infection (13.6%) was the most common local postoperative complication. Surgical intervention due to bleeding was required in 2.8%. None was hemoglobin relevant or life-threatening. Suture dehiscence and necrosis were rare (0.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Tumescent local anesthesia is an effective method for skin cancer surgery in the elderly. By avoiding general anesthesia, treatment processes can be optimized and anesthesiologic risks minimized. Local postoperative complications are still low and well treatable. The long-lasting analgesia results in a reduced need for analgesics and drug interactions.

Delays Starting Postoperative Radiotherapy Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Initiating postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) within 6 weeks (42 days) of surgery is the first and only Commission on Cancer (CoC) approved quality metric for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). No study has systematically reviewed nor synthesized the literature to establish national benchmarks for delays in starting PORT. DATA SOURCES: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, we performed a systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL. REVIEW METHODS: Studies that described time-to-PORT or PORT delays in patients with HNSCC treated in the United States after 2003 were included. Meta-analysis of proportions and continuous measures was performed on nonoverlapping datasets to examine the pooled frequency of PORT delays and time-to-PORT. RESULTS: Thirty-six studies were included in the systematic review and 14 in the meta-analysis. Most studies utilized single-institution (n = 17; 47.2%) or cancer registry (n = 16; 44.4%) data. Twenty-five studies (69.4%) defined PORT delay as >6 weeks after surgery (the definition utilized by the CoC and National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines), whereas 4 (11.1%) defined PORT delay as a time interval other than >6 weeks, and 7 (19.4%) characterized time-to-PORT without defining delay. Meta-analysis revealed that 48.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 41.4-55.9) of patients started PORT > 6 weeks after surgery. Median and mean time-to-PORT were 45.8 (95% CI, 42.4-51.4 days) and 47.4 days (95% CI, 43.4-51.4 days), respectively. CONCLUSION: Delays in initiating guideline-adherent PORT occur in approximately half of patients with HNSCC. These meta-analytic data can be used to set national benchmarks and assess progress in reducing delays.

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for treatment of osteoradionecrosis of mandible in head and neck surgery patients - A way forward into the future with promising clinical Outcomes.

Managing osteoradionecrosis is an integral part of complication management in head and neck cancer patients. While essentially an infection, the management of this complication has a considerable task for head and neck surgeons. While various measures have been discussed for the management, stem cells injection therapy is a potential management option. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy provides the local tissue with growth factors and proliferative cells that can aid a radiated tissue in the healing process. The article intends to review the bedrock of the pathology, ranging from pathophysiological and the epidemiological concerns to sparking a potential discussion on the use of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in osteoradionecrosis of mandible in head and neck cancer surgery and thus the ensuing future of the regenerative medicine. Moreover, the article has considered the management option in a developing nation thus explaining the procedural as well as the financial pitfalls and has highlighted the potential loop holes to be addressed in the management of osteoradionecrosis with stem cell therapy.

[Treatment of neurological postoperative disorders after surgical intervention for head and neck tumors using low-intensity laser radiation]. / Korrektsiya nevrologicheskikh posleoperatsionnykh narushenii u bol'nykh s opukholyami golovy i shei s ispol'zovaniem nizkointensivnogo lazernogo izlucheniya.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of low-intensity laser radiation in rehabilitation treatment of patients undergoing radical treatment for head and neck tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 134 patients (39 (29.1%) men, 95 (70, 9%) women), aged from 23 to 78 years old, with an average age of 54.24±12.7 years. Three groups were formed: Group 1 - 45 patients who received the traditional complex of rehabilitation treatment, which includes physical exercise, massage, and drug therapy, without using low-intensity laser radiation; Group 2 - 45 patients who received the traditional complex of rehabilitation treatment in combination with low-intensity laser radiation; Group 3 - 44 patients who underwent only a few low-intensity laser irradiation courses as a rehabilitation treatment. The impact on the tissues of the shoulder joint and cervico-supraclavicular region was carried out by radiation with a wavelength of 660 nm and 970 nm using a matrix radiation source. The course of treatment was 10 treatment sessions lasting 10 minutes. During the first year after radical treatment, the course of laser therapy was repeated every 3 months. In the course of the study, indicators of the patient's subjective assessment of changes occurring with them were studied, depending on the method of rehabilitation used, as well as the restoration of range of motion in the shoulder joint on the side of the operation and the function of soft tissues in the shoulder joint on the radical treatment side. RESULTS: Against the background of the treatment, an improvement in the condition of patients was recorded in the form of a decrease in the severity of motor and sensory disorders. CONCLUSION: Complex rehabilitation treatment with the obligatory use of low-intensity laser radiation provides an improvement in the function of the peripheral nervous system and blood circulation, which, in turn, allows not only to restore the function of these organs, but also to generally improve the quality of life of patients.

Indocyanine green near infrared-guided surgery in children, adolescents, and young adults with otolaryngologic malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: Head and neck cancers represent critical challenges due to the restricted anatomical space in children and the proximity of critical neurovascular structures which can compromise complete tumor resection. Applications of Indocyanine green (ICG) near infrared (NIR) fluorescent image-guided surgery (FGS) have recently expanded into the pediatric population, emphasizing its relevance for tumor delineation and evaluation of tissue perfusion. The objectives of the present study are twofold. First, we aim to assess the role of ICG NIR imagery in identifying neoplastic disease and second, to evaluate its role as an adjunct to identify metastatic deposits in cervical lymph node in children, adolescents, and young adults with head and neck cancers. METHODS: Eight patients with head and neck malignancies underwent ICG NIR FGS, between January 2019 and November 2021. ICG NIR findings were compared with preoperative cross-sectional imaging and results of operative tissue pathology analyses. RESULTS: All primary tumors were identified on preoperative imaging and intraoperatively with ICG NIR; however, for one case, extension of tumor was revealed with ICG NIR and confirmed by histopathological examination but was not otherwise visible on preoperative imaging or with naked eye visual and tactile assessment. ICG NIR assisted the decision process in a difficult case for which curative resection, without significant functional morbidity and potential mortality, was unrealistic. Although ICG NIR evaluation of the surgical bed did not display residual tumor, margins were found positive in two cases. ICG NIR evaluation for local metastases changed the surgical strategy in one patient by prompting conversion to bilateral neck dissections. The sensitivity of preoperative multimodality imaging to identify cervical levels of invasion was 75% with a specificity of 70%, a PPV of 33%, a NPV of 78% and an accuracy of 72%. The ICG NIR sensitivity was 83%, its specificity was 88% with a PPV of 91%, a NPV of 80% and an accuracy of 86%. The combination of preoperative multimodality imaging with ICG NIR findings led to a sensitivity of 83%, specificity of 88% and accuracy of 86%. CONCLUSION: This case series provides a proof of concept of the feasibility of ICG NIR, as an adjunct in tumor and local metastases identification in young patients with head and neck tumors. It revealed to be feasible and safe for intra-operative tumor identification, thus guiding and facilitating resection. However, it showed some limitations in precise tumor margin assessment. The combination of preoperative multimodality imaging with ICG NIR findings improved local metastases localization.

Best practices in surgical and nonsurgical management of head and neck Merkel cell carcinoma: An update.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, highly aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma. Controversy exists regarding optimal management of MCC as high-quality randomized studies and clinical trials are limited, and physicians are bound to interpret highly heterogeneous, retrospective literature in their clinical practice. Furthermore, the rising incidence and notably poor prognosis of MCC urges the establishment of best practices for optimal management of the primary tumor and its metastases. Herein, we summarized the relevant evidence and provided an algorithm for decision-making in MCC management based on the latest 2021 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Additionally, we report current active MCC clinical trials in the United States. The initial management of MCC is dependent upon the pathology of the primary tumor and presence of metastatic disease. Patients with no clinical evidence of regional lymph node involvement generally require sentinel node biopsy (SLNB) while clinically node-positive patients should undergo fine needle aspiration (FNA) or core biopsy and full imaging workup. If SLNB or FNA/core biopsy are positive, a multidisciplinary team should be assembled to discuss if additional node dissection or adjuvant therapy is necessary. Wide local excision is optimal for primary tumor management and SLNB remains the preferred staging and predictive tool in MCC. The management of MCC has progressively improved in the last decade, particularly due to the establishment of immunotherapy as a new treatment option in advanced MCC. Ongoing trials and prospective studies are needed to further establish the best practices for MCC management.

Conventional and implant-based mandibular oral rehabilitation for patients with head and neck cancer.

Surgical treatment of head and neck cancer can cause loss of teeth, loss of hard and soft tissues and result in significantly altered anatomy. Prosthodontic rehabilitation for such patients can be challenging, requiring pre-surgical planning at a time-sensitive point in the patient's cancer pathway. Rehabilitative outcomes are optimised by early and collaborative planning at the multidisciplinary team discussion, involving surgeons, oncologists and consultants in restorative dentistry. Conventional and implant-based prosthodontics contribute to the armamentarium of rehabilitative approaches used in this patient cohort. In order to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients, collaborative planning and teamworking between head and neck surgeons and restorative dental consultants is required from the outset. Each plan is bespoke, considering the patient's needs and wishes within the context of their holistic and cancer-specific care and their general and dental health.

A qualitative comparison of the nutrition care experiences of carers supporting patients with head and neck cancer throughout surgery and radiation treatment and survivorship.

PURPOSE: To understand and compare the nutrition care experiences of carers supporting patients throughout surgery and radiation treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) to inform changes to service delivery in the inpatient and outpatient setting to ensure carers needs in their supportive role throughout the treatment and survivorship period are met. METHODS: As part of a larger study, narrative interviews were completed with fourteen carers of patients diagnosed with HNC at 2 weeks, 3 months and 12 months post-treatment completion. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret and understand differences in carer experiences of nutrition care between surgery and radiation treatment. RESULTS: Two main themes across each treatment modality were identified: (1) access to information and support from healthcare professionals and (2) adjustment to the physical and psychological impact of treatment. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the increasing need to ensure carers are included in the provision of nutrition information and support to patients throughout and beyond their treatment trajectory. Having structured support available to patients and carers throughout radiation treatment meant that carer needs were reduced. However, without the opportunity for structured support in the inpatient setting, many carers expressed high care needs in supporting patients in the post-surgical phase. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Providing carers with access to structured support for nutrition care in the inpatient and outpatient setting can reduce their supportive care needs throughout the treatment and survivorship period.

Whole-course nutritional support therapy and indicators in head and neck cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effect of continuous perioperative nutritional support provided by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to patients who underwent surgery for head and neck cancer (HNC). METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: This study enrolled 99 patients with HNC and divided them into two groups: a management group (n=48), comprising patients who underwent surgery between August and December 2020 and received continuous perioperative nutritional support from the MDT; and a control group (n=51), comprising patients who underwent surgery between June and December 2017 and received routine nutritional guidance. Data on weight, nutritional indicators, and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) were collected. We compared the changes in weight, nutritional indicators, PNI, Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) scores, and body composition. Factors influencing the PNI were analysed. RESULTS: The minimum weight, nutritional indicator, and PNI values observed postoperatively and at discharge were lower than those observed at admission. The serum nutritional index values observed at discharge and minimum PNI values observed postoperatively and at discharge were higher in the management group than in the control group. The PG-SGA score at 2 weeks postoperatively was higher than that on the day of surgery in the management group. The discharge PNI was influenced by management and age in these HNC surgical patients. In the management group, body composition data did not differ significantly between the preoperative and 1-, 2-, and 3-week postoperative time points. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous perioperative nutritional support by an MDT can improve the weight and serum nutritional index of patients receiving surgery for HNC and improve the PNI at discharge.

Surgical technique for superselective neck dissection under local anesthesia in recurrent head and neck cancer.

The aim of this paper is to describe a safe and effective surgical technique for neck dissection under local anesthesia. An increasing number of patients cannot undergo general anesthesia due to systemic complication arising from old age. Moreover, the long-term survival of patients with recurrent or metastatic cancer due to advances in chemotherapy has increased the necessity of neck dissection under local anesthesia. Appropriate pain control and selection of medical devices are important factors for success of the surgery under local anesthesia. In addition to the usual subcutaneous infiltration anesthesia for pain control, nerve blocks for each cervical nerve encountered during surgery are extremely effective. Since muscle relaxants are not available, sharp devices such as knife or scissors, instead of electric scalpel, should be used to prevent unexpected muscle contractions caused by electric current. This video presents well-proven techniques and technical tips for superselective neck dissection under local anesthesia.

Machine learning directed sentinel lymph node biopsy in cutaneous head and neck melanoma.

BACKGROUND: The specificity of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for detecting lymph node metastasis in head and neck melanoma (HNM) is low under current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) treatment guidelines. METHODS: Multiple machine learning (ML) algorithms were developed to identify HNM patients at very low risk of occult nodal metastasis using National Cancer Database (NCDB) data from 8466 clinically node negative HNM patients who underwent SLNB. SLNB performance under NCCN guidelines and ML algorithm recommendations was compared on independent test data from the NCDB (n = 2117) and an academic medical center (n = 96). RESULTS: The top-performing ML algorithm (AUC = 0.734) recommendations obtained significantly higher specificity compared to the NCCN guidelines in both internal (25.8% vs. 11.3%, p < 0.001) and external test populations (30.1% vs. 7.1%, p < 0.001), while achieving sensitivity >97%. CONCLUSION: Machine learning can identify clinically node negative HNM patients at very low risk of nodal metastasis, who may not benefit from SLNB.

Effect of progressive muscle relaxation on postoperative pain, fatigue, and vital signs in patients with head and neck cancers: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Surgery for head and neck cancers are associated with significant preoperative stress. We investigated the effects of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on postoperative pain, fatigue, and vital signs in patients with head and neck cancers. METHODS: All patients were hospitalized and randomly assigned to intervention or usual care groups. A generalized estimating equation was used to evaluate the PMR effects on pain and symptoms across the preoperative day to postoperative day 10. RESULTS: The PMR group displayed significantly lower overall pain and muscle tightness than control group along with the timeline of multiple measurements (p < 0.01). PMR significantly reduces sleep disturbances and levels of fatigue, anxiety, and depression compared with the control group with time trend (p < 0.01). PMR also lowered the respiratory rates and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: PMR can reduce sleep disturbances and levels of pain, fatigue, muscle tightness, anxiety, and depression in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing major surgeries. Future study should focus on improving the effectiveness of the exercise and standardization of the application. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: progressive muscle relaxation help relieve discomforts in patients with head and neck cancers with minimal costs and efforts.

Defining High-Quality Integrated Head and Neck Cancer Care Through a Composite Outcome Measure: Textbook Outcome.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To further improve the quality of head and neck cancer (HNC) care, we developed a composite measure defined as "textbook outcome" (TO). METHODS: We analyzed a retrospective cohort of patients after curvative-intent primary surgery, radiotherapy (RT), or chemoradiation (CRT) for HNC between 2015 and 2018 at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. TO was defined as 1) the start of treatment within 30 days, 2a) satisfactory pathologic outcomes, without 30-day postoperative complications, for the surgically treated group, and 2b), for RT and CRT patients, no unexpected or prolonged hospitalization and toxicity after the completion of treatment as planned. RESULTS: In total, 392 patients with HNC were included. An overall TO was achieved in 9.6% of patients after surgery, 20.6% after RT, and 2.2% after CRT. Two indicators (margins >5 mm and start treatment <30 days) reduced TO radically for both groups. CONCLUSION: TO can aid the evaluation of the quality of care for HNC patients and guide improvement processes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 132:78-87, 2022.

Telemedicine trends at a comprehensive cancer center during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: This article reports on the effects of an early outbreak during the COVID-19 pandemic on visit volume and telehealth use by various specialists at a comprehensive cancer center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The number of on-site and telehealth visits (THV) for medical and surgical specialties were obtained from scheduling software. RESULTS: Total visits were most drastically limited in April 2020 to a low point of 3139; THV made up 28% of all visits. For head and neck surgery, THV made up 54% and 30% of visits in April and May, respectively. Other specialties, such as psychiatry and palliative care, had higher levels of THV. For most specialties, the rebound in June through September did not make up for visits lost during the outbreak, and fiscal year  (FY) 2020 had a 9% loss from FY 2019 with 5786 fewer total annual visits across all specialties. CONCLUSIONS: While telemedicine was a helpful part of this cancer center's response to the initial COVID-19 surge, it was not able to replace the in-person services offered at the same center. The main strategy of physicians at this cancer center was to defer care, with telemedicine being an auxiliary response.

Evolution of Nutritional Status in Patients with Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Surgical Treatment or Organ Preservation Protocol.

We sought to evaluate the evolution of the nutritional status of patients with advanced cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract undergoing surgical treatment (SURG) or organ preservation protocol (OP). Evaluations were conducted at the beginning and end of treatment, including weight, body composition and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). Each group was comprised of 29 patients. Initially, malnutrition rates were 65.5% and 51.7% in the SURG and OP groups, respectively. At the end, the values went to 55.1% in SURG and 79.3% in OP. In the OP, there was a reduction in weight (P = 0.001), fat mass (P = 0.006), fat free mass (P = 0.002), and muscle mass (P = 0.005) and an increase in scores of the PG-SGA (P = 0.008). The same was not observed in SURG, except for the weight decrease (P = 0.025). Malnutrition was prevalent in both treatment groups and patients in OP were at greater risk of nutritional decline.

Extirpative Considerations of Melanoma of the Head and Neck.

The incidence of melanoma is continuing to rise in the United States, and head and neck melanomas account for 25% of all cutaneous melanomas. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline recommendations for surgical margins and sentinel lymph node biopsy in head and neck melanomas are the same as cutaneous melanoma located in other regions, but require special considerations when performing wide local excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and completion lymph node dissection and reconstruction taking into account the location of the melanoma and structures involved in and around the suggested margins.

Perioperative Albumin Supplementation is Associated With Decreased Risk of Complications Following Microvascular Head and Neck Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Studies have demonstrated that low serum albumin levels are associated with a high postoperative complication rate after microvascular free flap reconstruction. The aim of this study was to investigate whether perioperative albumin supplementation reduced the postoperative complications of microvascular free flap reconstruction in oral and maxillofacial tumor resections. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent microvascular free flap reconstruction during oral and maxillofacial tumor resections from January 2012 to December 2017 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The predictor variable was perioperative albumin supplementation. The primary outcome variables were surgery-associated postoperative complications, including local and systemic complications. The secondary outcome variables were the total duration of hospital stay, postoperative ICU admission rate, duration of ICU stay, and mortality during hospitalization. RESULTS: In total, 315 patients met the criteria. Patients with serum albumin supplementation showed a lower rate of surgery-associated local complications (6.5 vs 21.6%) with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.24 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.12 to 0.49, P < .001). The average postoperative hospital stay was significantly shortened for patients with albumin supplementation (12.56 ± 4.23 vs 15.34 ± 5.24 days, P < .001). However, albumin supplementation had no effect on systemic complications. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that perioperative albumin supplementation is associated with a decreased risk of local complications, shortened hospital stay, and decreased need for crystalloid infusion in patients who underwent oral and maxillofacial tumor resections with microvascular free flap reconstruction.

Aspiration Prevention Surgery under Local Anesthesia for Palliative Care in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: A Report of Two Cases.

Aspiration prevention (AP) surgery may improve the quality of life (QOL) of patients with severe dysphagia. However, not all patients can endure this type of surgery under general anesthesia because of their poor status. Herein, we describe the cases of 2 patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) who underwent AP surgery for palliative care. Although both patients had tracheostomy due to severe dysphagia and respiratory impairment and frequently needed suction, they were successfully managed with AP surgery under local anesthesia. A tracheostoma was reshaped to be sufficiently large for an airway to be secured without a cannula. Their respiratory failure gradually improved, and suction frequency markedly decreased after surgery; thus, they could receive medical treatment at home. When patients with HNC under palliative care have a tracheal cannula and cannot vocalize, AP surgery under local anesthesia is an option to improve their QOL.

Associations of religiosity and spiritual well-being with appearance concerns after head and neck cancer surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether religiosity and spiritual well-being are associated with appearance concerns among people with visible sequelae due to cancer surgery in the head and neck region. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried in 202 adult patients in a referral hospital for cancer treatment in Midwest Brazil. Data on sociodemographic, psychosocial and clinical aspects and cancer-related behaviours were collected through interviews, clinical examination and medical records. The outcome was the patients' appearance concerns (Derriford Appearance Scale-DAS24). The independent explanatory variables were religiosity (Duke University Religiousness Index-DUREL) and spiritual well-being (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale-FACIT-Sp12). Data were analysed using Pearson's chi-square and Poisson regression. RESULTS: Most of the participants were male (76.2%), and mean age was 58.6 years (SD = 11.6). The scores of appearance concerns (DAS24) ranged from 21 to 75 (median = 33.0). In the bivariate analysis, appearance concerns were associated with spiritual well-being (FACIT-Sp12), degree of disfigurement and treatment with radiotherapy/chemotherapy. Religiosity (DUREL) was not associated with the outcome. In the adjusted regression model, a lower prevalence of appearance concerns was found among patients with higher levels of spiritual well-being (PR = 0.86; CI = 0.79-0.94), males (PR = 0.87; CI = 0.79-0.95), those with lower degrees of disfigurement (PR = 0.89; CI = 0.82-0.98) and those who had no treatment with radiotherapy/chemotherapy (PR = 0.83; CI = 0.72-0.94). CONCLUSION: High spiritual well-being was independently associated with lower levels of appearance concerns in people with visible sequelae due to cancer surgery in the head and neck region. Understanding the role of this psychosocial determinant may help in the coping process.