Characterizing the Impact of Facial Rehabilitation on Acute Facial Paralysis.

Evidence on facial rehabilitation therapy (FRT) for acute facial paralysis (FP) remains limited. We present a retrospective review of patients with acute FP who have received FRT with physical therapists within 1 year of FP onset as determined by Sunnybrook Facial Grading Scale (SFGS) composite scores. A total of 702 patients with a clinical diagnosis of FP were referred to a university rehabilitation program between January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2022. Seventy-six patients met the criteria, defined as FP diagnosis <12 months before FRT initiation, ≥3 therapy sessions, and sufficient follow-up data. Average number of treatment sessions between SFGS scores was 7.7. History of cancer, sex, number of treatment sessions, and initial SFGS score were correlated with change in SFGS. Time to treatment was not correlated with change in SFGS score. SFGS improved with each additional treatment session (p < 0.01). Each additional point in the initial SFGS was correlated with less change in the final SFGS score (p < 0.01). FRT can provide meaningful improvement in functionality for patients with acute FP, regardless of time to treatment. Furthermore, patients who present with poorer functionality at baseline and those who undergo more treatment are most likely to see SFGS improvement. Research comparing the effect of facial rehabilitation with other treatment modalities and to a control cohort is warranted.

Burden of comorbidities is higher among elderly survivors of oropharyngeal cancer compared with controls.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of survivors of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is increasing due to improved survival for individuals with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related disease. Although elderly survivors of OPC are known to have a high burden of comorbidities, to the authors' knowledge it is unknown how this compares with a similar cohort without a history of cancer. METHODS: The current retrospective, cross-sectional study included individuals with a first incident primary diagnosis of OPC from 2004 through 2011 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare-linked databases and matched controls. The baseline prevalence and subsequent incidence of comorbid conditions were identified. The association between comorbidity and overall survival was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 2497 eligible patients with OPC were matched to 4994 noncancer controls. Baseline comorbidity was higher in cases (Charlson Comorbidity Index >0 for 48.5% of cases vs 35.8% of controls). At 5 years, cases were more likely than controls to develop comorbidities. Survivors of OPC were at high risk (≥20% cumulative prevalence by 5 years) of developing several comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and tobacco abuse, and were at moderately high risk (10%-19% cumulative prevalence) of developing other conditions including carotid artery occlusive stroke, alcohol abuse, depression, and anxiety. In both cases and controls, the presence of the majority of comorbidities either at the time of diagnosis or during the follow-up period was associated with worse survival. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OPC have a higher comorbidity burden compared with matched controls, both at baseline and during survivorship, the majority of which are associated with decreased survival. Oncologic surveillance of survivors of OPC should include screening for highly prevalent conditions.

Prevalence of comorbidities and effect on survival in survivors of human papillomavirus-related and human papillomavirus-unrelated head and neck cancer in the United States.

BACKGROUND: The increasing incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related head and neck cancer (HNC) has led to the increasing prevalence of survivors, yet to the best of the authors' knowledge the prevalence of comorbidities during the survivorship period and their effects on survival are relatively unknown. METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, individuals with a first incident primary diagnosis of HNC from 2004 through 2011 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare-linked databases were included in the analysis and classified as patients with HPV-related or HPV-unrelated HNC. The presence of 30 comorbid conditions of interest was identified. Associations between comorbidity and treatment group as well as overall survival were evaluated. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 8025 patients with HPV-unrelated HNC and 2499 patients with HPV-related HNC. Hypertension, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease all were found to be highly prevalent at the time of the cancer diagnosis and increased over time for both groups. These comorbidities were found at significantly lower rates in the HPV-related HNC population, yet were associated with an increased risk of death in both groups. The probabilities of developing cancer-related comorbidities such as pneumonia, dysphagia, weight loss, malnutrition, and dental issues rose significantly in both groups after treatment but were more likely in patients with HPV-related HNC. In both groups of patients, the presence of each comorbidity either at the time of diagnosis or during survivorship was associated with a significantly increased risk of death. CONCLUSIONS: There is a large burden of comorbidities in both patients with HPV-related and HPV-unrelated HNC, both of which are associated with decreased survival. Oncologic surveillance should not be limited to the evaluation of disease status, but also should include screening for the highly prevalent conditions associated with the risk of death.

Surgical outcomes after endoscopic management of cholesterol granulomas of the petrous apex: a systematic review.

OBJECT: Endoscopic endonasal treatment of petrous apex cholesterol granulomas allows for a natural drainage pathway into the nasopharynx. Because of the limited number of case series in the literature, there is limited evidence of recurrence rates and outcomes following endoscopic endonasal management. The purpose of this study was to determine the surgical outcomes of endoscopic endonasal approaches in the treatment of cholesterol granulomas of the petrous apex. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed for articles published from January 1980 to April 2014 to identify all studies reporting outcomes for endoscopic endonasal surgical management of cholesterol granulomas of the petrous apex. Operative approach, use of a stent, symptom outcome, restenosis, cyst recurrence, reoperation, and complications were extracted from included studies. RESULTS: A total of 53 patient cases were included from 22 relevant studies. The mean age was 41 years, and 26 patients (49%) were female. Stents were used in 45.1% of cases. Symptom resolution or improvement was seen in 98.6% of cases at follow-up (mean follow-up 20 months). Complications were reported in 13.2% of cases, with the most common complication being epistaxis. Restenosis on follow-up office endoscopic examination occurred in 9 of 45 cases (20.0%). Only 4 of these restenosis cases resulted in symptomatic cyst recurrence, resulting in an overall recurrence rate of 7.5%. The mean time from surgery to cyst recurrence was 13.5 months. The rate of symptomatic cyst recurrence was 10.7% in cases without the use of a stent compared with 4.3% in cases with stent placement (p = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: Based on current literature, endoscopic endonasal approaches result in a high rate of symptom improvement or resolution. Complication rates are lower than prior case series that have utilized open approaches. Asymptomatic restenosis can be managed conservatively, since it is associated with symptomatic cyst recurrence less than half of the time. This study revealed a nonsignificant trend toward a decrease in symptomatic cyst recurrence when a stent was used, but further work is needed to clarify its impact.

Characterizing the Online Discourse on Facial Paralysis: What Patients Are Asking and Where They Find Answers.

Background: With the rising popularity of online search tools, patients seeking information on facial palsy are increasingly turning to the Internet for medical knowledge. Objective: To categorize the most common online questions about Bell's palsy or facial paralysis and the sources that provide answers to those queries. Methods: Query volumes for terms pertaining to facial palsy were obtained using Google Search trends. The top 40 keywords associated with the terms "Bell's palsy" and "facial paralysis" were extracted. People Also Ask (PAA) Questions-a Google search engine response page feature-were used to identify the top questions associated with each keyword. Results: A total of 151 PAA Questions pertaining to the top 40 keywords associated with "Bell's palsy" and "facial paralysis" were identified. Etiology questions were most frequent (n = 50, 33.1%), meanwhile those pertaining to treatment were most accessible (119.5 average search engine response pages/question, 35.5%). Most sources were academic (n = 81, 53.6%). Medical practice group sites were most accessible (211.9 average search engine response pages/website, 44.8%). Conclusion: Most PAA questions pertained to etiology and were sourced by academic sites. Questions regarding treatment and medical practice sites appeared on more search engine response pages when compared with all other categories.

Reanimation of the Lower Lip with the Anterior Belly of Digastric Transfer: A Systematic Review.

Background: Dynamic reanimation of the lower lip is a challenging issue for patients, with depressor asymmetry commonly addressed with chemodenervation, selective neurectomy, or myectomy. Objective: To determine whether the anterior belly of digastric transfer is an effective method of lower-lip reanimation for patients with either isolated marginal mandibular branch weakness or inadequate depressor function after hemifacial reanimation, as measured by patient satisfaction and objective symmetry evaluation. Method: Systematic review of the literature was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Abstracts and full texts were reviewed. A Risk of Bias assessment was performed. Results: Nine studies with 164 patients were included. Anterior belly of digastric transfer was successfully performed in 162 patients. Most patients (52%) underwent one-staged reanimation innervated by the native nerve to the mylohyoid. A two-staged approach after placement of a cross face nerve graft was performed in 46%. Patient satisfaction was excellent (90.6%), with minimal complications including revision (4/162), infection (4/162), and lipofilling (8/162). Conclusion: In patients seeking a permanent outcome, use of an anterior belly of digastric transfer in either a one-stage or two-stage approach appears to be a safe and effective method to restore symmetry and dynamic function.

Predictors of 30-day complications, readmission, and postoperative length of stay in children undergoing autologous rib grafting for microtia.

BACKGROUND: Predictors of outcomes in pediatric microtia surgery are not well understood within the current literature. A multi-institutional database study may reveal insights into these predictors. OBJECTIVES: To explore the predictors of 30-day complications, 30-day readmission, and postoperative length of stay (PLOS) in pediatric microtia patients undergoing autologous rib grafting. METHODS: The Pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried for details on patients with microtia (ICD-9/10 744.23/Q17.2) who underwent autologous rib grafting (CPT 21230) between 2012-2021. Demographics, comorbidities, inpatient status, 30-day complications, PLOS, and 30-day readmissions were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the preoperative characteristics with postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, 667 patients met the inclusion criteria. Sixty-three (9.4%) had at least one complication, and 19 (2.9%) were readmitted. Univariate analysis showed that inpatient status (p = 0.011) and race (p = 0.023) were associated with higher complication rates. Multivariate analysis revealed that outpatient status was associated with significantly lower odds of complications (OR: 0.49, 95% CI [0.27, 0.87], p = 0.018), and developmental delay was associated with higher odds of 30-day readmission (OR: 2.80, 95% CI [1.05, 7.17], p = 0.036). Longer operative time was associated with older age (13.9% increase per five-year age increase, p < 0.001) and inpatient status (35.3% increase, p < 0.001). PLOS was shorter for outpatients (45.45% shorter, p < 0.001) and cases performed by plastic surgeons (14.2% shorter, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Microtia reconstruction using autologous cartilage is a relatively safe procedure with low complication and readmission rates. Significant predictors of postoperative outcomes include inpatient status, race, developmental delay, and age. These findings highlight the importance of considering these factors in surgical planning and patient counseling.

Facial Reanimation After Intratemporal Facial Nerve Schwannoma Resection: A Systematic Review.

Objective: To systematically analyze the outcomes of reanimation techniques that have been described for patients undergoing non-fascicle sparing resection of intratemporal facial schwannomas. Methods: A systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines of the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Results: Eight hundred forty studies were screened with 22 meeting inclusion criteria comprising 266 patients. Most facial nerve reanimations (81.2%) were performed using an interposition nerve graft. The remaining patients underwent hypoglossal-facial nerve transposition (13.9%), primary anastomosis (3.4%), and free muscle transfer (0.1%). Of the reported interposition grafts, the two most utilized were the great auricular (113/199) and sural (86/199) nerves. Interposition nerve grafts resulted in significantly better outcomes in facial nerve function postoperatively than hypoglossal-facial transposition (3.48 vs. 3.92; p < 0.01). There was no difference between interposition grafts. Conclusion: This study systematically reports that interposition nerve grafts, after resection of intratemporal facial schwannoma, result in superior outcomes than hypoglossal-facial nerve transposition in these patients.

Equipping your facial plastic clinic for office-based procedures.

Office-based procedures can be a fulfilling part of the facial plastic practice with the right tools, personnel, and preparation. Equipping the clinic for office-based procedures has several unique considerations that ultimately impact its success. It is important to strategize preemptively regarding what treatments will be offered and the respective equipment that will allow the safe, cost-effective, and high-quality delivery of those treatments. Most procedures in the office-based setting are cosmetic in nature and there are often overlapping treatment modalities that target similar outcomes. Patient selection and counseling is a crucial step in preparing for office-based procedures in the effort to maximize patient satisfaction. Nearly all the most common facial plastic procedures can be delivered in the office-based based setting under local anesthesia and moderate sedation, depending on the expertise of the surgeon. To enable these and other categories of treatments, there are certain expensive pieces of technology that one might consider for their office-based practice and other fundamental supplies that are necessary for almost all practices. Though the initial investment in equipment can be costly, this article also discusses more affordable alternatives or third-party sales of devices and equipment. The field of facial plastic surgery is very dynamic and having both peer and mentorship networks is invaluable in navigating some of the financial decisions discussed herein. This article also briefly covers personnel, training, and accreditation considerations.

Bell's Palsy After Vaccination Against Covid-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify studies reporting the incidence of Bell's Palsy after vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and assess whether this incidence is greater than among the general population. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science. REVIEW METHODS: A systematic review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Databases were searched from inception to May 9, 2022, for studies reporting the incidence of Bell's Palsy among individuals vaccinated against Covid-19 and control populations. Meta-analyses of odds ratios (ORs) were performed to compare the incidence of Bell's Palsy in these groups. RESULTS: We identified 7 studies reporting the incidence of Bell's Palsy after vaccination and among the general population, including 20,234,931 total vaccinated patients. The length of postvaccination follow-up ranged from 7 to 43 days in these studies. The incidence of Bell's Palsy was not significantly greater among vaccinated individuals (OR: 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65-1.71; p = .82). Stratifying by dose, the incidence of Bell's Palsy was not significantly greater after receiving either the first dose (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.47-1.49; p = .54) or second dose (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.58-1.79; p = .96). CONCLUSION: Among the available evidence, the incidence of Bell's Palsy after vaccination against Covid-19 is comparable to that of the general unvaccinated population. Patient counseling should provide reassurance that there is no known association between Bell's Palsy and Covid-19 vaccination.

Vascularized Prelaminated Thermoplastic Bioabsorbable Scaffold in Tracheal Reconstruction.

Successful tracheal reconstruction remains a challenging task for the reconstructive surgeon. A variety of techniques have been previously employed, using both autografts and allografts. The authors present a novel method for tracheal reconstruction utilizing a prelaminated fascial flap in conjunction with a bioabsorbable scaffold. Laryngoscope, 132:550-553, 2022.

Complications in Rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty is widely regarded as one of the more technically challenging surgeries, owing in part to the many possible short- and long-term complications that can arise. Although severe complications are uncommon, unforeseen complications can lead to esthetic and functional compromise, patient dissatisfaction, and need for revision surgery. The rhinoplasty surgeon must be prepared to counsel patients and identify and manage the range of complications that may result from this procedure. This article reviews some of the most frequently encountered complications related to rhinoplasty and their management approaches.

19F MRI detection of acute allograft rejection with in vivo perfluorocarbon labeling of immune cells.

Current diagnosis of organ rejection following transplantation relies on tissue biopsy, which is not ideal due to sampling limitations and risks associated with the invasive procedure.We have previously shown that cellular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of iron-oxide labeled immune-cell infiltration can provide a noninvasive measure of rejection status by detecting areas of hypointensity on T 2*-weighted images. In this study, we tested the feasibility of using a fluorine-based cellular tracer agent to detect macrophage accumulation in rodent models of acute allograft rejection by fluorine-19 ((19) F) MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This study used two rat models of acute rejection, including abdominal heterotopic cardiac transplant and orthotopic kidney transplant models. Following in vivo labeling of monocytes and macrophages with a commercially available agent containing perfluoro-15-crown-5-ether, we observed (19) F-signal intensity in the organs experiencing rejection by (19) F MRI, and conventional (1) H MRI was used for anatomical context. Immunofluorescence and histology confirmed macrophage labeling. These results are consistent with our previous studies and show the complementary nature of the two cellular imaging techniques. With no background signal, (19) F MRI/magnetic resonance spectroscopy can provide unambiguous detection of fluorine labeled cells, and may be a useful technique for detecting and quantifying rejection grade in patients.

Melanoma metastatic to the hyoid bone.

Metastatic melanoma may be included in the differential diagnosis of hyoid masses in patients with a history of melanoma. Hyoid resection is well tolerated and of diagnostic and therapeutic benefit in patients with tumors metastatic to the hyoid bone.

Simultaneous Septal Perforation and Deviation Repair with a Chondromucosal Transposition Flap.

Nasal septal perforations can cause issues of epistaxis, whistling, crusting, saddle deformity, and obstruction, which motivate patients to seek surgical repair. Numerous methods of septal perforation repair have been described, with surgical success rates ranging from 52% to 100%, but few studies address situations with concomitant septal deviation. In treating patients with septal perforation and deviation, both issues should be addressed for optimal outcomes. While routine septoplasty involves the removal of septal cartilage, septal perforation repair involves the addition of interposition grafts. The composite chondromucosal septal rotation flap harmoniously combines these seemingly conflicting goals as an effective and efficient technique for septal perforation repair. We present 3 patients successfully treated for their septal perforation and septal deviation concurrently with this technique.

Longitudinal tracking of recipient macrophages in a rat chronic cardiac allograft rejection model with noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging using micrometer-sized paramagnetic iron oxide particles.

BACKGROUND: Long-term survival of heart transplants is hampered by chronic rejection (CR). Studies indicate the involvement of host macrophages in the development of CR; however, the precise role of these cells in CR is unclear. Thus, it is important to develop noninvasive techniques to serially monitor the movement and distribution of recipient macrophages in chronic cardiac allograft rejection in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS: We have employed a rat heterotopic working-heart CR model for a magnetic resonance imaging experiment. Twenty-one allograft (PVG.1U-->PVG.R8) and 9 isograft (PVG.R8-->PVG.R8) transplantations were performed. Recipient macrophages are labeled via intravenous injection of micron-sized paramagnetic iron oxide particles (0.9 microm in diameter) at a dose of 4.5 mg Fe per rat 1 day before transplantation. Serial in vivo magnetic resonance images were acquired for up to 16 weeks. The migration of labeled recipient cells in our CR model, in which cardiac CR is evident at 3 weeks and most extensive by 16 weeks after transplantation, can be assessed with the use of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging for >100 days after a single micron-sized paramagnetic iron oxide injection. The location and distribution of labeled recipient cells were confirmed with magnetic resonance microscopy and histology. CONCLUSIONS: This approach may improve our understanding of the immune cells involved in CR and the management of heart transplantation. Moreover, this study demonstrates the feasibility of noninvasively observing individual targeted cells over long time periods by serial in vivo magnetic resonance imaging.

Prevalence of Comorbidities among Older Head and Neck Cancer Survivors in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of comorbidities among patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) at the time of their cancer diagnosis and during their survivorship trajectory. The second aim was to evaluate the differences in comorbidities developed according to treatment type received. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional. SETTING: SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results)-Medicare linked database. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Individuals with a first-incident primary diagnosis of HNSCC from 2004 to 2011 per the SEER-Medicare database were included in analysis. The presence or absence of 30 comorbid conditions of interest was identified during distinct periods and analyzed according to treatment with surgery alone, primary (chemo)radiation, or surgery with (chemo)radiation. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 10,524 individuals diagnosed with HNSCC, with a mean age of 74.8 years. At diagnosis, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes were the most prevalent comorbidities, and they increased over time. The probability of developing treatment-related comorbidities such as pneumonia, dysphagia, weight loss, malnutrition, and dental issues rose significantly in the short and long term following treatment ( P < .05). By 5 years from cancer diagnosis, patients were most likely to have newly diagnosed hypertension, dysphagia, anemia, and weight loss. Primary surgery alone was associated with a lower risk of diagnosis with these treatment-related comorbidities, as compared with treatments involving radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy in the primary or adjuvant settings ( P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a large burden of comorbidities among patients following HNSCC treatment, which warrant clinical attention during surveillance.

Episodic Facial Paresis-An Isolated Presenting Symptom of Multiple Sclerosis.

This case report describes a case of a man in his 30s who presented with episodic right lower facial paresis for 10 days and was diagnosede with an episodic, transient pattern of unilateral facial palsy associated with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.