Dural reconstruction with or without a bone graft of paranasal and anterior skullbase malignancies: Retrospective single-center analysis of 11 cases and review of literature.

Introduction: The reconstruction of frontobasal defects following oncologic resections of paranasal and anterior skull base (ASB) malignancies remains challenging. Ineffective reconstruction could lead to cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, and tension pneumocephalus. Research question: Aim of this investigation was to analyse postoperative complication rates with or without bone graft for anterior skull base reconstruction. Material and methods: In this retrospective study, we included patients following resection of paranasal and/or anterior skull base malignancies between October 2013 and December 2022. Complications were analysed with regards to the type of skull base reconstruction. Results: Eleven patients were identified (2 female, 9 male, age (median, SD) 64 ± 14.1 years (range 38-81). There were nine cases of paranasal sinus and nasal cavity carcinomas and two cases of olfactory neuroblastomas. Overall survival was 22.5 ± 28 months (range: 5-78), progression free survival was 17.0 ± 20.3 months (range: 11-78). Bone skull base reconstruction using a split graft was performed in three cases. Postoperative complications requiring surgical intervention were seen in 33% (one tension pneumocephalus) of cases in the bone reconstruction group and 50% (three patients with cerebrospinal fluid leak, one infection) in the non-bone reconstruction group. Discussion and conclusion: The structural reinforcement of structural bone chip grafting might provide additional support of the ASB and prevent CSF leakage or encephalocele. Especially in large (>10 cm2) bone defects of advanced sinonasal malignancies extending into the middle cranial fossa, the full armamentarium of reconstruction possibilities should be considered.

Proposal for standardized ultrasound analysis of the salivary glands: Part 1 submandibular gland.

Objectives: The Salivary Gland Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery seeks to standardize terminology and technique for ultrasonograpy used in the evaluation and treatment of salivary gland disorders. Methods: Development of expert opinion obtained through interaction with international practitioners representing multiple specialties. This committee work includes a comprehensive literature review with presentation of case examples to propose a standardized protocol for the language used in ultrasound salivary gland assessment. Results: A multiple segment proposal is initiated with this focus on the submandibular gland. We provide a concise rationale for recommended descriptive language highlighted by a more extensive supplement that includes an extensive literature review with additional case examples. Conclusion: Recommendations are provided to improve consistency both in performing and reporting submandibular gland ultrasound.

[Indications for fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy for diagnosis of salivary gland tumors]. / Indikation der Feinnadelpunktion und Grobnadelbiospie zur Diagnostik von Speicheldrüsentumoren.

BACKGROUND: Salivary gland malignancies are rare neoplasms of the head and neck area. Preoperative clinical and imaging assessment of salivary gland masses is challenging. However, preoperative identification of malignancy is crucial for further treatment and for the course of the disease. OBJECTIVE: This article presents the advantages and disadvantages of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and core needle biopsy (CNB). Additionally, the sensitivity and specificity of both methods for predicting malignancy were analyzed. Furthermore, it is discussed which procedure is suitable for the diagnostic work-up of salivary gland tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This current article summarizes important and recent studies in the field of the diagnostic work-up for salivary gland lesions, with discussion of original articles, metanalyses, and systematic reviews concerning FNAC and CNB. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the predictive ability of FNAC for malignancy is described at between 70.0-80.0% and 87.5-97.9%. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for CNB were 92.0-98.0% and 95.0-100.0%, respectively. Tumor cell seeding or facial nerve palsy are very rare complications of both procedures. CONCLUSION: If malignancy is suspected based on clinical examination or imaging, FNAC or CNB should be performed. FNAC is easy to perform; however, an onsite cytologist is necessary. CNB has a higher sensitivity for routine diagnosis of malignancy; tumor typing and grading is facilitated by preserving the histological architecture. In conclusion, CNB is the procedure of choice in the diagnostic work-up for suspected malignant salivary gland tumors.

Factors associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers in aerosol-generating disciplines.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to exposure to potentially infectious material, especially during aerosol-generating procedures (AGP). We aimed to investigate risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs in medical disciplines with AGP. METHODS: A nationwide questionnaire-based study in private practices and hospital settings was conducted between 12/16/2020 and 01/24/2021. Data on SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCWs and potential risk factors of infection were investigated. RESULTS: 2070 healthcare facilities with 25113 employees were included in the study. The overall infection rate among HCWs was 4.7%. Multivariate analysis showed that regions with higher incidence rates had a significantly increased risk of infection. Furthermore, hospital setting and HCWs in gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) had more than double the risk of infection (OR 2.63; 95% CI 2.50-2.82, p<0.01 and OR 2.35; 95% CI 2.25-2.50, p<0.01). For medical facilities who treated confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases, there was a tendency towards higher risk of infection (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.11-1.63, p=0.068). CONCLUSION: Both factors within and outside medical facilities appear to be associated with an increased risk of infection among HCWs. Therefore, GIE and healthcare delivery setting were related to increased infection rates. Regions with higher SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates were also significantly associated with increased risk of infection.

Multicenter Observational Study to Evaluate the Diagnostic Value of Sonography in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

(1) Background: Computed tomography (CT) is considered mandatory for assessing the extent of pathologies in the paranasal sinuses (PNS) in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, there are few evidence-based data on the value of ultrasound (US) in CRS. This multicenter approach aimed to compare diagnostic imaging modalities in relation to findings during surgery. (2) Methods: 127 patients with CRS were included in this prospective multicenter study. Patients received preoperative US and CT scans. The sensitivity and specificity of CT and US were extrapolated from intraoperative data. (3) Results: CT scans showed the highest sensitivity (97%) and specificity (67%) in assessing CRS. Sensitivities of B-scan US were significantly lower regarding the maxillary sinus (88%), the ethmoid sinus (53%), and the frontal sinus (45%). The highest overall sensitivity was observed for assessing the pathology of the maxillary sinus. (4) Conclusions: We observed high accuracy with CT, confirming its importance in preoperative imaging in CRS. Despite the high US expertise of all investigators and a standardized examination protocol, the validity of CT was significantly higher than US. Ultrasound of the PNS sinuses is applicable in everyday clinical practice but lacks diagnostic accuracy. Nevertheless, it might serve as a complementary hands-on screening tool to directly correlate the clinical findings in patients with PNS disease.

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Rate and SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Health Care Workers in Aerosol-Generating Medical Disciplines.

Healthcare workers (HCW) who perform aerosol-generating procedures (AGP) are at high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data on infection rates and vaccination are limited. A nationwide, cross-sectional study focusing on AGP-related specialties was conducted between 3 May 2021 and 14 June 2021. Vaccination rates among HCW, perception of infection risk, and infection rates were analyzed, focusing on the comparison of gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) and other AGP-related specialties (NON-GIE), from the beginning of the pandemic until the time point of the study. Infections rates among HCW developed similarly to the general population during the course of the pandemic, however, with significantly higher infections rates among the GIE specialty. The perceived risk of infection was distributed similarly among HCW in GIE and NON-GIE (91.7%, CI: 88.6−94.4 vs. 85.8%, CI: 82.4−89.0; p < 0.01) with strongest perceived threats posed by AGPs (90.8%) and close patient contact (70.1%). The very high vaccination rate (100−80%) among physicians was reported at 83.5%, being significantly more frequently reported than among nurses (56.4%, p < 0.01). GIE had more often stated very high vaccination rate compared with NON-GIE (76.1% vs. 65.3%, p < 0.01). A significantly higher rate of GIE was reported to have fewer concerns regarding infection risk after vaccination than NON-GIE (92.0% vs. 80.3%, p < 0.01).

Cancer-specific and overall survival of patients with primary and metastatic malignancies of the parotid gland - A retrospective study.

The aim of this study was to display the cancer-specific and overall survival of patients with primary and metastatic malignancies of the parotid gland. In this retrospective study all patients with primary parotid malignancy and metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the parotid gland treated surgically with curative intent at a tertiary care institution were included. Patients were followed with regards to their oncologic outcome for a minimum of two years. Management approaches, overall, and cancer-specific survival were compared between patients with primary and secondary parotid gland carcinomas. Ninety-four patients (43 patients with primary parotid malignancy; 51 patients with metastatic cSCC of the parotid gland) were included. Patients with metastatic cSCC were older (p = 0.001) and more frequently male (p = 0.002). Adjuvant therapy (p = 0.001) and neck dissection (p = 0.009) were more frequently performed among patients with metastatic cSCC of the parotid gland than among those with primary parotid malignancy. Mean follow-up was 50 (95% CI: 40-65) months. Five-year cancer-specific survival was 87.3% among patients with primary parotid malignancies and 54.5% among patients with metastatic cSCC (p = 0.006). Cancer-specific survival of patients with metastatic cSCC of the parotid gland is still low. An earlier diagnosis of parotid metastases of cSCC may potentially lead to a better prognosis.

IgG4-related pseudotumours: a series of 12 cases and a review of the literature.

IgG4-related pseudotumours (IgG4-RPT) represent a distinctive manifestation in the broad spectrum of IgG4-related diseases (IgG4-RD). Due to their wide morphology and rarity, IgG4-RPTs represent a diagnostic challenge in the differential between reactive lesions and a fibrous soft tissue tumours. Thus, our aim was to characterise our cases and review the literature, focusing on the macroscopic and microscopic features of the lesions. In this paper, we summarise the possible presentations and histomorphological features of IgG4-RPT based on data collected from the literature and from cases at our institute and provide an overview of the pathogenesis and histological characteristics based on the knowledge accumulated in recent years. We collected surgical cases with a diagnosis of IgG4-RPT over the period 2013-2020 at two centres and analysed their macroscopic, histological, and immunohistochemical profiles. Furthermore, we performed a literature research in the MEDLINE and EBSCO databases regarding case reports and studies with the explicit diagnosis of IgG4-RPT. Our cases consist of nine men and three women, with an average age of 60±14 years, representing about 0.05% of the lesions evaluated at the two departments. The involved sites include the kidney, lung, gallbladder, pterygopalatine fossa, spleen, tongue, mediastinum, and submandibular gland. Grossly, nine lesions showed sharp margins. On histological examination, all the lesions showed an abundant inflammatory infiltrate with lymphocytes and IgG4-positive plasma cells as well as characteristic fibroblastic storiform proliferation. The literature search revealed 266 cases and similar histomorphological features in 23 locations. In 30 of these cases (11%), IgG4-RPTs were multifocal. IgG4-RPT are exceedingly rare lesions, which makes them challenging to diagnose. They can affect different sites, and the histomorphological presentation may differ.

Diagnostic Accuracy and Post-Procedural Complications Associated with Ultrasound-Guided Core Needle Biopsy in the Preoperative Evaluation of Parotid Tumors.

Correct diagnosis of a parotid neoplasm based on histology preoperatively is of utmost importance in order to guide patient management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of an ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of a parotid lesion and to describe associated post-procedural complications. A retrospective study was conducted between January 2015 and March 2021 of all patients who were referred to a tertiary care center for evaluation of a parotid lesion and who underwent core needle biopsy due to high-risk features or when malignancy was suspected on clinical examination or ultrasonography. Patient characteristics, histological findings, and post-procedural complications were recorded and evaluated. Among 890 patients referred for evaluation of a parotid lesion, in 138 patients a core needle biopsy was undertaken. On the basis of core needle biopsy findings, 11 lymphomas and 82 non-lymphoma malignancies were diagnosed in the parotid gland. The sensitivity of the core needle biopsy predicting the accurate tumor type was 97.56% (95% CI 91.47-99.70%) and the specificity 94.64% (95% CI 85.13-98.88%). The accuracy for the correct histopathological diagnosis was 93.48% (95% CI 87.98-96.97%). Post-procedural minor complications occurred in 19 patients (13.8%). In conclusion, a core needle biopsy can identify malignancy in the parotid gland with high sensitivity and specificity in a safe manner and therefore guide surgical treatment.

Prospective study on complications using different techniques for parotidectomy for benign tumors.

OBJECTIVES: Long-term prospective studies on procedure-related complications after parotid surgery for benign neoplasms (BNs) are scarce. This is the first prospective study on the use of extracapsular dissection (ECD) for BNs, and it aimed to examine the incidence of postoperative complications after parotid surgery for BN. METHODS: We collected data obtained in a prospective study of parotidectomy for BN at a university hospital and analyzed the transient and long-term complications. RESULTS: The incidence rates of transient facial palsy immediately and 18 months after surgery were 15.0% and 3.7%, respectively. The rates of immediate postoperative facial palsy in patients who underwent ECD, partial superficial, superficial, and total parotidectomy were 5.8%, 29.3%, 20.0%, and 44.1%, respectively. Significant risk factors for facial palsy included multiple and larger lesions as well as surgery duration and extension. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative facial palsy remains a common complication after parotidectomy for BN and is associated with the extent of parotidectomy, presence of multiple neoplasms, and operative duration. The results of this study showed that ECD could be a safe technique for avoiding facial palsy. Level of Evidence: 2.

Paraparesis after low dose administration of fluorescein for endoscopic resection of an encephalocele: a case report.

The main causes for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are known to be traumatic, iatrogenic, neoplastic, a meningoencephalocele, congenital bone defects, and spontaneous. Off-label intrathecal administration of fluorescein is widely used to localize a CSF leak. Complications are rare and low dose administration is described to be safe. In this case report, we present a case of a patient, who showed a CSF leak due to an encephalocele. Low dose fluorescein was applied intrathecally via lumbar catheter, the CSF leaks could be identified, and multilayered closure was performed. Postoperatively, the patient presented with motor and sensory deficits in the lower limbs which regressed only partially within 2 months. A possible explanation may be an increased local concentration of fluorescein, possibly on the basis of a preexisting lumbar spinal canal stenosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case in which a dose as low as 20 mg of fluorescein (2% saline mixture) led to persisting paraplegia. Therefore, the potential benefits and risks of the intrathecal fluorescein use in the detection of a CSF leak have to be discussed comprehensively prior to surgery.

[Updated S2k AWMF guideline on obstructive sialadenitis]. / Aktualisierte AWMF-S2k-Leitlinie zur obstruktiven Sialadenitis.

The update of this guideline was an important step to define standards for the use of sialendoscopy and other emerging minimally invasive techniques for the therapy of sialolithiasis and other obstructive salivary gland diseases. The current actualization was necessary to adapt the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms to the current scientific knowledge. In this article they are presented in a shortened version with a focus on conservative therapeutic measures which are especially relevant for daily practice.

Can Ultrasound in Combination with Virtual Touch Imaging Quantification Predict the Dignity of a Parotid Tumor?

Pre-operative evaluation of a parotid gland tumor is crucial in guiding treatment. This study evaluates the diagnostic performance of B-mode ultrasound in combination with Virtual Touch imaging quantification (VTIQ) in the assessment of parotid lesions. A prospective study of 268 patients with parotid lesions was conducted. Pre-operative ultrasound findings and VTIQ data were compared against histologic results. Ill-defined margins on ultrasound were associated with a significantly higher risk of malignancy (odds ratio [OR] = 1224.0, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 151.8-9872.7). Faster mean shear waves on VTIQ (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.47-2.23, per 1 m/s increase) and an area with shear wave velocity >6.0 m/s involving >70 % of the lesion (OR = 19.80, 95 % CI: 6.22-63.07) were associated with higher risk of malignancy. Addition of VTIQ to routine pre-operative B-mode ultrasound can provide supplemental information on the dignity of a parotid tumor, allowing for peri-operative procedural optimization.

[Planning and design of European prospective randomized trial on the value of drain in parotidectomy]. / Vorstellung einer europaweiten prospektiven Studie zur Wertigkeit einer Drainage bei Parotidektomie.

INTRODUCTION: There are no valid clinical studies on the value of wound drains in parotid surgery. The aim of the current trial is to analyze the influence of the closed wound drain (redon) on the incidence of postoperative complications such as bleeding, wound healing problems, infection, as well as salivary cyst and fistula after superficial or partial parotidectomy. METHODS: A European-wide multicenter prospective randomized study was planned. The study protocol was prepared by the leading study center (ENT University Hospital Cologne) in cooperation with the ENT University Hospitals Jena and Göttingen. The calculation of the number of cases was carried out with G*Power. The study includes test persons with an indication for parotidectomy for a benign tumor without known coagulation disorder or ongoing anticoagulation. Preoperative randomization and data management is software-supported (REDCap 9.1.24, Vanderbilt University). RESULTS: The study has been approved by the leading ethics committee in 10/2019 and is open since 04/2019. Currently, nine (9) ENT hospitals are participating in the study, 6 of them in Germany and 3 in Austria. Enrollment of patients is ongoing in 7 centers. With a calculated follow-up-to-treat population of 800 test persons, the planned duration of the study is 4 years. CONCLUSIONS: The Redon-study is the first prospective randomized study worldwide to investigate the effect of a drain in parotidectomy. In order to achieve the recruitment goal within the planned time frame, the participation of further specialized study centers is needed. We also encourage all ENT physicians to make their patients aware of the Redon study, inform them about the possibility of participating in the study and refer them to one of the participating centers.

Tracheostomy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparison of International Perioperative Care Protocols and Practices in 26 Countries.

OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a global surge in critically ill patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, some of whom may benefit from tracheostomy. Decisions on if, when, and how to perform tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19 have major implications for patients, clinicians, and hospitals. We investigated the tracheostomy protocols and practices that institutions around the world have put into place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. DATA SOURCES: Protocols for tracheostomy in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection from individual institutions (n = 59) were obtained from the United States and 25 other countries, including data from several low- and middle-income countries, 23 published or society-endorsed protocols, and 36 institutional protocols. REVIEW METHODS: The comparative document analysis involved cross-sectional review of institutional protocols and practices. Data sources were analyzed for timing of tracheostomy, contraindications, preoperative testing, personal protective equipment (PPE), surgical technique, and postoperative management. CONCLUSIONS: Timing of tracheostomy varied from 3 to >21 days, with over 90% of protocols recommending 14 days of intubation prior to tracheostomy. Most protocols advocate delaying tracheostomy until COVID-19 testing was negative. All protocols involved use of N95 or higher PPE. Both open and percutaneous techniques were reported. Timing of tracheostomy changes ranged from 5 to >30 days postoperatively, sometimes contingent on negative COVID-19 test results. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Wide variation exists in tracheostomy protocols, reflecting geographical variation, different resource constraints, and limited data to drive evidence-based care standards. Findings presented herein may provide reference points and a framework for evolving care standards.

Review of surgical techniques and guide for decision making in the treatment of benign parotid tumors.

PURPOSE: Surgical treatment of benign parotid tumors has developed in the direction of less invasive procedures in recent years and has raised great debate about the best surgical approach. Aim of this article is to analyse anatomical and other factors that are important in selection of the appropriate surgical technique in treatment of benign parotid tumors. Furthermore, to discuss the risk of complications and recurrent disease according to selected operation. Finally, to define patient selection criteria to facilitate decision making in parotid surgery and become a guide for younger surgeons. METHODS: Literature review and authors' personal opinions based on their surgical experience. RESULTS: All possible surgical techniques for benign parotid surgery with advantages and disadvantages are being described. An algorithm with anatomical and other criteria influencing decision making in benign parotid surgery is presented. CONCLUSION: Surgeons nowadays have many options to choose from for benign parotid surgery. ECD is one of the many surgical techniques available in parotid surgery and can achieve excellent results with proper training and if used for proper indications. PSP is mainly indicated in large tumors of the caudal part of the PG (ESGS level II). SP represents a universal solution in parotid surgery and should be the first technique young surgeons learn. TP has only few but important indications in benign parotid surgery. Surgeons need to carefully consider the patient and his/her preoperative imaging as well as her or his own special expertise to select the most appropriate surgical technique.