Is artificial intelligence ready to replace specialist doctors entirely? ENT specialists vs ChatGPT: 1-0, ball at the center.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate ChatGPT's responses to Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) clinical cases and compare them with the responses of ENT specialists. METHODS: We have hypothesized 10 scenarios, based on ENT daily experience, with the same primary symptom. We have constructed 20 clinical cases, 2 for each scenario. We described them to 3 ENT specialists and ChatGPT. The difficulty of the clinical cases was assessed by the 5 ENT authors of this article. The responses of ChatGPT were evaluated by the 5 ENT authors of this article for correctness and consistency with the responses of the 3 ENT experts. To verify the stability of ChatGPT's responses, we conducted the searches, always from the same account, for 5 consecutive days. RESULTS: Among the 20 cases, 8 were rated as low complexity, 6 as moderate complexity and 6 as high complexity. The overall mean correctness and consistency score of ChatGPT responses was 3.80 (SD 1.02) and 2.89 (SD 1.24), respectively. We did not find a statistically significant difference in the average ChatGPT correctness and coherence score according to case complexity. The total intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the stability of the correctness and consistency of ChatGPT was 0.763 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.553-0.895) and 0.837 (95% CI 0.689-0.927), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed the potential usefulness of ChatGPT in ENT diagnosis. The instability in responses and the inability to recognise certain clinical elements are its main limitations.

Functional tongue reconstruction after compartmental surgery: a schematic model for planning and insetting of the anterolateral thigh free flap.

PURPOSE: Anterolateral thigh free flap (ALTFF) is a versatile option for tongue reconstruction after cancer resection. Compartmental tongue surgery (CTS) is a surgical technique whose purpose is to remove the entire oncological compartment with the pathways of tumor spread. Extended glossectomies (EG) follow the same surgical steps and anatomical concepts as CTS but extend beyond hemiglossectomy. The surgical defect following such resections often necessitates the use of a large free flap, with the ALTFF being the most commonly used. METHODS: The CTS and EG are anatomically-based approaches tailored to the lesion rather than the tumor margins. Leaving a predictable defect, the reconstructive phase can, in most cases, be planned in a standardized way, assuming certain scenarios based on the surgical approach. RESULTS: After CTS and EG, the residual volumetric defect is large. Therefore, the reconstructive flap of choice is the ALTFF. The ALTFF offers sufficient tissue volume to cover the functional defect and is a versatile flap. It can be harvested as a simple fasciocutaneous flap, as a chimeric flap, or as a muscle-fasciocutaneous flap, depending on the reconstruction requirements. We demonstrated the constant design of ALTFF based on the predictable defect after CTS and EG, aiming for a more precise and standardized reconstruction. CONCLUSION: We propose a flap design based on the anatomy of the tongue and oral cavity after CTS or EG for a more precise and standardized reconstruction. Additionally, a standard template is particularly useful for less experienced surgeons who are approaching this technique for the first time.

Global frequency and distribution of head and neck sarcomas in adulthood: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Head and neck sarcomas (HNS) constitute a rare and heterogeneous cancer entity. Management remains a challenge due their rarity and different biological behaviour among tens of subtypes. This systematic review aimed to describe HNS global frequency and distribution in adulthood. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using PICOTS search strategies for qualitative question and it was written in accordance with PRISMA 2020 Statement. 70,653 publications were identified, and 15 variables were evaluated for a total of 2428 patients. RESULTS: We identified 47 studies from 21 different countries from 5 different continents. Most of studies (83.3%) were performed in single institutions and America and Asia overruled for number of papers included (21 and 10, respectivelly). Osteosarcoma was more frequent, followed by chondrosarcoma, angiosarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Early stage accounted for almost 80% of cases; advanced stage prevailed in developing countries. 1783 patients (90.1%) underwent surgery and 780 (39.4%) had adjuvant therapy. 50.8% of patients experienced tumour recurrence and the lowest mortality rate was reported in Europe (29.9%). CONCLUSIONS: HNS holds a relative poor prognosis possibly explained by the heterogeneity of the disease. Treatment of HNS has shown to be highly diverse among different countries, underlining the importance of uniformed treatment guidelines to achieve better patient management and to improve survival outcomes.

Exclusive endoscopic ossiculoplasty with autologous material: step-by-step procedure and functional results.

PURPOSE: To describe the surgical procedure of exclusive endoscopic ossiculoplasty (EEO) with autologous grafts and evaluate audiological results, focusing on the advantages or drawbacks compared to the corresponding microscopic technique. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive adult and pediatric patients affected by chronic otitis media (COM) with or without cholesteatoma who underwent EEO was conducted. Only autologous ossiculoplasty was included in the study. The procedure was performed by experienced surgeons of our institution between November 2014 and September 2019. Hearing outcomes were evaluated using postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) and success rates in different subgroups of patients and different types of ossiculoplasty (OPL) were analyzed. Our results were finally compared with the existing literature regarding both microscopic and endoscopic ossicular chain reconstruction. RESULTS: In total, 74 endoscopic ossicular chain repair procedures performed within the study period met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 21 were pediatric patients (28%) and 53 were adults (72%). Surgical reconstruction procedures included 43 partial ossicular reconstructions (POR) and 31 total ossicular reconstructions (TOR). The postoperative ABG improved significantly compared to preoperative measurements, and the mean ABG closure was 7.85 dB HL (p = 0.00064). No statistically significant differences in audiological outcomes between TOR/POR techniques and pediatric/adult groups were found in our study cohort, with p values of 0.10 and 0.88, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: At present, EEO can be considered a valid surgical option for re-establishing a functioning ossicular chain with acceptable hearing restoration in children and adults. Further reports in wider case series are required to confirm these results.

Beyond the boundaries of compartmental hemiglossectomy: a proposal for an anatomically based classification of surgical approaches to advanced oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: In the last decade, compartmental surgery (CTS) has been the surgical approach of choice for advanced tumors of the tongue and oral floor. METHODS: Advanced tumors (cT3-T4) oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) may extend beyond the lingual septum and involve the contralateral hemitongue, developing along the intrinsic transverse muscle. The disease may then involve the genioglossus muscle and, more laterally, the hyoglossus muscle. RESULTS: The surgical approach to the contralateral tongue must be guided by anatomic and anatomopathological principles to achieve a safe oncological resection based on the principles of CTS. CONCLUSION: We propose a schematic classification of glossectomies that extend to the contralateral hemitongue based on the anatomy and pathways of tumor spread.

Mandibular reconstruction in head and neck cancer: which is the gold standard?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review to compare the outcomes of the different surgical options for mandibular reconstruction in head and neck cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 93 articles were selected. Four groups were identified: titanium plate without flaps, titanium plate covered by soft tissue flap, bone tissue flaps and double flaps. We compared patients' characteristics, site of mandibulectomy, type of reconstruction and complications. RESULTS: 4697 patients were reported. The groups were not homogeneous regarding the type of defect and the treatment history. A significant difference in terms of post-operative complications was found between group 1 and group 2 (p < 0.00001), and between group 2 and group 3 (p < 0.00001). Total complications rate for group 4 was significantly higher when compared to group 3 (p < 0.00001), but no significant difference was found with group 2. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that mandibular reconstruction using a microvascular bone flap is the best surgical option in patients without significant comorbidities.

Prosthetic voice rehabilitation after laryngoesophagectomy: surgical and functional outcomes.

PURPOSE: Quality of Life (QoL) after extensive head and neck resections is of paramount importance, especially after pharyngolaryngectomy or pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy where complex digestive tract reconstruction is required (with gastric pull-up or colon transposition). Tracheodigestive puncture (TDP) is the only vocal restoration option in this group of patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate postoperative complications, vocal outcomes, voice-related and swallowing-related QoL after secondary TDP in this cohort of patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in the tertiary referral center of Verona Hospital between June 2014 and June 2020. Patient demographics, clinical and surgical data were assessed. Speech objective and subjective evaluation was performed. QoL was assessed with Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) questionnaires. RESULTS: Seven patients met the inclusion criteria, but two had died before questionnaires were administered. No intraoperative complications were noted after TDP surgery. There were delayed complications in four cases (57.1%) and all were treated with restoration. Intelligible voice was restored in all patients. Maximum phonation time and maximal voice intensity recorded were 5.42 ± 3.27 s and 65.20 ± 5.45 dB, respectively. Acceptable average VHI-10 and MDADI scores were obtained in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary TDP performed after gastric pull-up or colon transposition reconstructions are feasible and effective procedures. An intelligible voice was restored in all patients, with satisfactory patient-perceived voice-related and dysphagia-related quality-of-life outcomes.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on head and neck cancer diagnosis: data from a single referral center, South Tyrol, northern Italy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on new diagnoses of head and neck cancer (HNC) in South Tyrol, northern Italy in terms of the number of new diagnoses and worsening disease stage due to diagnostic delay. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups: the control group with a first diagnosis of HNC in 10 months before the national lockdown (March 9th, 2020) and the study group with a first diagnosis of HNC in 10 months after lockdown. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients were included in the study. Before the spread of COVID-19, 79 new diagnoses of HNCs were registered, while in the period after the lockdown, 45 new cancers cases were diagnosed and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.01278). Early clinical T-stage results showed 52 cases in the control group and 21 in the study group, again with a significant difference (p = 0.03711). Advanced T-stage results showed 27 cases in the control group and 24 in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HNCs, showing a statistically significant difference in the number of diagnoses before and after the lockdown which was related to the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and with a relevant decrease in early cT-staged HNCs.

Secondary tracheoesophageal puncture with the blind technique: 10 years' experience.

PROPOSE: The aim of the present article is to propose an alternative technique to the traditional secondary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) for voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy, describing the procedure step-by-step, analyzing the complications and long-term results. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent secondary TEP with the blind technique using a rigid hysterometer. The main steps in this technique are described and illustrated. Patient demographics and surgical outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were enrolled in this study. In all but one case, risk factors that could hinder rigid esophagoscopy were identified (37.5% neopharyngeal/esophageal post-surgical issues, 81.3% prior radiotherapy, 21.9% cervical arthrosis, and 12.5% prior coloplasty or gastric transposition). No intra- or postoperative surgical complications were noted. CONCLUSION: The blind technique offers an alternative method to perform a secondary TEP safely and efficiently in patients with unfavorable anatomical or clinical conditions, lowering the risk of procedure-related complications.

Subcochlear canaliculus patterns in the pediatric and adult population: radiological findings and surgical implications.

INTRODUCTION: The pneumatization of the different regions of the temporal bone is strictly related to the age and the degree of development of the mastoid and the middle ear. Petrous apex pneumatization is the last step of the development of the petrous bone system. The subcochlear canaliculus is an anatomical cavity, originating in the space between the fustis and the finiculus, and connecting the round window area to the petrous apex. The aim of the present article is analyzing the trend of development of the subcochlear canaliculus pneumatization, classified through CT scan examination, in different age subgroups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent temporal bone CT scans between 2014 and 2019. Pediatric and adult patients were included and divided into different age subgroups. The subcochlear canaliculus was examined through coronal view scans at the level of the round window niche and classified into 3 different groups (A, B and C) according to the degree of pneumatization. RESULTS: A total of 270 Petrous bone CT scans was analyzed. The percentage of type A subcochlear canaliculus was significantly higher in the pediatric population if compared to the adult population (p = 0.001326). As far as type B subcochlear canaliculus is concerned, the difference between children and adults was not statistically significant (p = 0.2378). On the other hand, type C subcochlear canaliculus was predominant in the adult population (p = 0.000256). CONCLUSIONS: There is a constant increase in pneumatization of the subcochlear canaliculus from 0 to 19 years and then a progressive decrease. This discovery has relevant surgical implications and has to be borne in mind in particular for cholesteatoma surgery and cochlear implantation surgery in the age groups in which the subcochlear canaliculus is highly pneumatized.

Role of endoscopy in lateral skull base approaches to the petrous apex.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to study the role and advantages of combined microscopic/endoscopic procedures or exclusive endoscopic approaches in the treatment of petrous apex pathologies. METHODS: The study was designed as a retrospective case series analysis. We included patients affected by pathologies of the petrous apex, who underwent microscopic/endoscopic-assisted or exclusive endoscopic procedures. Patient and pathology characteristics and surgical data (focusing on the involvement of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and facial nerve by the disease) were collected. Residual disease, detected through the endoscopic check, and the feasibility of endoscopic residual tumor removal were also evaluated. Finally, facial nerve and hearing functions were assessed pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: The records of 75 patients undergoing lateral skull base surgery for petrous apex lesions, from May 2009 to March 2019, were collected. In 17 out of 75 patients, an exclusive endoscopic procedure was possible. The remaining 58 patients underwent a combined microscopic/endoscopic approach. In 15 cases, residual disease was found and removed endoscopically at the end of the microscopic procedure; in eight cases, the residual disease was medial and/or inferior to the horizontal segment of the ICA, while in two cases, it was located in the fundus of the internal auditory canal. In five cases, it involved the labyrinthine segment of the facial nerve. CONCLUSION: Petrous apex surgery remains a traditional microscopic-based surgery, but the recent advent of endoscopic surgery has permitted an improvement in radicality minimizing the manipulation of neurovascular structures.

Endoscopic stapedotomy: safety and audiological results in 150 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The most widely accepted treatment for otosclerosis is currently microscopic stapes surgery under either local or general anesthesia. The aim of the study is to describe the surgical steps in endoscopic stapes surgery and to evaluate the audiologic and surgical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent exclusive endoscopic stapes surgery or revision surgery for previous stapedotomy between November 2014 and September 2018 were enrolled in this study. Demographic data, surgical information, preoperative and postoperative pure tone averages and air bone gaps, intraoperative and postoperative complications and follow-up data were summarized and gathered in a database for further consideration and analysis. RESULTS: In the period examined, 181 stapes surgical procedures were performed and out of these 150 met the inclusion criteria. There were no cases of major intraoperative complications. Sensorineural hearing loss was observed in one case. In one patient a gusher effect occurred during surgery. The postoperative air-bone gap improved significantly compared to the preoperative gap (8 vs 29 dB HL, respectively), and the mean air-bone gap closure was 20 dB HL. In 78.7% of cases, the observed postoperative air-bone gap was less than 10 dB HL and in 14% it was between 11 dB HL and 20 dB HL. An ABG closure lower than 20 dB HL was achieved in a total of 92.7% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic stapes surgery is a safe procedure with a low risk of peri- or postoperative complications and is a possible alternative to the traditional microscopic surgical procedure in the treatment of otosclerosis.

Reconstruction of Complex Oromandibular Defects in Head and Neck Cancer: Role of the Chimeric Subscapular Free Flap.

The purpose of this study is to present the chimeric scapula tip-free flap as a reconstructive choice in composite head and neck defects and to highlight the experiences of the authors in this field.A retrospective study and a literature review were conducted. Data about preoperative condition, intraoperative images, and radiological and clinical documentation were collected.Excision of head and neck advanced cancers may result in large composite defects containing different types of soft tissue and bone. This topic is particularly challenging in salvage surgery after radiation therapy. In this setting, reconstructive techniques are very complex and traditionally require the use of multiple microvascular flaps. Chimeric free flaps, based on the subscapular system, allow complex reconstructions, providing both soft tissue and bone on a single vascular peduncle.The regional anatomy of the subscapular system and the possible chimeric flaps that can be harvested will be discussed, together with the reconstructive surgical technique used and the positioning of the patient. Two representative clinical cases of complex head and neck reconstruction after radiotherapy are presented.Different types of chimeric flap can be harvested from the subscapular system. These flaps can include different tissues: skin, bone, muscle on a single vascular peduncle. This characteristic is particularly useful in complex defects with different tissue types involved, following large en-bloc excision of advanced head and neck tumors.Free flaps based on the subscapular system can be an excellent reconstructive choice in complex head and neck defects.

Is endoscopic inspection necessary to detect residual disease in acoustic neuroma surgery?

MAIN GOALS: To analyze how and when the endoscope is used in vestibular schwannoma surgery and identify the benefits of using endoscopy in this type of surgery. BACKGROUND: It is currently unclear if there is any benefit from using an endoscope in vestibular schwannoma surgery so this retrospective analysis set out to study this. METHODS: All the patients who underwent vestibular schwannoma surgery at our clinic were included for all the vestibular schwannoma approaches taken. We studied when endoscopy was used during surgery and the goal of using endoscopy. Several pre- and postoperative factors were assessed such as complications, facial function, and hearing function in the case of techniques that allow hearing preservation. RESULTS: From January 2015 to September 2018, 280 patients underwent lateral skull base surgery. Of these, 112 were included in this study. The endoscope was used in all 112 patients, and in eight cases it was possible to identify residual disease using the endoscope to check the surgical field, and then to remove the disease under endoscopic view. Moreover, in two other cases, the endoscope was used to resolve a vasculoneural conflict between the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) loop and facial nerve in one case, and for deafferentation of the superior and inferior vestibular nerves in the second case. No major intraoperative complications occurred in our series. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative facial nerve function between patients in whom the endoscope was used as a diagnostic tool and patients in whom it was used as an operative tool (p = 0.3152). CONCLUSIONS: The endoscope may be useful, especially in surgical techniques where there is poor control of the internal auditory canal (IAC). An endoscopic support technique is strongly recommended to avoid residual disease, particularly in retrosigmoid and retrolabyrinthine approaches. Moreover, the recent introduction of the transcanal transpromontorial approach allows the endoscope to be used during all the procedures in patients affected by a vestibular schwannoma limited to the IAC or to support surgical procedures during an enlarged microscopic approach.

Subtotal glossectomy with conservation of the hyo-styloglossus unit (HSU): a new pivotal concept for preserving tongue function in extended glossectomy.

Objective: The local spread of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) follows pathways of dissemination along areas of lesser resistance. In more advanced scenarios, the tumor can extend beyond the hemi-tongue of origin, by passing through the lingual septum and following the fibers of the transverse muscle. This can lead to the invasion of the contralateral extrinsic muscles, the first being the genioglossus and more laterally the hyoglossus. An anatomically guided surgical resection of the tumor can be planned to ensure both oncological safety and an acceptable functional outcome. This approach aims to preserve the hyo-styloglossus unit (HSU) whenever feasible. Methods: Between January 2019 and November 2022, six patients received extended glossectomy Type B (EG Type B), with preservation of the HSU. Preliminary oncological results and functional results in terms of swallowing (FOIS score) and quality of life (MDADI) are presented. Results: Five out of the six patients are alive and disease-free, while one patient died due to other causes. All patients who were candidates for an EG Type B underwent a swallowing assessment prior to surgery and followed daily postoperative swallowing training. At discharge, the patients continued swallowing training in an outpatient clinic. Five out of the six patients reached a full oral diet within 1 year of follow-up. Conclusion: The oncological results confirm the safety of this technique. The importance of preserving the HSU, the minimal functional unit, shows very encouraging results in terms of swallowing rehabilitation.

Endovascular coils extrusion after internal carotid artery occlusion: From management to follow-up.

KEY POINTS: ICA coil extrusion (ICA-CE) occurs most frequently in the nasopharyngeal/sinonasal site. Evaluating the ICA coils stability, through an angiography, is of primary importance. ICA-CE management needs to be decided based on the patient's symptoms and general status.