A Novel and Simple Technique to Reduce the Rate of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula Formation Following a Total Laryngectomy - our Initial Results.

Objective: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a common and often devastating complication of total laryngectomy. Patients undergoing a total laryngectomy need enhancement of the neopharynx to reduce the risk of PCF formation. Our study aimed to evaluate the formation of a PCF following a total laryngectomy in patients that underwent a modified closure technique of their neopharynx. This technique included the recruitment of a flap of the muscular division of the pretracheal fascia that invests the strap muscles as a protective blanket. We called this surgical technique the 'curtain call'. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study for patients who underwent a total laryngectomy in our department between May 2022 and May 2023. Results: Twelve patients were identified. Our results demonstrated that the recruitment of this modified closure technique to cover the neopharynx resulted in a very low rate of postoperative PCF formation (8.3%). Conclusion: The 'curtain call' technique is an excellent method to support the neopharynx with extremely low rates of postoperative chronic dysphagia and with no evidence of impairing the development of esophageal speech. It could sometimes substitute much more time-consuming techniques like major pectoralis flap and supraclavicular flap. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-04343-7.

What is the rate of occult nodal metastasis in squamous cell carcinomas of the sinonasal tract? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The role of elective neck dissection (END) in the management of clinical N0 (cN0) squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the sinonasal tract is unclear. In this systematic review, we evaluate the risk of occult nodal metastasis in sinonasal SCCs with cN0M0 tumors to support clinical decision making. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in the following three electronic databases: Medline/PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Articles were assessed for eligibility in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. Two independent authors extracted the data. The Methodological Items for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) tool was used for the assessment of biases of each included study. RESULTS: Our systematic review included six studies that met the inclusion criteria, all retrospective in design. The rate of histologically proven metastasis of sinonasal SCC to the clinically negative neck is 12.5%. Almost half of the positive cases are pathologically staged as N2 (6.5%). CONCLUSION: Our systematic review provides the rate of sinonasal SCC occult metastasis to the neck so that the surgeons can discuss with patients the risks and possible merits of adding an elective neck management in the surgical plan.

Clinical Behavior of the Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Larynx-A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: Mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC) of the larynx account for less than 1% of all laryngeal tumors. The unique features and clinical behavior of these rare entities remain unknown. To fill this knowledge gap, we performed a scoping review of every reported case of laryngeal MEC to study the clinical behavior and the treatment modalities in this rare entity. REVIEW METHODS: We followed the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) statement. DATA SOURCES: MedLine, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases were searched to identify eligible studies. RESULTS: We concluded with 25 studies and overall 66 cases. Our study revealed that the average age of cases was 55.7 years, and the range was from 12 to 81 years, with younger onset in females. Supraglottic (60%) is the most common subsite of laryngeal MEC s followed by glottis (27.3%). Supraglottic carcinomas frequently present with metastatic neck disease at the time of the initial diagnosis and require more extensive surgical approaches. Surgery with negative surgical margins seems to be the cornerstone in the treatment of MEC. Radiation therapy has not been tested widely as monotherapy but is considered a useful adjuvant modality. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that negative surgical margins seem to be associated to higher disease control rate and that high-grade supraglottic cases likely benefit from addressing neck disease simultaneously. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 2023.

Locally Advanced Laryngeal Squamous cell Carcinoma in a Patient with a Synchronous Second Primary Thyroid Carcinoma.

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common primary tumors of the head and neck region. Unfortunately, patients with laryngeal SCC tend to develop second primary tumors (SPTs), accounting for increased mortality. The lung is the predominant site of a second presentation, followed by the mucosa of the upper aerodigestive tract. In contrast, the thyroid gland rarely hosts an SPT. Our study describes the management and treatment of a 69-year-old female who presented with a rare combination of synchronous laryngeal and thyroid carcinomas. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-03968-y.

Is the origin of the superior thyroid artery consistent? A systematic review of 5488 specimens.

PURPOSE: The superior thyroid artery (STA) point of origin is strongly debated with controversial results among studies. External carotid artery (ECA), carotid bulb, and common carotid artery (CCA) have been presented as points of origin with variable percentages among authors. We conducted a systematic review of all existing studies that included cadaveric, surgical, and angiographic specimens and recorded the origin of STA according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two studies, with an overall of 5488 specimens were included. RESULTS: Our results indicated ECA as the most common site of origin (55.0 %) followed by carotid bifurcation at 27.5 % and CCA at 15.0 %. Absent STA or branching from the internal carotid artery (ICA) was an extremely rare finding. We proposed a new simple classification system based on our results. CONCLUSIONS: The huge variability in the branching pattern of STA makes head and neck surgery and radiographic interventions challenging and poses the integrity of STA at risk. Therefore, we strongly recommend preoperative angiographic studies for STA identification to prevent an intraoperative iatrogenic injury.

Sigmoid Sinus Thrombosis as a Complication of Acute Otitis Media in a 6-Year-Old Male.

Sigmoid sinus thrombosis (SST) is a potentially life-threatening complication of otitis media which is nowadays rare due to the widespread use of antibiotics. A high index of suspicion is necessary to allow for a timely diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. Intravenous wide-spectrum antibiotics and a cortical mastoidectomy are the mainstay of treatment. There is no consensus regarding the necessity of anticoagulants in pediatric patients. We present a 6-year-old boy who presented with an SST as a result of acute otitis media.

A Rare Case of Hemoptysis Caused by a Laryngeal Leech.

The larynx is an uncommon location for live foreign bodies. The leech can reach the glottis during consumption of contaminated water but is usually expelled by an effective cough reflex. Patients present with hoarseness and dysphagia and occasionally with dyspnea or hemoptysis. Endoscopically, a mobile mass is usually noted in the supraglottic area. We present a rare case of a laryngeal leech in a 62-year-old-male farmer who lives in a rural area. The leech was removed successfully with direct laryngoscopy under general anesthesia.

Role of the endoscope in cochlear implantation: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To review the role of the endoscope in cochlear implantation (CI). METHODS: MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library databases, as well as other sources, were searched by two independent reviewers. Studies including patients undergoing either exclusively endoscopic or endoscopically assisted CI were eligible for inclusion. Endoscopic CI approaches and postoperative complications were the primary outcomes. Secondary endpoints included the degree of round window (RW) microscopic visualisation according to St Thomas' Hospital classification and type of cochleostomy for electrode insertion in the scala tympani (ST). RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria comprising 191 endoscopic or endoscopically assisted CI cases. The endoscope was used for better visualisation of the RW across all included studies, facilitated the insertion of the electrode in the ST and spared a mastoidectomy in a number of cases. No facial nerve palsy was reported in any of the studies. The most common complication was external auditory canal/tympanic membrane tear followed by chorda tympani injury. CONCLUSION: The microscopic CI approach is still the gold standard. The endoscope facilitates the recognition of the RW area and leads to successful and safe implantation, particularly in difficult anatomical scenarios, ear malformations and advanced otosclerosis. Endoscopically assisted CI procedures offer the opportunity to avoid a posterior tympanotomy and reduce the risk of facial nerve injury. To date, the lack of long-term data does not permit the widespread adoption of completely endoscopic CI procedures without a mastoidectomy.

Necrotizing Bacterial Rhinitis in an Immunocompromised Patient.

Specific bacterial infections can cause rapid necrosis of the nasal mucosa in immunocompromised patients, mimicking an invasive fungal infection. The exclusion of the latter is a priority because rapid deterioration and death may ensue within hours to days. The time lag between investigations and final diagnosis warrants empiric administration of Amphotericin B but patients are exposed to significant side effects. Histopathology and culture of the nasal tissues provide the necessary diagnostic clues to avoid inappropriate treatment.

18F-FDG-PET/CT interpretation pitfalls in patients with head and neck cancer.

AIM: The aim of the present study is to raise awareness of ENT Surgeons on the limitations of 18F-FDG PET/CT in head and neck cancer by presenting illustrative cases from our department archives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients with head and neck cancer treated in our ENT department from 2015 to 2020. Cases with various interpretation pitfalls due to false-positive and false-negative PET/CT results that lead to diagnostic dilemmas and treatment delays either in their pre-therapeutic work-up or in their post-therapeutic monitoring were included. RESULTS: Five cases of various image interpretation pitfalls (3 false negative and 2 false positive cases) were identified and are presented in detail. CONCLUSIONS: Although 18F-FDG PET/CT has gained in popularity and improved head and neck cancer management, clinicians should be aware of its limitations. The combination of 18F-FDG PET/CT with other imaging modalities can reduce the number of interpretation pitfalls but by no means will substitute sound clinical judgement.

Quality of Life After Total Laryngectomy: A Retrospective Study.

Quality of life is severely affected in laryngeal cancer patients, who have undergone total laryngectomy, particularly with regard to cancer diagnosis and the consequences of total laryngectomy. The aim of the present study is to record and evaluate the problems related with the quality of life in laryngectomized patients. A further goal is to investigate, whether a correlation exists between demographics and clinical characteristics of the patients. Fifty male patients, who underwent total laryngectomy, participated in the study. Two questionnaires were used to test various quality of life parameters, the EORTC QLQ C30 version 3.0 and EORTC QLQ H&N35. Specific demographic and clinical data of the patients were also recorded. The overall quality of life index was similar in both studied patients and the reference group of cancer patients provided by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). However, the following discrepancies were noted: voice, senses, dyspnoea were more problematic in studied patients, whereas the functional status of cognitive, physical, social and emotional function were better. In most recorded symptoms, the intensity was mild. The demographic and clinical data appeared to have interesting correlations with specific functional aspects and symptoms. Although several quality of life aspects are found to be negatively affected in laryngectomized patients, overall quality of life appears to be satisfactory.

Lip angioedema after indirect contact with a sea anemone.

Sea anemones are marine animals that can produce toxins causing severe angioedema. Swimmers and divers should be aware of sea anemone species that can cause local and systemic toxic reactions and avoid indirect or direct skin contact. High index of suspicion, full laboratory workup, and treatment with steroids and antibiotics are imperative for an uneventful recovery.

Surgery as a Last Resort for Persistent Auricular Perichondritis.

Auricular perichondritis is a severe bacterial inflammation of the cartilaginous part of the external ear sparing the lobule and the tragus. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary to avoid necrosis of the underlying cartilage and permanent auricular deformity. Management includes antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgery to control the inflammation is sometimes necessary. Wide cartilage and subcutaneous tissue debridement with preservation of the helical rim to minimize the resulting auricular deformity is necessary.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine to End Oropharyngeal Cancer. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is currently the most frequent human papillomavirus (HPV)-related malignancy in high-income countries. Oral HPV16 infection is the cause of HPV-related OPC in more than 90% of cases and is primarily (90%) linked to oral sex. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at comparing the prevalence of oral vaccine-type HPV infection in individuals vaccinated with HPV vaccines and unvaccinated controls. Three databases (MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library), as well as other sources, were searched by 2 independent reviewers. Controlled studies testing the efficacy or effectiveness of licensed HPV vaccines were included. The primary end point was multiple oral HPV infections in one individual with low-risk and high-risk types. Secondary end point was the number of oral HPV16 infections. Six studies-2 randomized controlled trials and 4 cross-sectional studies-with a total of 15,240 participants were included in a meta-analysis, which showed that vaccinated individuals were 46% (risk ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.32-0.91) less likely to develop oral vaccine-type HPV infection (P = 0.02). A second meta-analysis of 4 studies (1 randomized controlled trial and 3 cross-sectional studies) and 13.285 participants showed 80% (risk ratio, 0.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.43) less likelihood of oral HPV16 infection (P < 0.0001). This study suggests that HPV vaccines can protect against oral vaccine-type HPV infection including high-risk HPV16 infection, thus reducing the incidence of HPV-related OPC. Vaccination against HPV, especially in males, who are predominantly affected by HPV-related OPC, could result in the prevention of this disease.

Lasers in endoscopic middle ear surgery: where do we stand today?

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the current status regarding the parallel use of the endoscope and the laser in middle ear surgery. METHODS: Comprehensive Pubmed search from 1975 to 2020 including clinical articles, of any type, reporting the combined use of a laser and an endoscope. Purely experimental and non-human studies were excluded. RESULTS: Reports on the application of the laser in pediatric and adult endoscopic middle ear surgery (EES) are increasing since 2013. Laser-assisted EES is performed for cholesteatoma, non-squamous chronic otitis media, ossicular fixation, otosclerosis and tympanic paraganglioma. The improved haemostasis and the non-contact ablation of tissue around the ossicles and inaccessible areas, represent unique advantages. In stapes surgery, the resection of stapes superstructure with minimal force and the non-contact footplate fenestration are potential advantages. Proper use of the laser, i.e. direction away from the facial nerve and the open labyrinth and safe energy settings have resulted in minimal complications. CONCLUSION: Based on the increasing number of publications, endoscopic ear surgeons show an interest in using a laser for specific operative tasks. The configuration of a hand-held laser probe does not differ significantly from other otological instruments and therefore is easy to use alongside the endoscope, even in children. The 'handicap' of single-handed surgery can be partially offset by the bloodless and non-contact laser ablation of tissue.