Outcomes of Head and Neck Free Tissue Transfer in Renal Failure Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess if there is increased risk of free flap failure in renal failure patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction. We seek to primarily assess free flap outcomes based on stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and secondarily determine increased risk for postoperative complications. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed at five tertiary care centers. Patients were identified that had undergone microvascular free flap reconstruction of the head and neck with diagnosis of renal failure, classified as Stage 3 CKD or higher. Demographic data was collected. Outcomes in the postoperative period were examined. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients met inclusion criteria. The average patient age was 69 years with a male predominance (n = 48). The majority of patients had CKD Stage 3 (n = 52). Overall flap failure rate was 12.33% (n = 9, CKD stage 3 = 7.69%, CKD stage 4 = 30%, CKD stage 5 = 18%). There was an increased risk of flap failure on multivariate analysis for CKD stage 4/5 patients when compared to CKD 3 patients (p = 0.0095). When compared to matched controls, there was an increased risk of flap failure in CKD patients (p = 0.01) as well as an increased risk of overall complications (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CKD undergoing head and neck reconstruction are at a higher risk of flap failure and overall complications. When comparing CKD stages there may be increased risk of flap failure in later stages of CKD compared to CKD 3. Appropriate patient counseling is recommended pre-operatively in this patient population with consideration for regional flaps in the appropriate patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:688-694, 2024.

Allyship to Advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Otolaryngology: What We Can All Do.

Purpose of review: To summarize the current literature on allyship, providing a historical perspective, concept analysis, and practical steps to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion. This review also provides evidence-based tools to foster allyship and identifies potential pitfalls. Recent findings: Allies in healthcare advocate for inclusive and equitable practices that benefit patients, coworkers, and learners. Allyship requires working in solidarity with individuals from underrepresented or historically marginalized groups to promote a sense of belonging and opportunity. New technologies present possibilities and perils in paving the pathway to diversity. Summary: Unlocking the power of allyship requires that allies confront unconscious biases, engage in self-reflection, and act as effective partners. Using an allyship toolbox, allies can foster psychological safety in personal and professional spaces while avoiding missteps. Allyship incorporates goals, metrics, and transparent data reporting to promote accountability and to sustain improvements. Implementing these allyship strategies in solidarity holds promise for increasing diversity and inclusion in the specialty.

Swallowing Function After Treatment of Laryngeal Cancer.

Dysphagia is a common functional outcome following treatment of laryngeal cancer. Despite curative advances in both nonsurgical and surgical approaches, preserving and optimizing swallowing function is critical. Understanding the nature and severity of dysphagia depending on initial tumor staging and treatment modality and intensity is crucial. This chapter explores current evidence on the acute and chronic impacts of treatments for laryngeal cancer on swallow function, as well as the medical and nonmedical management of dysphagia in this population.

A case of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma highlighting aggressive perineural features.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common nonmelanoma skin cancer in the United States following basal cell carcinoma. The majority are successfully cured by surgical excision or Mohs microsurgery. A subset of cSCCs are more aggressive and likely to recur locally, spread to regional lymph nodes or even distantly, and can even result in death. High-risk features of cSCC including perineural invasion of nerve >0.1 mm in diameter and invasion beyond the subcutaneous fat are not routinely reported by Mohs microsurgery. Facial cSCC commonly involves branches of the facial nerve (VII) or trigeminal nerve (V). Clinical symptoms associated with cranial nerve VII and V involvement include pain, paresthesia of the face and tongue, facial paralysis. Assessment of nerve involvement by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most optimal imaging modality. Here, we present a case where Mohs microsurgery was performed on a facial cSCC 1.5 years prior to the development of facial paresis. We aim to highlight the interesting perineural path resulting in facial paralysis and associated symptomatology, the importance of MRI, and to remind clinicians of important high-risk features of cSCC.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas among males of the three largest Asian diasporas in the US, 2004-2013.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) have not been fully examined in the Asian diasporas in the US, despite certain Asian countries having the highest incidence of specific HNSCCs. METHODS: National Cancer Database was used to compare 1046 Chinese, 887 South Asian (Indian/Pakistani), and 499 Filipino males to 156,927 Non-Hispanic White (NHW) males diagnosed with HNSCC between 2004-2013. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the association of race/ethnicity with two outcomes - site group and late-stage diagnosis. Temporal trends were explored for site groups and subsites. RESULTS: South Asians had a greater proportion of oral cavity cancer [OCC] compared to NHWs (59 % vs. 25 %; ORadj =7.3 (95 % CI: 5.9-9.0)). In contrast, Chinese (64 % vs. 9%; ORadj =34.0 (95 % CI: 26.5-43.6)) and Filipinos (47 % vs. 9%; ORadj =10.0 (95 % CI: 7.8-12.9)) had a greater proportion of non-oropharyngeal cancer compared to NHWs. All three Asian subgroups had a higher likelihood of being diagnosed by age 40 (14 % Chinese, 10 % South Asian and 8% Filipino compared to 3% in NHW; p < 0.001). Chinese males had lower odds of late-stage diagnosis, compared to NHWs. South Asian cases doubled from 2004 to 2013 largely due to an increase in OCC cases (34 cases in 2004 to 86 in 2013). CONCLUSION: Asian diasporas are at a higher likelihood of specific HNSCCs. Risk factors, screening and survival need to be studied further, and policy changes are needed to promote screening and to discourage high-risk habits in these Asian subgroups.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Nutrition Protocol for Major Head and Neck Cancer Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) nutrition protocol is reasonably possible among our head and neck cancer (HNC) population with respect to system feasibility and patient compliance. Second, we aim to identify improvements in patient outcomes as a result. METHODS: Preexperimental research design among patients undergoing major HNC surgery after implementation of the ERAS nutrition protocol from July 2018 to July 2019 as quality improvement (QI). Preoperative clinical nutritional assessment and laboratory values were completed the same day as informed surgical consent in the clinic. Protocol focus was patient consumption of nutritional supplements perioperatively, monitored by our outpatient dietitian. Early postoperative enteral nutrition was initiated with monitoring of nutritional laboratory values. To support our model, we provide preliminary analysis of HNC patient outcomes after implementation of the ERAS nutritional protocol. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were enrolled. Preoperatively, 40% of patients were malnourished, and 100% complied with perioperative nutrition supplementation. Health care provider compliance obtaining preoperative laboratory values was 56%. There was a strong negative correlation between modified Nutrition-Related Index (mNRI) and number of complications (P = .01), specifically, fistula rate (P = .04) and unplanned reoperation (P = .04). Enrolled patient average length of stay was 7 ± 4.4 days. DISCUSSION: Our patients demonstrated compliance with implementation of an ERAS nutrition protocol likely facilitated by dietitian engagement. mNRI potentially reflects risk for head and neck surgery complications. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: QI processes demand reassessment and modification to ensure efficient and targeted approaches to improving patient care.

Quality-Adjusted Life Years and Disability-Adjusted Life Years Are Better With Concurrent Chemoradiation Therapy Than Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Chemoradiation Therapy in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

Introduction As traditional measures such as overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS) alone do not give a holistic view of the outcomes of a treatment paradigm, we determine to add the evidence of quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) to the outcomes of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients (NCP) treated with definitive chemoradiation therapy (chemoRT) with or without induction chemotherapy (induction chemo). Methods This is a retrospective analysis of 85 NCPs treated at an academic state institution. The OS estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and the multivariate Cox regression model determined the co-variables associated with the OS. The relationship between QALYs gained and DALYs saved were calculated from age of the disease onset, duration of the disease, quality of life (QoL) and disability weights. Results Of the 85 eligible NCPs of this cohort, the disease frequency distribution per the World Health Organization (WHO) classification was 41.2% for Type-I, 42.4% for Type-II, and 16.5% for Type-III. The median follow-up (24 months). The five-year OS of patients treated with concurrent chemoRT vs. induction chemo followed by concurrent chemoRT was 54.7 vs. 14.8% for WHO Type I, 60.1 vs. 58.3% for WHO Type II, and 83.3 vs. 50.0% for WHO Type III (p=0.029). The average DALYs saved with concurrent chemoRT were 12.2 years vs. 5 years for induction chemo followed by concurrent chemoRT. The average QALYs gained with concurrent chemoRT were 6.9 years vs. 3.1 years for induction chemo followed by concurrent chemoRT. Conclusion Patients treated with concurrent chemoRT had an increased QoL when compared to induction chemo followed by concurrent chemoRT. The average DALYs saved were higher in the patients treated with concurrent chemoRT than treated with induction chemo followed by concurrent chemoRT.

The Role of Mohs Surgery in Cutaneous Head and Neck Cancer.

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) represents an excellent means to address basal cell carcinoma and some squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) of the head and neck region, achieving excellent outcomes with respect to local recurrence rates and disease-specific survival. MMS by virtue of its technique maximally preserves uninvolved tissues of the head and neck, thereby maintaining form, cosmesis, and function to the greatest extent as dictated by the disease. However, the application of MMS for managing high-risk cSCC and melanoma requires additional investigation. MMS may also prove beneficial in treating rare cutaneous diseases such as Merkel cell carcinoma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

Tracheoinnominate Artery Fistula.

Audience: This simulation provides training for emergency medicine residents in the stepwise management of a patient who presents with bleeding from a tracheoinnominate artery fistula. Additional learners who might benefit from this simulation are otolaryngology and general surgery residents as well as critical care fellows. Introduction: Hemorrhage from a tracheoinnominate artery fistula (TIAF) is a rare but life-threatening complication in a patient with a recent tracheostomy. This complication occurs in 0.7% of tracheostomy patients with a mortality of 50-70%.1 Seventy-five percent of patients with a TIAF will present within the first three weeks of surgery and 50% of patients will present with a sentinel bleed that briefly resolves.1 Key elements of a history and exam that should raise a provider's concern for this diagnosis include a recent tracheostomy (within the last 4 weeks), a percutaneous tracheostomy, prior radiation, chronic steroid use, a neck or chest deformity or a sentinel bleed.2 Survival from a TIAF hinges upon emergent, operative repair by an otolaryngologist and cardiothoracic surgeon. Cuff hyperinflation and the Utley Maneuver are critical bedside interventions to temporize this massive bleed and stabilize the patient for definitive, operative repair. Educational Objectives: By the end of this simulation, learners will be able to: 1) perform a focused history and physical exam on any patient who presents with bleeding from the tracheostomy site, 2) describe the differential diagnosis of bleeding from a tracheostomy site, including a TIAF, 3) demonstrate the stepwise management of bleeding from a suspected TIAF, including cuff hyperinflation and the Utley Maneuver, 4) verify that definitive airway control via endotracheal intubation is only feasible in the tracheostomy patient when it is clear, upon history and exam, that the patient can be intubated from above, 5) demonstrate additional critical actions in the management of a patient with a TIAF, including early consultation with otolaryngology and cardiothoracic surgery as well as emergent blood transfusion and activation of a massive transfusion protocol. Educational Methods: This case was written with a modified, low-fidelity manikin, traditionally used for training in nasogastric tube placement and tracheostomy care. We modified this manikin to simulate a hemorrhage from the tracheostomy site.3 The patient in our case had a history of laryngeal cancer, and thus we occluded his larynx for this simulation. As a result of this obstruction, he was unable to be intubated from above. We provided confederates, a bedside nurse and family member, to assist the learners throughout the case. We also utilized a simulation technician to operate dynamic vital signs on a simulated cardiac monitor. It would be technically challenging to adapt this case to a high-fidelity simulator due to potential for damage of the internal electrical elements by the large amount of artificial blood from the tracheostomy tube. However, a mechanical pump provided a useful means of active bleeding in this low-fidelity manikin. Research Methods: We provided a pre- and post-simulation questionnaire for the 33 emergency medicine residents who participated in this simulation. There were 11 residents from each of the PGY-1, PGY-2 and PGY-3 year-groups. Thirty-two residents (97%) completed the pre-survey and 33 residents (100%) completed the post-survey. For our questions, we used a 5-point Likert Scale to assess a resident's knowledge of the learning objectives within this simulation. Results: Responses from our pre- and post- survey indicated a significant improvement in knowledge about a tracheoinnominate artery fistula as well as the general management of tracheostomy complications in the emergency department. Discussion: This simulation is a useful educational tool for instructing emergency medicine residents on optimal management of tracheostomy emergencies such as a TIAF. The interprofessional teaching by an emergency medicine attending and mid-level (PGY-3) otolaryngology resident allowed for a richer and more detailed discussion during the debriefing. Throughout the case, the emergency medicine attending played the role of a bedside nurse and offered supportive, clinical cues when bleeding recurred. The otolaryngology resident played the role of a family member and offered helpful cues during the history and exam portion of the case. Following the case, both content experts provided useful clinical insight during the debriefing. If staffing availability permits, it might be advantageous to use additional simulation-trained personnel to play the roles of the nurse and family member, thus allowing the emergency medicine attending and otolaryngology content experts to simply view the case from the control room and perform the debriefing. Topics: Tracheostomy, surgical airway, tracheoinnominate artery fistula, bleeding from tracheostomy site, complications with tracheostomies, hemorrhagic shock.

Modified Manikin for Tracheoinnominate Artery Fistula.

Audience: This simulator is designed to instruct emergency medicine residents in tracheostomy training that involves bleeding from the tracheostomy site. Any resident, fellow, or attending physician who cares for patients with complications from their tracheostomy might benefit from this innovation. Introduction: The emergency medicine provider must maintain proficiency in caring for patients with complications from their tracheostomy. In the United States, over 110,000 patients receive tracheostomies per year.1 A rare but catastrophic complication of tracheostomies, usually within the first month of placement, is a tracheoinnominate artery fistula (TIAF). This complication occurs in 0.7% of tracheostomy patients and carries a 50-70% mortality.1,2 We modified a low-fidelity tracheostomy manikin to instruct learners in the stepwise management of hemorrhage from a TIAF. Educational Objectives: By the end of this educational session, learners will be able to:Perform a focused history and physical exam on any patient who presents with bleeding from the tracheostomy site.Describe the differential diagnosis of bleeding from a tracheostomy site, including a TIAF.Demonstrate the stepwise management of bleeding from a suspected TIAF, including cuff hyperinflation and the Utley Maneuver.Verify that definitive airway control via endotracheal intubation is only feasible in the tracheostomy patient when it is clear, upon history and exam, that the patient can be intubated from above.Demonstrate additional critical actions in the management of a patient with a TIAF, including early consultation with otolaryngology and cardiothoracic surgery as well as emergent blood transfusion and activation of a massive transfusion protocol. Educational Methods: This modified manikin is a useful training tool for any healthcare provider who is involved in the treatment and stabilization of a variety of tracheostomy emergencies, from bleeding to infection to obstruction or dislodgement. Our case was presented on two separate occasions, to otolaryngology interns (PGY-1), and emergency medicine residents (PGY 1-3). It involved the care of a patient with a sentinel bleed and subsequent hemorrhage from a tracheoinnominate artery fistula (TIAF). This low-fidelity tracheostomy manikin provides the ideal platform for any complex, tracheostomy case, particularly where ongoing bleeding from the tracheostomy site might permanently damage the electrical circuitry of a high-fidelity model. We initially fashioned this modified manikin for tracheostomy training during a simulation "boot camp" for otolaryngology PGY-1 residents. Our use of this modified manikin for tracheostomy training was a useful teaching tool during our otolaryngology intern "boot camp." As a result, we organized a subsequent simulation training session with our PGY 1-3 emergency medicine residents to provide similar instruction in management of a TIAF. Research Methods: We provided a pre- and a post-simulation survey for the 33 emergency medicine residents who participated in the TIAF simulation with our modified tracheostomy manikin. There were 11 residents from each of the PGY-1, PGY-2, and PGY-3 year-groups. Thirty-two residents (97%) completed the pre-simulation survey, and 33 residents (100%) completed the post-simulation survey. We used a 6-point Likert Scale from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree" to assess a resident's knowledge of multiple learning objectives within this simulation. Results: The pre- and post-simulation survey supported this simulation and manikin innovation as a useful teaching tool for tracheostomy emergencies such as a TIAF. Discussion: This was a useful innovation for emergency provider training in the recognition and management of a TIAF, a rare but emergent tracheostomy complication. In addition to this bleeding complication, this innovation might be useful for a variety of tracheostomy emergencies such as site infection, obstruction, and tube dislodgement. We highly recommend the involvement of both an emergency medicine and otolaryngology content expert in the design and debriefing of tracheostomy cases with this modified manikin. In our experience, a facilitated debriefing by an experienced clinician and educator from both fields provided a diverse perspective for challenging cases such as bleeding from a TIAF. Topics: Difficult airway, tracheostomy, tracheoinnominate fistula, hemorrhagic shock, tracheostomy complications, Utley Maneuver.

Open Versus Robotic Surgery for Oropharyngeal Cancer.

Transoral robotic surgery is a useful minimally invasive technique in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, both human papilloma virus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative patients in certain instances. This treatment modality often has proven useful for certain tumor persistences or recurrences. Good outcomes are possible given appropriate patient selection, both oncologically and functionally.

Frailty as a Predictor of Postoperative Outcomes among Patients with Head and Neck Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To understand measures of frailty among preoperative patients and explain how these can predict perioperative outcomes among patients with head and neck cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional case series with chart review. SETTING: Academic tertiary medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients presenting to an academic hospital following a surgical procedure for a head and neck cancer diagnosis. Charts were queried for preoperative medical diagnoses to calculate 2 frailty scores: the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program modified frailty index and the Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups frailty index. The American Society of Anesthesiologists classification system was also analyzed as a predictor. Primary outcomes were mortality, 30-day readmission, and length of stay. Perioperative complications and discharge disposition were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 410 charts were queried between January 2014 and December 2017. Mortality was 11%; mean ± SD length of stay was 7.4 ± 5.5 days; and the readmission rate was 17%. The modified frailty index score significantly increased the odds of mortality (odds ratio = 1.475, P = .012) and readmission (odds ratio = 1.472, P = .004), the length of stay (relative risk = 1.136, P = .001), and the number of perioperative complications. The American Society of Anesthesiologists classification was also significantly associated with poor outcomes, including readmission, length of stay, and perioperative complications. The Adjusted Clinical Groups index was not a significant predictor of outcomes in this study population. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a significant increase in poor perioperative outcomes and mortality among patients with head and neck cancer and increased frailty, as measured by the modified frailty index.

Society of Behavioral Medicine position statement: Society of Behavioral Medicine supports oral cancer early detection by all healthcare providers.

In response to the increasing incidence of certain oral and oropharyngeal cancers, the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) calls on healthcare providers and legislators to expand awareness of oral and oropharyngeal cancer risk factors, increase early detection, and support policies that increase utilization of dental services. SBM supports the American Dental Association's 2017 guideline for evaluating potentially malignant oral cavity disorders and makes the following recommendations to healthcare providers and legislators. We encourage healthcare providers and healthcare systems to treat oral exams as a routine part of patient examination; communicate to patients about oral/oropharyngeal cancers and risk factors; encourage HPV vaccination for appropriate patients based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices; support avoidance of tobacco use and reduction of alcohol consumption; and follow the current recommendations for evaluating potentially malignant oral cavity lesions. Because greater evidence is needed to inform practice guidelines in the primary care setting, we call for more research in collaborative health and dental services. We encourage legislators to support policies that expand Medicaid to cover adult dental services, increase Medicaid reimbursement for dental services, and require dental care under any modification of, or replacement of, the Affordable Care Act.

Survival outcomes for postoperative chemoradiation in intermediate-risk oral tongue cancers.

BACKGROUND: The survival outcomes for surgery + postoperative radiotherapy (S+RT) or surgery + postoperative chemoradiation (S+CRT) was compared in patients having oral tongue cancers with intermediate-risk pathological features. METHODS: Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), overall survival (OS) for S+RT or S+CRT was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazard models in the entire population (n = 2803) and in a propensity-matched cohort (n = 1136). RESULTS: The 3-year OS was 73.3% for S+CRT versus 66.7% for S+RT (P = .02). The S+CRT improved the 3-year OS for patients with 2 or more involved metastatic lymph nodes (≥2 MLNs; P = .01) but not for patients with <2 MLNs (P = .73). Undergoing S+CRT improved the 3-year OS for patients with pathologic T classification (pT) pT3-pT4 disease (P = .01) but not for patients with pT1-pT2 disease (P = .18). CONCLUSION: Undergoing S+CRT was associated with improved survival for patients with tongue cancers with ≥2 MLNs and/or pT3-pT4 suggesting that specific intermediate-risk pathological features benefit from treatment intensification.

Measures of economic advantage associated with HPV-positive head and neck cancers among non-Hispanic black and white males identified through the National Cancer Database.

BACKGROUND: National trends show dramatic increases in the incidence of HPV-related head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) among black and white males. Using cases identified through the National Cancer Data Base, we assessed factors associated with HPV 16- or 16/18 positive HNSCCs among non-Hispanic black and white males diagnosed in the U.S. between 2009 and 2013. METHODS: This sample included 21,524 HNSCCs with known HPV status. Adjusted relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using log-binomial regression. RESULTS: Compared to those with HPV-negative tumors, male patients diagnosed with HPV-positive HNSCCs were non-Hispanic white, younger at diagnosis, lived in zip-code areas with higher median household income and higher educational attainment, had private health insurance and no reported comorbidities at diagnosis. Although the risk of HPV-positive HNSCCs increased with measures of higher area-level socioeconomic status, the effect was stronger for non-Hispanic black males (RRAdjusted=1.76, 95% CI 1.49-2.09) than for whites (RRAdjusted=1.12, 95% CI 1.08-1.16). The peak age for diagnosis of HPV-positive HNSCCs occurred in those diagnosed at 45-49 years (RRAdjusted=1.57, 95% CI 1.42-1.73). Oropharyngeal tumors were strongly associated with HPV-positivity (RRAdjusted=4.32, 95% CI 4.03-4.63). In the analysis restricted to oropharyngeal anatomic sites, similar patterns persisted. CONCLUSION: In our analysis, measures of economic advantage were associated with an increased risk of HPV-positive HNSCCs. In order to develop effective interventions, greater understanding of the risk factors for HPV-positive HNSCCs is needed among both high-risk males and their healthcare providers.

Tumid lupus: An unexpected diagnosis for the otolaryngologist.

Tumid lupus is an uncommon variant of lupus erythematosus. Patients present with subcutaneous lesions. Ophthalmic literature reports disease manifestation as orbital inflammation. Autoimmune serology is often negative. Without a high index of suspicion, the diagnosis is easily overlooked delaying treatment. Tumid lupus is not significantly discussed in the Otolaryngologic literature. Here we present a Case Report of a male who initially presented to Ophthalmology with unilateral orbital complaint of eyelid puffiness. Orbital biopsy and subsequent biopsy of his submental skin lesions ultimately led to this unexpected diagnosis. We discuss the method to diagnose tumid lupus including representative histopathologic findings.

Predictors and outcomes for chronic tracheostomy after chemoradiation for advanced laryngohypopharyngeal cancer.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: After concurrent chemoradiation for head and neck squamous cell cancer, patients with laryngeal incompetence may not recover function. We assessed variables predicting tracheostomy dependence as a measure of poor laryngeal function after chemoradiation. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective METHODS: Analysis of 109 patients treated with chemoradiation for locoregionally advanced laryngohypopharyngeal squamous cell cancers between 1992 and 2013. Median follow-up was 17.0 and 17.2 months for tracheostomy and nontracheostomy dependent patients, respectively. RESULTS: For all patients, multivariate analysis demonstrated persistent tracheostomy was associated with pretreatment tracheostomy, subglottic extension, three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) and postradiotherapy lymphadenectomy. When analyzed by primary site, tracheostomy dependence was associated with pretreatment tracheostomy, subglottic extension, and 3DCRT in larynx primaries, and with pretreatment tracheostomy and feeding tube dependency in hypopharynx primaries. Tracheostomy dependence did not impact local control, progression-free survival or overall survival on univariate analysis. CONCLUSION: After curative chemoradiation, long-term tracheostomy was associated with pretreatment tracheostomy, subglottic extension, postradiotherapy lymphadenectomy, and 3DCRT but did not impact outcomes. These factors may inform treatment decision making regarding organ preservation approaches for locally advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.