The molecular characteristics of recurrent/metastatic HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: About 17% of patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), which is mainly comprised of oropharyngeal SCC (OPSCC), will experience disease recurrence, which is often considered incurable when manifested at a metastatic and/or recurrent stage. We conducted a critical qualitative systematic review. Our objectives were to provide an overview of the molecular landscape of recurrent/metastatic HPV-positive HNSCC as well as novel molecular biomarkers. DESIGN: A literature review was conducted to identify studies reporting on the molecular characteristics of recurrent/metastatic HPV-positive HNSCC, novel molecular biomarkers and treatment options. The reviews of abstracts, full articles, and revision of the included studies, followed by data extraction and quality assessment were performed by three independent assessors. All primary literature, such as retrospective, prospective, and clinical trials as well as basic research studies were considered, and the final search was conducted at the end of February 2023. The level of evidence was rated using the guidelines published by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine and quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The literature search resulted in the identification of 1991 articles. A total of 181 full articles were screened, and 66 articles were included in this analysis. Several studies reported that recurrent/metastatic HPV-positive HNSCC had higher rates of TP53 mutation and were genomically similar to HPV-negative HNSCC. The detection of circulating tumour tissue-modified HPV DNA (ctHPVDNA) as a specific biomarker has shown promising results for monitoring treatment response and recurrence in the subset of HPV-positive HNSCC. In addition, evidence for targeted therapy in recurrent/metastatic HPV-positive HNSCC has emerged, including agents that inhibit overexpressed EGFR. Studies of combination immunotherapy are also underway. Our review outlines the latest evidence on the distinct molecular profiles of recurrent/metastatic HPV-positive HNSCC as well as the clinical potential of ctHPVDNA testing in routine practice. More controlled and longitudinal studies are needed to identify additional molecular targets and to assess the performance and benefits of novel molecular biomarkers in clinical practice.

Outpatient parotidectomy with or without the use of a post-operative drain: A retrospective bi-institutional study.

OBJECTIVE: Parotid surgery is historically performed as an inpatient procedure and suctions drains are predominantly used during surgery. Recent literature provides evidence that outpatient parotid surgery is safe and effective. Our study aims to describe the results of drainless outpatient parotidectomy and outpatient parotidectomy with drain placement and compare their outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Bi-institutional retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients that underwent outpatient drain-less parotidectomy and patients that underwent outpatient parotidectomy with post-operative drain placement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complication rates, unplanned post-operative visits, unplanned prolonged stay. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty patients underwent outpatient parotidectomy with drain placement and 31 patients underwent outpatient drainless parotidectomy in two different hospitals. The incidence of haematoma (drain: 3.1% vs. drainless: 0%, p = 1), infection (drain: 14.3% vs. drainless: 13.8%, p = 1) and salivary fistula (drain: 5.6% vs. drainless: 3.4, p = 1) were comparable between both groups. Seroma or sialocele was more frequently seen in the drain-less group (27.6% vs. 6.2%, p < .001), but were all managed conservatively. Within 10 days after surgery, unplanned visits seemed more frequent in the drain group, although the difference was not statistically significant (14.9% vs. 3.4%, p = .16). CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient parotid surgery with or without the use of a post-operative drain is safe, practical and feasible. Same-day discharge with and without drain placement yield comparable outcomes. However, the results need to be interpreted cautiously as this study was limited by a small cohort of parotidectomies without drain placement. Future studies should further compare both approaches.

Tissue glue: a potential role in the management of intraoperative oesophageal perforation.

An 85-year-old man suffering from oropharyngeal dysphagia due to a pharyngeal pouch and cricopharyngeal spasm underwent endoscopic stapling of the pouch under general anaesthesia. During the procedure, an iatrogenic perforation of the oesophagus was noticed. After considering several options, 5 mL of Tisseel tissue glue was used to seal the perforation intraoperatively. The patient was started on intravenous co-amoxiclav, kept nil by mouth and fed via a nasogastric tube. After 4 days of observation mediastinal collection and any leakage was ruled out with a gastrografin contrast swallow procedure. At this point he was considered safe for oral intake.

Unique case of inverted papilloma of septum with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Is it a metachronous tumour?

Inverted papilloma is a rare and benign tumour. It affects the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, has a high rate of recurrence and is associated with malignant transformation. Only few cases of a poorly differentiated carcinoma arising from inverted papilloma have been reported, none of which in the nasopharynx. We report a case of a 37-year-old female, who presented originally in 2012 with inverted papilloma of the nasal septum which was surgically resected. Nasopharyngeal biopsy from 2014 was reported as carcinoma in situ and treated with local endoscopic resection. Three years later she presented with a solitary lesion of the right Eustachian tube opening, confirmed as invasive poorly differentiated carcinoma. Imaging revealed T4 N2b M0 malignancy with skull base and prevertebral space invasion, likely extension into right temporal lobe and malignant adenopathy. Although rare, malignant transformation of inverted papilloma in unusual places should be considered during workup and monitoring of patients.

Outpatient (same-day discharge) versus inpatient parotidectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Parotidectomy is often performed as an inpatient procedure largely due to drain insertion; however, outpatient parotidectomy has increasingly become an attractive alternative for its shorter hospital stays and greater efficiency in cost-effectiveness. OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW: To assess the safety and feasibility of outpatient (or same-day discharge) parotidectomy compared with inpatient parotidectomy. TYPE OF REVIEW: Systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. METHODS: Pubmed/Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched for articles published in English between 01/01/1990 and 05/10/2019. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment and Review Manager 5.3 for meta-analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes assessed were postoperative complications including bleeding/haematoma, surgical site infection, seroma and facial weakness. Secondary outcome was readmission rate. RESULTS: Out of 445 studies identified, 6 were selected for systematic review. The overall quality of evidence was moderate. A total of 3664 patients were included (1646 in the outpatient group and 2018 in the inpatient group). Comparing the outpatient with inpatient cohorts, there were lower complications in outpatient groups though not statistically significant for haematoma (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.11-1.92; P = .28), surgical site infection (OR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.46-1.69; P = .70), seroma (0.79; 95% CI = 0.21-3.03; P = .74), facial nerve weakness (OR 0.39; 95% CI = 0.14-1.08; P = .07) and hospital readmission (OR 0.58; 95% CI = 0.33-1.04; P = .07). CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient parotidectomy appears to be safe and compares favourably to inpatient procedure in postoperative complication and readmission rates.

E-cigarettes and head and neck cancers: A systematic review of the current literature.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking is a well-established risk factor for head and neck (HN) cancers. Use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is gaining popularity, being advertised as benign alternatives to tobacco. A wide variety of potentially harmful chemical components with variable quantity have been identified in e-liquids and aerosols of e-cigarettes. However, use of e-cigarettes remains controversial due to conflicting evidence. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the association between e-cigarettes and HN cancers. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the literature for evidence on carcinogenic effects of e-cigarettes in the pathogenesis of HN cancers. TYPE OF REVIEW: Qualitative systematic review. SEARCH STRATEGY: A PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, CINAHL Plus, Trip Medical Database and Web of Science search was done for studies on e-cigarettes and HN cancer. EVALUATION METHOD: Abstract review of all articles, full article revision of included studies, data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent assessors. RESULTS: The literature search resulted in the identification of 359 articles. Eighteen articles were selected for inclusion into the systematic review. The majority were laboratory-based studies, followed by several cohort and case studies, representing low-level evidence. A few reports suggested DNA damage following exposure to e-cigarettes potentially due to increased oxidative stress. Flavoured e-liquids appear to be more harmful. There is variable evidence from clinical studies. CONCLUSIONS: Our review outlines potential dangers associated with the use of e-cigarettes and their role in HN cancers. More longitudinal and controlled studies are needed to assess the possible link between e-cigarettes and HN cancers.

Diplopia: a unique presentation of recurrence of a salivary gland carcinoma.

A 79-year-old man with a history of radical excision of a left submandibular gland carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma presented with a new 2 cm lump in his left submandibular region which proved to be recurrence on surgical excision. During work up for revision surgery he developed a right VI cranial nerve palsy, which was attributed to his microvascular status having had a history of three previous transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). 6 months later, his palsy had not resolved. MRI revealed new soft tissue by the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery. The exact source of this was unclear as there was no evidence of local recurrence or nodal disease. A repeat MRI scan 16 months later revealed further growth of abnormal tissue in the cavernous sinus and the primary submandibular location, now involving multiple nerves including branches of cranial nerves IV, V, VI, VII and XII making surgical excision impossible.

Double pyramid technique of transoral laser partial laryngectomy for radiorecurrent laryngeal cancer.

Management of recurrent head and neck cancer is challenging. Surgical treatments for residual or radiorecurrent laryngeal cancer include total laryngectomy, open partial laryngectomy and transoral laser microsurgery (TLM). TLM has been shown to achieve good oncological and functional outcomes in radiorecurrent laryngeal cancer. We describe a case of a patient with radiorecurrent T2 (rT2) with impaired vocal cord mobility laryngeal cancer who underwent transoral laser partial laryngectomy using our proposed double pyramid technique. It encompasses two steps: resection of the superior and inferior pyramids. Full resection is achieved by staying close to the thyroid and cricoid cartilages. In this technique, the dissection principle is to remove anterior commissure in two pyramid fashions without having to actually follow the tumour. This method is easy and simple to master. Two years postoperatively, the patient has no signs of recurrence and is able to use her voice and has full swallowing ability.

Not quite Pott's puffy tumour.

Pott's puffy tumour (PPT) is characterised by a subperiosteal abscess associated with osteomyelitis of the frontal bone-a rare complication of frontal sinusitis, more common in the paediatric population. We describe a case mimicking PPT, where abscess extension was facilitated by previous surgery. Usually patients with PPT would be systemically unwell, but our patient, a 63-year-old Caucasian man, was systemically well with a large swelling of his forehead. A CT was performed to evaluate possible intracranial and intracerebral complications such as epidural, subdural and brain abscesses. Emergent surgical drainage was performed with prolonged administration of antibiotic therapy. 12 weeks later, he had recollection in the frontal sinus requiring incision and drainage. 6 weeks afterwards, he underwent planned Lothrop procedure and endoscopic sinus surgery. Although clinically the patient presented with overwhelming features of PPT, we emphasise that PPT involves osteomyelitis of frontal bone, which is absent in our case.

Stapes surgery: a National Survey of British Otologists.

To investigate individual stapes surgery practice in the UK, a retrospective study was conducted by postal questionnaire to all 'assumed' stapes-performing otologists. 225 questionnaires were sent out to practicing otologists in the UK. 184 replies (81.8 %) indicated that 134 (72.9 %) otologists perform stapes surgery [stapedectomy (8.2 %), stapedotomy (91.0 %) or other (0.8 %)]. The '6-10 stapes operation per year' category is the most common, with most using general anaesthetic (GA) (78.3 %). Unilateral surgery is advised in 89.6 %, and 96.3 % perform second-side surgery, with all advising the option of a hearing aid prior to surgery. The majority (88.1 %) would fit the prosthesis after removing the stapes, with the top three prostheses being Causse, Smart and Teflon (as described by respondents). 42.5 % always use a vein graft or fat to cover the fenestration, 9.3 % use a laser and 48.5 % carry out the surgery as a day case. For an overhanging facial nerve (less than 50 % of the footplate obscured), the majority stated that it would depend whether they would abandon surgery. 25.4 % have encountered a 'gusher' and 83.6 % would recommend revision surgery. 82.8 % have a registrar present when carrying out stapes operations, but 69.4 % only offer training to trainees with an otological interest. In the UK, stapedotomy is the preferred technique. Most prefer the Causse prosthesis, general anaesthesia and an inpatient stay. Hearing aids are advised prior to surgery. Day-case and inpatient practice is about equal. 'Gushers' are encountered rarely. Revision surgery is advised if a conductive loss returns. Flying is recommended from 6 weeks. Most otologists are willing to teach trainees with an otological interest.

Alar Suspension Sutures in the Management of Nasal Valve Collapse.

OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the efficacy of alar suspension sutures in the management of nasal valve collapse causing nasal obstruction. These sutures are inserted between the vestibular skin and lateral crura and hitched to the periosteum of the medial inferior orbital margin; this is a variation of the alar (change everywhere) suspension suture technique. METHOD: A retrospective review of patients who underwent alar suspension suture insertion between January 2009 and December 2010 in the management of nasal obstruction was undertaken. Symptoms of nasal obstruction were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR). This was measured preprocedure and repeated at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients were identified, and 26 were included in the study; 90% of patients were satisfied with the outcome of surgery, supported by improvement in the VAS and PIFR scores. The mean difference in VAS preprocedure and postprocedure was 4.97 (P value = 0.00), and the average improvement in PIFR was 25.5 L/min (P value = 0.00). CONCLUSION: Our study shows a significant improvement in patient's symptoms following insertion of alar suspension sutures. It is, therefore, a reliable, safe, and effective technique in treating nasal obstruction secondary to nasal valve collapse.

Nasal valve surgery: assessment of quality of life with the Glasgow Benefit Inventory.

We used the 18-question Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) to conduct a retrospective assessment of quality of life following nasal valve surgery. We telephoned 53 patients who had undergone open rhinoplasty for the treatment of nasal valve collapse over a 2-year period. A total of 39 patients--24 men and 15 women, aged 20 to 50 years (mean: 38)--agreed to participate and answer the questions. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 12 months (mean: 8). The spectrum of possible GBI scores ranges from -100 (maximum negative outcome) to 0 (no change) to +100 (maximum benefit); in our group, the median total score was +56 (interquartile range: +32 to +90.5) and the overall total score was +58. The three subscale components of the GBI--general benefit, physical benefit, and social benefit--were analyzed individually; the respective median scores were +46 (+21 to +71), +67 (+25 to +91.5), and +50 (+17 to +100), and the respective overall scores were +60, +59, and +50. Based on these findings, we conclude that nasal valve surgery significantly improves quality of life.

A novel preliminary step in orbital exenteration.

Orbital exenteration refers to the surgical removal of the entire eyeball and its surrounding periorbital structures. The extent of surgical ablation is individualized for each patient and may include removal of periorbital skin, adnexal soft tissue, periorbita, extraocular muscles, orbital fat, the globe, the optic nerve, 1 or more of the bony orbital walls, and the paranasal sinuses (Ophthalmic Oncology 2011; 285). An external approach of orbital exenteration involves retracting the orbital contents within a nonexpandable bony orbit. Orbital pressure would be more raised for patients with orbital tumors or malignant tumors with orbital involvement. In such conditions, retraction of the orbital contents may be difficult. We describe a simple preliminary step, which may be used to facilitate orbital retraction during exenteration.

Endoscopic removal of a dermoid cyst via scalp incision.

Nasal dermoid sinus cysts are the most common congenital midline nasal lesions. We describe a novel technique for the excision of a nasal dermoid cyst in a 2-year-old boy using a four hand endoscopic approach via a small scalp incision behind the hairline. The technique, although somewhat challenging, avoids a facial scar.

Retropharyngeal abscess from an unusual organism-Kingella denitrificans-in a patient on low-dose methotrexate.

Retropharyngeal abscess can be a life-threatening emergency with potential for airway compromise. We report a case of retropharyngeal abscess caused by Kingella denitrificans in a 66-year-old Caucasian man taking low-dose methotrexate for psoriatic arthritis. K denitrificans has not been previously reported as a cause of retropharyngeal abscess. K denitrificans, along with other Kingella species, is often found to be part of the normal upper respiratory tract flora. Potentially life-threatening complications of retropharyngeal abscess can occur in immunocompromised patients. Although complications of immunosuppression are thought to be rare with the use of low-dose pulse methotrexate for non-neoplastic conditions, such complications with prolonged use of low-dose pulse methotrexate may be seen.