Quality of Life after Mandibular Reconstruction Using Free Fibula Flap and Customized Plates: A Case Series and Comparison with the Literature.

A single-center retrospective study was conducted to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in 23 consecutive patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction using the computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology, free fibula flap, and titanium patient-specific implants (PSIs). HRQoL was evaluated after at least 12 months of surgery using the University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) questionnaire for head and neck cancer patients. In the 12 single question domains, the highest mean scores were found for "taste" (92.9), "shoulder" (90.9), "anxiety" (87.5), and "pain" (86.4), whereas the lowest scores were observed for "chewing" (57.1), "appearance" (67.9), and "saliva" (78.1). In the three global questions of the UW-QOL questionnaire, 80% of patients considered that their HRQoL was as good as or even better than it was compared to their HRQoL before cancer, and only 20% reported that their HRQoL had worsened after the presence of the disease. Overall QoL during the past 7 days was rated as good, very good or outstanding by 81% of patients, respectively. No patient reported poor or very poor QoL. In the present study, restoring mandibular continuity with free fibula flap and patient-specific titanium implants designed with the CAD-CAM technology improved HRQoL.

Outcomes Following Autologous Fat Grafting in Patients with Sequelae of Head and Neck Cancer Treatment.

A single-center retrospective study was designed to assess the outcomes of autologous fat grafting for improving surgery- and radiotherapy-related sequelae in 40 patients with head and neck cancer. All patients underwent surgical resection of primary tumors and radiotherapy (50-70 Gy) and were followed over 12 months after fat grafting. Eligibility for fat grafting procedures included complete remission after at least 3 years of oncological treatment. The cervical and paramandibular regions were the most frequently treated areas. Injected fat volumes ranged between 7.5 and 120 mL (mean: 23 mL). Esthetic improvement was obtained in 77.5% of patients, being significant in 17.5%, and functional improvement in 89.2%, being significant in 29.7% of patients. Minor complications occurred in three patients. There was a high degree of satisfaction regarding esthetic improvement, global satisfaction, and 92.5% of patients would recommend the procedure. This study confirms the benefits of fat grafting as a volumetric correction reconstructive strategy with successful cosmetic and functional outcomes in patients suffering from sequelae after head and neck cancer treatment.

Occult metastases of oral maxillary squamous cell carcinoma: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity. The performance of END (elective neck dissection) in cases of maxillary SCC is controversial because the literature traditionally classified maxillary tumors as having low metastatic potential. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the percentage of occult cervical metastases in maxillary SCC to identify in which cases there is the need to perform an END. We searched the PubMed database to select articles dated from 2000 to 2020 that fulfilled our inclusion criteria; finally, we reviewed 27 manuscripts. We show that the overall cervical and occult metastases rate was 35% and 19%, respectively. For T1, the percentage of occult metastasis rate was 11%; for T2, it was 16%; for T3, it was 20%; and for T4, it was 32%. We suggest END (levels I-II-III) as treatment to T3/T4 cN0 patients.

Personalized Surgery Service in a Tertiary Hospital: A Method to Increase Effectiveness, Precision, Safety and Quality in Maxillofacial Surgery Using Custom-Made 3D Prostheses and Implants.

Personalized surgery (PS) involves virtual planning (VP) and the use of 3D printing technology to design and manufacture custom-made elements to be used during surgery. The widespread use of PS has fostered a paradigm shift in the surgical process. A recent analysis performed in our hospital-along with several studies published in the literature-showed that the extensive use of PS does not preclude the lack of standardization in the process. This means that despite the widely accepted use of this technology, standard individual roles and responsibilities have not been properly defined, and this could hinder the logistics and cost savings in the PS process. The aim of our study was to describe the method followed and the outcomes obtained for the creation of a PS service for the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit that resolves the current absence of internal structure, allows for the integration of all professionals involved and improves the efficiency and quality of the PS process. We performed a literature search on the implementation of PS techniques in tertiary hospitals and observed a lack of studies on the creation of PS units or services in such hospitals. Therefore, we believe that our work is innovative and has the potential to contribute to the implementation of PS units in other hospitals.

Overview of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: From Risk Factors to Specific Therapies.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a very aggressive cancer, representing one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) regroup a variegate set of different histological lesions, characterized by the potential capacity to transform in OSCC. Most of the risk factors associated with OSCC are present also in OPMDs' development; however, the molecular mechanisms and steps of malignant transformation are still unknown. Treatment of OSCC, including surgery, systemic therapy and radiotherapy (alone or in combination), has suffered a dramatic change in last years, especially with the introduction of immunotherapy. However, most cases are diagnosed during the advanced stage of the disease, decreasing drastically the survival rate of the patients. Hence, early diagnosis of premalignant conditions (OPMDs) is a priority in oral cancer, as well as a massive education about risk factors, the understanding of mechanisms involved in malignant progression and the development of specific and more efficient therapies. The aim of this article is to review epidemiological, clinical, morphological and molecular features of OPMDs, with the purpose to lay the foundation for an exhaustive comprehension of these lesions and their ability of malignant transformation and for the development of more effective and personalized treatments.

Manejo de la vía aérea en oncología de cabeza y cuello / Airway management in head and neck oncology

Introducción. El manejo de la vía aérea en cirugía de cabeza y cuello presenta varios retos tanto para el cirujano como para el anestesista. El empleo de la traqueostomía electiva es ampliamente usado pero continúan existiendo algunas controversias en la literatura al respecto. Material y métodos. Se ha realizado un estudio prospectivo analizando aspectos clínicos, indicaciones y complicaciones en 57 pacientes afectados de enfermedad oncológica de cabeza y cuello que requirieron la realización de una traqueostomía durante el período comprendido entre enero de 2011 y junio de 2012 en el servicio de cirugía oral y maxilofacial del Hospital Universitario Vall d́Hebron de Barcelona. Resultados. El grupo de pacientes que recibieron una reconstrucción microquirúgica fue el mayoritario que requirió una traqueostomía (40,35%). La tasa de complicaciones asociada con la técnica fue del 22,8%, de las cuales el 7% fueron consideradas mayores y 5,8% menores. La tasa de complicaciones asociadas con los cuidados de la cánula fue del 15,8%. Conclusiones. La traqueostomía es un método simple y efectivo para el manejo de la vía aérea difícil en pacientes oncológicos de cabeza y cuello asociada a una baja tasa de complicaciones (AU)

Background. Airway management in head and neck surgery presents several challenges to the surgeon and the anaesthesist. The use of elective tracheostomy is widely used, but there is still some controversy in the literature. Methods. A prospective study analyzing clinical aspects, indications and complications of 57 head and neck patients who underwent tracheostomy was performed from January 2011 to June 2012 in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Vall D́Hebron Hospital, Barcelona, Spain. Results. Microvascular reconstruction patients were the most frequent group in which tracheostomy was performed (40.35%). The complications rate associated with the technique was of 22.8%, of which only 7% were considered major, and 5.8% minor. The complication rate in relation to cannula care was 15.8%. Conclusions. We conclude that tracheostomy is a simple and effective method for airway management in head and neck patients, with a low complication rate (AU)

Locally destructive mandibular pseudotumor as a manifestation of immunoglobulin G4-related disease.

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease is a recently identified entity. The cervicofacial location is not frequent. We report the case of a patient with an inflammatory pseudotumor in the mandible, who had to undergo surgery for diagnosis. We review the clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, and treatment proposed by recent publications in the literature. This case report represents the first case located in the mandible and the second one with bone destruction.

Metástasis parotídea de un carcinoma renal: A propósito de un caso / Parotid metastasis of renal carcinoma: a case report

En la literatura indexada, solo se han descrito 29 pacientes desde 1986. La aparición de metástasis de un carcinoma renal a nivel parotídeo es un fenómeno poco frecuente. Presentamos un paciente de 61 años, que tras cinco años de la realización de una nefrectomía unilateral por un carcinoma renal de células claras, desarrolló una metástasis de localización parotídea(AU)

Metastastic spread of renal cell carcinoma to the parotid gland is rare. In the indexed literature, with only 29 patients recorded since 1986. The case of a 61-year-old patient who developed parotid metastasis of renal cell carcinoma five years after unilateral nephrectomy is reported(AU)

Sarcomas mandibulares: experiencia quirúrgica en los últimos 10 años / Mandibular sarcomas: surgical experience over the past 10 years

Introducción: Los sarcomas mandibulares representan una entidad de difícil estudio por su escasa incidencia e histopatología. Pacientes y métodos: Presentamos la experiencia del servicio de Cirugía Oral y Maxilofacial del Hospital Vall d’Hebron de Barcelona en los últimos 10 años (2001-2010) en el manejo de los sarcomas mandibulares, realizando una revisión retrospectiva de 12 casos de pacientes afectos por este tipo de tumor. Resultados: La técnica más utilizada para la reconstrucción fue el colgajo microvascularizado (hueso peroné: 8/12), recibiendo tratamiento adyuvante (quimioterapia y/o radioterapia) el 82% de los pacientes. Cinco pacientes fallecieron (42%), 2 se encuentran con progresión de la enfermedad (16%) y 5 sobreviven libres de enfermedad (42%) hasta la finalización del seguimiento. Conclusiones: Los casos descritos representan una serie singular debido a la localización mandibular, no antes publicadas en la literatura. Aún así, los resultados obtenidos en términos de supervivencia y factores pronóstico son similares a los descritos para los sarcomas de cabeza y cuello. La consecución de márgenes libres con la cirugía es la clave del tratamiento, siendo necesario el tratamiento complementario para mejorar el pronóstico(AU)

Introduction: Sarcomas located in the mandible are difficult to study due to their relatively rare appearance and histology. Patients and Methods: We present the experience of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the Vall d’Hebron Hospital in Barcelona over the last 10 years (2001-2010) in the management of jaw sarcomas, performing a retrospective review of 12 cases of patients affected by this type of tumour. Results: The technique mostly used for the reconstruction was the microvascularised bone graft (fibula: 8/12), with 82% of the patients receiving adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy and radiotherapy). Five of the patients died (42%), twowere found with disease progression (16%), and 5 survived free of disease (42%) until the end of follow-up. Conclusions: The cases described are a unique series due to the mandibular location. Prognostic factors and survival rates are similar to those described for head and neck sarcomas. Free margin during surgery must be the goal of treatment, additional chemotherapy or radiotherapy or both being required to improve the survival rates(AU)

Lipoma cervical gigante: a propósito de un caso / Giant cervical lipoma: a case report

Los lipomas son los tumores mesenquimales más frecuentes. La aparición de lipomas gigantes a nivel cervical es infrecuente. Es necesaria la realización de pruebas de imagen para una correcta localización anatómica y establecer relaciones con las estructuras vecinas. El tratamiento de elección es la escisión quirúrgica de la masa. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 59 años que presenta una tumoración gigante cervical de 10 años de evolución. La planificación prequirúrgica en este tipo de casos debe ser exquisita para garantizar la conservación tanto de la función como de la estética cervicofacial(AU)

Lipomas are the most common mesenchymal tumors, although giant lipomas of the neck region are uncommon. Imaging is needed to correctly identify the anatomic location of the tumor and its relation to surrounding structures. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. The case of a 59-year-old man with a giant neck tumor of 10 years evolution is reviewed. Meticulous preoperative planning is required in these cases to ensure a cosmetically and functionally acceptable cervicofacial outcome(AU)

Mandibular ameloblastoma. Reconstruction with iliac crest graft and implants.

The ameloblastoma is a bening odontogenic tumor. The treatment planning in young persons is still not clear. We describe a case report of a young boy who was treated in our unit and we review the different approaches for this type of lesions, which nowadays still not clear in this patients.

Mandibular ameloblastoma. Reconstruction with iliac crest graft and implants

El ameloblastoma es un tumor odontogénico benigno.El plan de tratamiento en pacientes jovenes sigue siendo controvertido. Describimos un caso clinico de un varón joven tratado en nuestro servicio y revisamos los diferentes enfoques de este tipo de lesiones, que a dia de hoy sigue sin estar claramente definido

The ameloblastoma is a bening odontogenic tumor. The treatment planning in young persons is still not clear. We describe a case report of a young boy who was treated in our unit and we review the different aproaches for this type of lesions, which nowadays still not clear in this patients