The psychosocial needs of head and neck cancer patients: a multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer is among the most frequent pathologies and a major cause of death and disability. Scientific research and surgeons focus mainly on aspects relating to etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, but often neglect the psychological needs of patients and related social factors. The aim of this study is to investigate the psychological and social needs of patients affected by head and neck cancer to improve patient management and achieve more empathetic care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Need Evaluation Questionnaire (NEQ) was administered to adult patients who had to undergo surgery in 4 Italian tertiary head and neck cancer centers the day before the operation. RESULTS: 188 patients affected by stage I-IV head and neck tumors were enrolled. The main needs expressed by patients fall under the categories of either "information and dialogue", (64.3% more information about future conditions, 50% more information about treatments, 45% more information about the diagnosis, 44% more reassurance) or "spiritual support" (50% need to talk to someone who had the same experience as them). CONCLUSIONS: Common methods of explaining diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis have proven unsatisfactory to patients and most also require more psychosocial support. This highlights the need to implement interventions and activities that are increasingly geared toward supporting the psychological and relational aspects of the care journey.

Analysis of local, regional, and distant recurrence of disease in mucoepidermoid tumors of larynx: A systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review is to analyze epidemiology, clinical presentation, histopathological features, treatment and oncological outcomes in laryngeal mucoepidermoid cancer (MEC) in order to improve the knowledge on the management of such a rare malignant neoplasm. Specifically, authors highlight patients' and tumors' features about local, regional, and distant recurrence of disease. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were applied in this systematic literature review. A computerized search was performed using the Embase/Pubmed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, for articles published from 1971 to December 2023. A descriptive and univariate analysis including selected papers with low or intermediate risk of bias was performed. Twenty-seven papers (11 case series and 16 case reports) were included in this review. Fifty-six patients were included in the analyses, with a mean age of 56.7 years; 84% of them were males. Most patients (86%) underwent a primary surgical approach. Clinical stage was reported as follows: early stage (26 patients) and locally advance and advanced stage (19 patients). Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) at 2 years was 80% and 78%, respectively. The mean time to local recurrence was 18.7 months (range 8-36 months). The survival after recurrence is about 85% and 70% at 5 years, respectively. The mean time of lymph node recurrence was 14.7 months (range 7-19 months). Finally, the mean time of distant recurrence was 15 months (range 7-36 months) with a poor prognosis: all patients died due to the disease in a range of 0-7 months after metastasis evidence. Laryngeal MEC is a rare neoplasm of minor salivary glands in the larynx. No guidelines or indications about the management of this neoplasm are reported in the literature. The lower incidence of regional recurrence of the disease and the better OS and DFS underline how the prognosis of MEC is more favorable respect to other malignant histotypes.

Forensic value of soft tissue detachments from the hyoid bone in death due to strangulation asphyxia.

BACKGROUND: There are no unequivocal histopathological findings for the diagnosis of fatal asphyxia due to neck compression. From the observation of a series of asphyxiation cases, we noted, during microscopic analysis, a high frequency of "detachment" of soft tissues from the hyoid bone. This specifically refers to the presence of an optical space between the surface of the hyoid bone and soft tissues. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the detachment of soft tissues from the hyoid bone as specific histological evidence of death due to strangulation asphyxia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten blocks were taken from deaths due to external mechanical compression of the neck (strangulation asphyxia, group A), 22 blocks were taken from deaths for other causes without trauma to the neck (group B), and 38 blocks were obtained from living subjects that have undergone laryngectomies (group C). The presence/absence of detachments were compared between the 3 groups (A, B and C) using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The detachment of soft tissues from the hyoid bone was observed in 5 cases (50%) in group A, 6 cases (27.2%) in group B, and 17 cases (44.3%) in group C. The sensitivity and specificity of the presence of the detachment in group A were 0.5 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.38-0.62) and 0.57 (95% CI: 0.45-0.69), respectively. The comparison between the 3 groups and the presence/absence of soft tissue detachment showed no statistically significant differences between the groups (p = 0.329), clarifying that soft tissue detachment is a nonspecific variable for all 3 situations. CONCLUSIONS: Detachment of soft tissues has poor value as a single element to favor the diagnosis of asphyxia due to violent compression of the neck and should be interpreted as an artifactual finding, unrelated to the neck injury or injury vitality.

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.

Efficacy of Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor on chronic rhinosinusitis in cystic fibrosis.

PURPOSE: Our work aims to add evidence on the effectiveness of Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor on chronic rhinosinusitis in cystic fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study at the Cystic Fibrosis Center of a tertiary care hospital to investigate the effect of Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor on chronic rhinosinusitis in cystic fibrosis patients, aged 12 or older. The study's endpoints were the change in the occurrence of acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis, and the variation of the endoscopic and radiologic findings scored using the Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scale, Lund-Mackay, and modified Lund-Mackay radiologic scales, in patients who underwent both pre-treatment and post-treatment examinations. RESULTS: The study population comprised 136 patients, of which 28 underwent both pre-treatment and post-treatment nasal endoscopy and 15 had pre- and post-treatment CT scans. Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor provided a significant improvement in chronic rhinosinusitis. The mean number of acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis per year in the pre-treatment time was 0.55 versus 0.35 during the treatment (p < 0.0021). The Lund-Kennedy scale had a pre-treatment average score of 4.21 points versus 1.5 points after the start of Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor (p < 0.0001). The average Lund-Mackay and modified Lund-Mackay scores in the pre-treatment time were respectively 14.6 and 16.45 points; and after the start of the therapy, they became 5.87 and 6.73 (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor was associated with fewer acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis, and a significant improvement of chronic rhinosinusitis evaluated endoscopically and radiologically. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the change in the occurrence of acute exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis in patients affected by cystic fibrosis in therapy with Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor.

[An atypical medial canthal mass: a case of lacrimal sac inverted papilloma with literature review]. / Atypische Schwellung des medialen Augenwinkels: Fallbericht von einem invertierten Papillom des Tränenapparats und Literaturrecherche.

BACKGROUND: Lacrimal sac localization of an Inverted Papilloma is extremely rare and no risk factors are reported in literature. HISTORY: A chemical trauma was followed by a painless, growing mass in the medial canthal area associated with epiphora. FINDINGS: Rhinoendoscopy, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance showed a well-defined mass in left lacrimal fossa extended to the nasolacrimal duct. TREATMENT: An endoscopic resection and a dacryocystorhinostomy were performed. CONCLUSION: The aim of the present study is to show an atypical presentation of a well-known tumor along with a suspicious risk factor and to lead otolaryngologists to consider an inverted papilloma of the lacrimal system among lesions causing lateral nasal swelling.

Management of nasal vestibule carcinomas: recommendations by the Oncological Committee of the Italian Society of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.

Objective: Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule (NV SCC) is a head and neck malignancy for which there is no established consensus on most aspects of clinical management. The purpose of this document is to give updated recommendations that incorporate recent evidence on its clinical characteristics and the high efficacy of brachytherapy as primary treatment modality. Methods: A working group consisting of the members of the Scientific Committee for Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery of the Italian Society of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and radiation oncologists expert in brachytherapy was formed to achieve a consensus. Results: Consensus was reached on a set of recommendations, proposing a refined anatomical definition of the nasal vestibule, a novel T staging system of the NV SCC, and brachytherapy as standard of care, with a new method for catheter implantation. Conclusions: The Committee emphasises the critical role of an accurate classification in clinical practice and encourages further research to validate the novel staging system and further improve treatment strategies. Where appropriate, it is recommended that patients be referred to centres with specific experience in brachytherapy for NV SCC.

Blood Markers Predicting Clinically Occult Lymph Node Metastasis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of cervical lymph node metastases is an unfavorable prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and a potential cause of treatment failure. Occult lymph node metastasis occurs in approximately 15-20% of HNSCC patients with a clinically negative neck (cN0), greatly impacting on their prognosis. The present study aimed to investigate the role of pre-treatment peripheral blood markers in predicting clinically occult cervical lymph node metastasis. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective study was performed in a cohort of 472 patients diagnosed with cN0 HNSCC who underwent up-front surgery. Baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), systemic inflammatory marker (SIM), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were calculated from available blood parameters. RESULTS: Oro-hypopharyngeal and oral cancers, locally advanced stage, moderately (G2), and poorly (G3) differentiated grade were associated with an increased risk of pathological lymph node involvement. NLR, LMR, PLR, SIM, and SII were significantly associated at multivariable analysis. NLR >2.12 was the most reliable at predicting occult lymph node metastasis (OR = 5.22; 95% CI: 2.14-12.75). We describe a predictive score integrating cancer site, local stage, and NLR which is effective at predicting positive lymph node pathological status. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides evidence that pre-treatment peripheral blood markers, in particular NLR, represent reliable predictors of clinically occult cervical lymph node metastasis in cN0 HNSCC. Therefore, the present study provides a novel useful predictive score for directing the elective management of the neck in patients with cN0 HNSCC.

SCIP flap in head and neck reconstruction after oncologic ablative surgery: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In the surgical treatment of head and neck locally advanced malignancies, microvascular free flaps represent the most valuable solution to reconstruct the tissue defect after resection of the primary neoplasm. In particular, microvascular free flaps allow to restore the functional and aesthetical features of the head and neck compartments. The superficial circumflex iliac perforator (SCIP) flap represents, as an evolution of the groin flap, a valid alternative to the radial fasciocutaneous free (RFFF) flap or the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. METHODS: This systematic review adhered to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2009 guidelines. A computerized MEDLINE search was performed using the PubMed service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine ( www.pubmed.org ) and Scopus database ( www.scopus.com ). Two authors screened the articles, then selected and extracted data on malignancies characteristics, reconstructive techniques, outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 25 articles were selected and reviewed among the 39 identified through the search string. Six out of the selected 25 articles were case reports, while the remaining 19 articles were retrospective case series. The whole study population was represented by 174 oncologic patients undergoing ablation of a head and neck tumor and reconstruction with a SCIP flap. The site of reconstruction was the oral cavity in 125 (71.0%) patients, being the tongue the most common subsite in 73 (41.5%) patients, the pharynx in 10 (5.7%) cases, the larynx in 3 (1.7%) and head and neck skin in 36 (20.4%) patients. Only two cases of total flap loss were reported. Partial flap loss or shrinkage requiring minor surgical revisions was observed in 11 patients (6.32%). Primary closure of the donor site was achieved in the whole study population, according to the available data. CONCLUSIONS: In head and neck postoncological reconstruction, despite the caliber and the length of the pedicle, SCIP flap offers a pliable and thin skin paddle, allowing single-stage resurfacing, medium to large skin paddle, possibility of composite-fashion harvest and a well-concealed donor site.

Post-Covid-19 Airway Stenosis: Tracheal Resection-Anastomosis Using The Tritube® Ventilation.

We present a video of a tracheal resection and anastomosis performed on a patient affected by A-shaped tracheal stenosis. The condition was a consequence of a percutaneous tracheostomy following a Sars-Cov2 infection. Airways management during the surgery was obtained with the Tritube®, an innovative device with a very small lumen that combines stable lung parameters and good visualization of surgical field. Laryngoscope, 134:897-900, 2024.

Step-By-Step Surgery for Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) of the Cervical Spine.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a disease that can lead to relevant ENT symptoms such as dysphagia or dyspnea. Surgical treatment for this disease offers good results and outcomes, allowing patients to restore fundamental functions such as swallowing or phonation. Laryngoscope, 2023.

From Hype To Reality: A Narrative Review on the Promising Role of Artificial Intelligence in Larynx Cancer Detection and Transoral Microsurgery.

Early larynx cancer detection plays a crucial role in improving treatment outcomes and recent studies have shown promising results in using artificial intelligence for larynx cancer detection. Artificial intelligence also has the potential to enhance transoral larynx microsurgery. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence regarding its use in larynx cancer detection and potential applications in transoral larynx microsurgery. The utilization of artificial intelligence in larynx cancer detection with white light endoscopy and narrow-band imaging helps improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. It can also potentially enhance transoral larynx microsurgery by aiding surgeons in real-time decision-making and minimizing the risk of complications. However, further prospective studies are warranted to validate the findings, and additional research is necessary to optimize the integration of artificial intelligence in our clinical practice.

Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence: Revolutionizing Free Flaps Monitoring in Head and Neck Tumor Treatment.

Treating head and neck tumors has undergone significant advancements, focusing on improving the patient's quality of life after treatment. Reconstructive surgical techniques with free flaps have been vital in restoring anatomy, function, and aesthetics, reducing morbidity from locoregional treatments. Monitoring free flaps is crucial to detect and address any vascular compromise that may lead to flap failure. Various monitoring techniques have been employed in free flap monitoring. However, standardizing them presents a challenge due to the need for more consensus among surgeons and variability in techniques, costs, and training requirements. Artificial intelligence (AI) shows promise in standardizing monitoring practices and reducing the operator-dependent variability. AI techniques have been explored to improve monitoring and early detection of complications in free flap surgeries, and they have shown high accuracy in analyzing images and predicting flap outcomes. Despite the potential benefits, implementing AI in free flap monitoring remains challenging. Standardization of input data, interpretation, cost, training, and accounting for patient and flap variability are crucial considerations. Further research, including multicenter studies, validation, and collaboration amongst clinicians, researchers, and AI experts is needed to overcome these challenges.

Vascularized fibular flap and custom-made synthesis in post-traumatic ulnar diaphyseal pseudarthrosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Although isolated fractures of the ulnar shaft are considered common and relatively benign injuries, numerous complications can arise especially in the context of suboptimal care pathways. For pediatric patients, however, there is no single indication of the surgical approach. In the context of the management of these complications, it is known that the vascularized fibular graft has numerous advantages and indications in the treatment of recurrent pseudarthrosis. However, in revision surgery the frequent occurrence of anatomical subversions requires the use of fixation means adapted to the individual patient. We present a clinical case of an adult patient suffering from post-traumatic ulnar pseudarthrosis treated with autologous vascularized fibula grafts and 3D-planned custom-made plate. CASE PRESENTATION: A 38-year-old Ivorian woman came to our attention with a painful nonunion of the ulnar shaft and significant dysmorphism of the left forearm, with shortening and flexion of the limb as an outcome of unspecified road trauma in childhood. No alterations of the nerve compartment were reported. As far as detectable, she had undergone autologous bone grafting and implantation of questionable synthetic means, without acute treatment. Since we evaluated the patient (2012), we have performed two debridement surgeries, associated with autologous avascular bone graft from the iliac crest and plate fixation (2012 and 2014). In both cases, rupture of the fixation media was observed. In 2021, the pseudarthrosis was treated with a vascularized fibular bone graft. The subverted radius and ulna anatomy and poor bone quality required patient-specific reconstruction of the pseudarthrosic ulna from a 3D scan and the production of custom-made plate and screws, supported by the creation of special guides for drilling and by optimizing the positioning of screws with preoperative digital models. In the postoperative period, regular follow-up visits with X-rays evaluations were performed at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. No inflammatory reactions or local rejection were found. The fibula graft healed at the proximal ulnar junction six months after the operation while it took eight months to heal at the distal junction. Functionally, we observed a pain reduction and a range-of-motion preservation. CONCLUSIONS: The multiple failures of diaphyseal reconstruction with avascular bone grafts have forced the indication to the vascularized fibular flap. This case is a unique experience but we believe that the association between vascularized bone graft and the potential for customization through 3D planning represents a valid surgical potentiality in complex cases of post-traumatic reconstruction.

Features Associated With High Risk of Recurrence in Saccular Laryngeal Cysts: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Synthesis.

INTRODUCTION: Saccular cysts are rare benign anomalies of the larynx (1.5% of laryngeal anomalies) determined by dilatation of the laryngeal saccule. They can be congenital or acquired. Clinical manifestation depends on the site of the cyst and the age of the patient. Children frequently have stridor and dyspnea, while adults usually complain of dysphonia.The therapeutic approach can be surgical or nonsurgical (needle aspiration or drainage).However, guidelines on the management of this disease are lacking in the literature.This systematic literature review was conducted through an interferential analysis with the aim of detecting the association between clinical, diagnostic, and operative factors and the recurrence of saccular cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic literature review was evolved following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 checklist statement Papers published up to August 2023 containing relevant clinical data were searched in Embase/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane database. Full texts lacking information on the patient's data, clinical, radiological, and/or histological diagnosis of saccular cysts of the larynx were excluded. Articles with follow-up inferior to 6 months and not reporting any treatment of the cyst were excluded, too. Data concerning signs and symptoms, cyst characteristics, and the type of treatment were described, and the risk of recurrence was studied in association with these features. A qualitative synthesis of the results was performed. RESULTS: Ninety-eight articles were screened. One hundred two patients were involved in the analysis. The articles with low or intermediate risk of bias were 22 (8 case reports and 14 case series) and they were included in the statistical analysis. Median age was 25 years (range 0-81). Saccular cysts were congenital (46/102, 45%) of cases acquired (56/102, 55%). Relying on the available data, all patients were symptomatic, with stridor as the main symptom (59%). Surgical approach was performed in 85% of cases, while drainage or needle aspiration of the cyst was the treatment of choice in the remaining 25% of cases. Twenty-four percent of patients had recurrence of the disease within 3 months. Median age at recurrence was 9 years. Cysts characteristics, preoperative management, and type of treatment were associated with an increased risk of disease recurrence (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Saccular cysts are rare congenital or acquired laryngeal diseases. Data regarding their management and factors associated with the risk of recurrence are still limited. Congenital cysts treated conservatively have a higher risk of recurrence than acquired cysts treated by open surgical techniques or by microlaryngoscopy. A better knowledge of factors associated with a higher risk of recurrence could help choose the best treatment.

Marginal versus Segmental Mandibulectomy in the Treatment of Oral Cavity Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Introduction Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) is the most common malignancy in the oral cavity. Two types of mandibular resections have been described: the segmental mandibulectomy and the marginal mandibulectomy. Both may have a different impact over the quality of life, oncological prognosis, and functional or aesthetic result. Objectives The aim of this study was to systematically explore the literature to determine the survival outcomes and disease control rates in patients who underwent segmental or marginal mandibulectomy for OCSCC with histological evidence of cortical and medullary bone invasion. Data Synthesis This review involved a systematic search of the electronic databases MEDLINE/PUBMED, Google Scholar, Ovid Medline, Embase, and Scopus including articles from 1985 to 2019. Fifteen articles were included for qualitative analysis and 11 articles were considered for meta-analysis calculations. All of them correspond to retrospective cohort studies. Conclusion This systematic review reveals the low-level evidence regarding the impact over local control or survival according to the type of mandibulectomy. Our results need to be considered with precaution according to the limited evidence available. We just found difference regarding the 5-year disease-free survival, and a tendency in favor of segmental mandibulectomy was confirmed when medullary invasion was evident.

Pediatric Sinogenic Subdural Empyema: Case Report and Operative Technique.

Intracranial complications of sinusitis in the pediatric age are rare but potentially life threatening. They usually occur with nonspecific symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea and vomiting rather than a classic neurological presentation, but they may evolve in few hours, leading to significant morbidity with permanent brain damage and sometimes to death. For this reason, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential. Our case demonstrates a sinogenic subdural empyema in an immunocompetent young boy who reached our Emergency Department due to a continuous right-sided headache, unresponsive to pain relievers. The clinical history and the diagnostic process are described: at first, laboratory exams, neurologic and otolaryngological assessment were performed, together with a cranial CT scan showing an inflammatory involvement of the right frontal, ethmoidal and maxillary sinuses. Intravenous antibiotic therapy was initiated. After a few hours the patient showed a sudden worsening of his clinical conditions: he was drowsy with left lower extremity hyposthenia and ipsilateral deep tendon reflexes absence. Considering the patient's aggravated clinical presentation an emergent MRI with contrast enhancement was conducted, showing left midline shift, a widening of the liquor space on the right frontal and parietal convexity and noticeable meningeal enhancement after contrast injection. After a Neurosurgical and ENT evaluation the patient was taken to the operating room for a combined craniotomy and trans-nasal endoscopic drainage of the empyema. We present the surgical procedure with a pictorial step-by-step description. After the surgical procedure the patient's condition gradually improved. He regained full neurological function, was accompanied by a rehabilitation team on recovering full force on the left extremities. At discharge the patient had no apparent neurological deficits. Subdural empyema is a rare but severe complication of pediatric sinusitis. Early diagnosis with combined medical and surgical therapies play a key role to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Personal experience with the remote check telehealth in cochlear implant users: from COVID-19 emergency to routine service.

PURPOSE: To critically illustrate the personal experience with using the "Remote Check" application which remotely monitors the hearing rehabilitation level of cochlear implant users at home and further allows clinicians to schedule in-clinic sessions according to the patients' needs. METHODS: 12-month prospective study. Eighty adult cochlear implant users (females n = 37, males n = 43; age range 20-77 years) with ≥ 36 months of cochlear implant experience and ≥ 12 months of stable auditory and speech recognition level volunteered for this 12-month long prospective study. For each patient, at the beginning of the study during the in-clinic session to assess the stable aided hearing thresholds and the cochlear implant integrity and patient's usage, the "Remote Check" assessment baseline values were obtained. "Remote Check" outcomes were collected at different times in the subsequent at-home sessions, to identify the patients that had to reach the Center. Chi-square test has been used for statistical analysis of the comparison of the "Remote Check" outcomes and in-clinic session results. RESULTS: "Remote Check" application outcomes demonstrated minimal or no differences between all sessions. The at-home Remote Check application reached the same clinical outcomes as the in-clinic sessions in 79 out 80 of participants (99%) with high statistical significance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: "Remote Check" application supported hearing monitoring in cochlear implant users that were not able to attend the in-clinic review during COVID-19 pandemic time. This study demonstrates that the application can be a useful routine tool also for clinical follow-up of cochlear implant users with stable aided hearing.

Impact of lymph node ratio and number of lymph node metastases on survival and recurrence in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to assess the impact of lymph node ratio (LNR) and number of positive lymph nodes (NPLN) on mortality and recurrence rates in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicenter international study involving 24 Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery divisions. Disease-specific survival (DSS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were evaluated as the main outcomes. The curves for DSS and DFS according to NPLN and LNR were analyzed to identify significant variations and establish specific cut-off values. RESULTS: 2507 patients met the inclusion criteria. DSS and DFS were significantly different in the groups of patients stratified according to LNR and NPLN. The 5-year DSS and DFS based on LNR and NPLN demonstrated an improved ability to stratify patients when compared to pN staging. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate the potential prognostic value of NPLN and LNR in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

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.