Executive Summary of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology, Reanimation and Pain Therapy (SEDAR) Spanish Society of Emergency and Emergency Medicine (SEMES) and Spanish Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC) Guideline for difficult airway management.

The Airway section of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology, Reanimation and Pain Therapy (SEDAR), Spanish Society of Emergency and Emergency Medicine (SEMES) and Spanish Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC) present the Guidelines for the integral management of difficult airway in adult patients. This document provides recommendations based on current scientific evidence, theoretical-educational tools and implementation tools, mainly cognitive aids, applicable to the treatment of the airway in the field of anesthesiology, critical care, emergencies and prehospital medicine. Its principles are focused on the human factors, cognitive processes for decision-making in critical situations and optimization in the progression of the application of strategies to preserve adequate alveolar oxygenation in order to improve safety and quality of care.

Facial nerve palsy following parotid gland surgery: A machine learning prediction outcome approach.

Introduction: Machine learning (ML)-based facial nerve injury (FNI) forecasting grounded on multicentric data has not been released up to now. Three distinct ML models, random forest (RF), K-nearest neighbor, and artificial neural network (ANN), for the prediction of FNI were evaluated in this mode. Methods: A retrospective, longitudinal, multicentric study was performed, including patients who went through parotid gland surgery for benign tumors at three different university hospitals. Results: Seven hundred and thirty-six patients were included. The most compelling aspects related to risk escalation of FNI were as follows: (1) location, in the mid-portion of the gland, near to or above the main trunk of the facial nerve and at the top part, over the frontal or the orbital branch of the facial nerve; (2) tumor volume in the anteroposterior axis; (3) the necessity to simultaneously dissect more than one level; and (4) the requirement of an extended resection compared to a lesser extended resection. By contrast, in accordance with the ML analysis, the size of the tumor (>3 cm), as well as gender and age did not result in a determining favor in relation to the risk of FNI. Discussion: The findings of this research conclude that ML models such as RF and ANN may serve evidence-based predictions from multicentric data regarding the risk of FNI. Conclusion: Along with the advent of ML technology, an improvement of the information regarding the potential risks of FNI associated with patients before each procedure may be achieved with the implementation of clinical, radiological, histological, and/or cytological data.

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.

Cirugía endoscópica transoral ultrasónica (TOUSS) en el diagnóstico del carcinoma de primario desconocido en cabeza y cuello / Transoral endoscopic ultrasonic surgery (TOUSS) in head and neck unknown primary carcinoma investigation

El carcinoma metastásico cervical de primario de origen desconocido (CPD) a las cadenas ganglionares linfáticas cervicales representa menos del 5% de todas las neoplasias malignas de cabeza y cuello. Publicaciones recientes avalan el uso de la cirugía transoral durante el proceso diagnóstico, a su vez la cirugía ultrasónica endoscópica transoral representa una alternativa técnica recientemente descrita. Se realizó un estudio piloto para evaluar la viabilidad de la mucosectomía transoral ultrasónica de la base de lengua (BDL) y la amigdalectomía bilateral en el diagnóstico de CPD. Se incluyeron 10 pacientes de forma consecutiva. En 2 casos (20%) se encontró el primario, uno en amígdala palatina derecha y otro en la BDL izquierda. De acuerdo con nuestros resultados, la cirugía ultrasónica transoral representa una técnica útil al momento de realizar una mucosectomía de la BDL, así como la amigdalectomía bilateral durante el proceso diagnóstico en pacientes con CPD. (AU)

Metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) to cervical lymph nodes represents less than 5% of all head and neck malignancies. Recent publications support the use of transoral surgery during the diagnosis work-up, and transoral endoscopic ultrasonic surgery represents a recently described alternative technique in transoral surgery. A pilot study to assess the feasibility of trans-oral ultrasonic base of tongue (BOT) mucosectomy and bilateral tonsillectomy approach in CUP diagnosis work-up was conducted. Ten patients were included consecutively. In two cases (20%) the primary was found, in one case in the right tonsil, and another one in the left BOT. According to our results, the use of trans-oral ultrasonic surgery to perform the base of tongue mucosectomy and bilateral tonsillectomy in CUP patient's during the diagnosis work-up represents an effective option in patients with good anatomical exposure. (AU)

Transoral endoscopic ultrasonic surgery (TOUSS) in head & neck unknown primary carcinoma investigation.

Metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) to cervical lymph nodes represents less than 5% of all head and neck malignancies. Recent publications support the use of transoral surgery during the diagnosis work-up, and transoral endoscopic ultrasonic surgery represent a recently described alternative technique in transoral surgery. A pilot study to assess the feasibility of trans-oral ultrasonic base of tongue (BOT) mucosectomy and bilateral tonsillectomy approach in CUP diagnosis work-up was conducted. Ten patients were included consecutively. In 2 cases (20%) the primary was found, in one case in the right tonsil, and another one in the left BOT. According to our results, the use of trans-oral ultrasonic surgery to perform the base of tongue mucosectomy and bilateral tonsillectomy in CUP patient's during the diagnosis work-up represents an effective option in patients with good anatomical exposure.

Lymph node metastasis in level IIb in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a multicentric, longitudinal, retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, 70% of patients in Europe and the USA are affected by a p16 + , potentially HPV driven oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. However, despite the improved survival rate in this group, the quality-of-life remains low in cases which neck dissection took place. In this vein, in recent years, some surgeons have considered to avoid dissection of level IIB, proposing a supra-selective non-IIb neck dissection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, longitudinal, multicentric study was conducted, including patients with pathologically confirmed primary HPV + or HPV - OPSCC who went through surgical treatment for the primary lesion and neck dissection. RESULTS: 141 patients were included. Among them, 99 (70.2%) were male and 42 (29.8%) were female. The mean age was 62 ± 9 years (range 36-81). The most frequent anatomical location was the tonsil in 63 (44.7%) of patients. The most common approach was the classic transoral oropharyngectomy in 51 (36.2%) patients. Immunohistochemistry for p16 was positive in 62 (44%) patients. One-hundred and five (74.5%) patients received a unilateral ND, and a 36 (25.5%) a bilateral ND. Of those, a 12.8% (18/141) of patients were level IIb LN + . According to our results, level IIb ND should be considered in patients underwent therapeutic ND with positive LN metastasis in level IIa (OR = 9.83; 95% CI 3.463-27.917) or III (OR = 6.25; 95% CI 2.158-18.143), advanced (T3/T4) oropharyngeal primary tumors (OR = 3.38; 95% CI 1.366-8.405), and patients with ENE (OR = 6.56; 95% CI 2.182-19.770), regardless of p16 status. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, level IIb ND should be considered in patients who underwent therapeutic ND with positive LN metastasis in level IIa or III, advanced oropharyngeal primary tumors, and patients with ENE, independently of p16 status. Prospective data are necessary to definitively ensure the safety of omitting ipsilateral or contralateral level IIb ND in cN - patients with early stage disease.

A Novel Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) 3D Printing Method for Nasal Framework Reconstruction Using Microvascular Free Flaps.

The need for a total or subtotal nose resection represents a dramatic situation for any patient and a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Because even in the most skillful hands, an optimal result may be difficult to achieve. In this way, sometimes a free flap reconstruction is needed. A subtotal nasal reconstruction is presented using a fasciocutaneous free flap supported by computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and novel 3D printed guide to recreate the nasal cartilage framework. A successfully free flap reconstruction of the nasal framework was achieved supported by the CAD/CAM 3D printed template. We present a novel approach for nasal total or subtotal reconstruction using a CAD/CAM 3D printed model to create the nasal framework, based on the anatomical and radiological evaluation of the patient.

Patterns of practice regarding surgical site infection prevention in head & neck surgery: An international survey.

INTRODUCTION: Head & neck surgery encompasses a variety of surgical approaches for benign and malignant conditions. Due to the complexity in treating patients with head and neck pathology, it is necessary to adhere to basic surgical principles to decrease complications. Among them, surgical site infection can be prevented using a surgery quality protocol including the correct use of antibiotics and optimization of nutritional status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was sent through the YO-IFOS and SEORL-CCC international mailing list. RESULTS: A total of 435 surgeons completed the survey. Of the respondents, 97.7% confirm that they scrub their hands before surgery, 40.9% respondents recommend nutritional support according to sign and symptoms, 60.9% use of antibiotic prophylaxis in clean surgery and just 9.2% use clindamycin in combination. CONCLUSION: This survey has broadened the scope regarding H&N surgical safety around the globe. Identifying innovative ways in which surgical care may be improved is mandatory.

Patterns of practice regarding surgical site infection prevention in head & neck surgery: An international survey

IntroductionHead & neck surgery encompasses a variety of surgical approaches for benign and malignant conditions. Due to the complexity in treating patients with head and neck pathology, it is necessary to adhere to basic surgical principles to decrease complications. Among them, surgical site infection can be prevented using a surgery quality protocol including the correct use of antibiotics and optimization of nutritional status.Materials and methodsA survey was sent through the YO-IFOS and SEORL-CCC international mailing list.ResultsA total of 435 surgeons completed the survey. Of the respondents, 97.7% confirm that they scrub their hands before surgery, 40.9% respondents recommend nutritional support according to sign and symptoms, 60.9% use of antibiotic prophylaxis in clean surgery and just 9.2% use clindamycin in combination.ConclusionThis survey has broadened the scope regarding H&N surgical safety around the globe. Identifying innovative ways in which surgical care may be improved is mandatory. (AU)

IntroducciónLa cirugía de cabeza y cuello abarca una variedad de técnicas quirúrgicas dirigidas al tratamiento de un grupo de enfermedades benignas y malignas. Debido a la complejidad en el tratamiento de este tipo de pacientes el uso de protocolos quirúrgicos va a permitir disminuir las diversas complicaciones, entre ellas la infección del sitio quirúrgico, que será posible prevenirla mediante la adopción de protocolos de control quirúrgico que incluya, por ejemplo, el uso correcto de antibióticos y la optimización del estado nutricional.Materiales y métodosPara este estudio se envió una encuesta a través de la lista de correo electrónico del grupo internacional YO-IFOS y de la SEORL-CCC.ResultadosUn total de 435 cirujanos completaron la encuesta. El 97,7% de los encuestados confirmó practicar el lavado de manos antes de la cirugía, el 40,9% refirió recomendar el apoyo nutricional en el periodo perioperatorio según los signos y síntomas del paciente, el 60,9% refirió utilizar profilaxis antibiótica en cirugía limpia y solo el 9,2% utilizar clindamicina en combinación.ConclusiónEsta encuesta intenta analizar el alcance de los protocolos de seguridad quirúrgica a nivel mundial, con la intención de identificar formas innovadoras de mejorar los resultados quirúrgicos en cirugía de cabeza y cuello. (AU)

Stapler-Assisted Pharyngeal Closure After Total Laryngectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) remains the most frequent complication following total laryngectomy (TL). Pharyngeal closure with a surgical stapler (SAPC) has been proposed as an effective closure technique that decreases the rate of PCF, reduces surgical time, decreases the length of hospital stay, and shortens the time required before safely initiating oral feeding. METHODS: This study involved a systematic review and meta-analysis of patients with laryngeal cancer who underwent TL and with subsequent stapler pharyngeal closure, in order to analyse the current literature regarding the role of SAPC after TL. RESULTS: The incidence of PCF in the stapler-assisted suture group (SASG) was 9.5% (95% CI 8.2-15.9%), with a mean absolute deviation of 1.12, while in the hand-suture group (HSG) group the incidence was 23.4% (95% CI 23-26.1%), with a mean absolute deviation of 5.71 (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: SAPC may decrease the risk of PCF in patients following TL. Based on the current data, SAPC appears to shorten the surgical time and the length of hospital stay. Nevertheless, prospective randomized trials are required to validate these findings.

Unplanned Hospital Readmission and Visit to the Emergency Room in the First Thirty Days after Head and Neck Surgery: A Prospective, Single-center Study

Abstract Introduction Head and neck surgery remains a complex field; the patients can suffer important functional or life-threating complications after treatment that need unplanned readmissions, increasing the cost related to the treatment. Objective To evaluate the incidence risk factors and causes associated with 30-day unplanned hospital readmission and visit to the emergency room (ER) after surgery for head and neck cancer. Methods Prospective, longitudinal, nonrandomized study. Results A total of 834 patients were included, 726 in the major surgery group and 108 in the minor surgery group. The 30-day readmission rate for all causes was of 7,9% for the patients treated by a major surgery and of 0% for the patients treated in the outpatient clinic for minor procedures, to a total readmission rate of 6,8%. The rate of visit to the emergency room for all causes in the first 30 days was of 14% for the patients treated by a major surgery and of 2,7% for the patients treated in the outpatient clinic. Conclusion Major surgery, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status and type of wound are conditions related to unplanned readmission or visit to the ER in the first 30 day after discharge. The most commonly associated causes are infections or wound complications. An evidence-based risk stratification of the patients can be important to improve decision-making and resource utilization. An educational strategy can provide possible ways to improve the rate of readmission and reduce the amount of money expended by healthcare systems.

Unplanned Hospital Readmission and Visit to the Emergency Room in the First Thirty Days after Head and Neck Surgery: A Prospective, Single-center Study.

Introduction Head and neck surgery remains a complex field; the patients can suffer important functional or life-threating complications after treatment that need unplanned readmissions, increasing the cost related to the treatment. Objective To evaluate the incidence risk factors and causes associated with 30-day unplanned hospital readmission and visit to the emergency room (ER) after surgery for head and neck cancer. Methods Prospective, longitudinal, nonrandomized study. Results A total of 834 patients were included, 726 in the major surgery group and 108 in the minor surgery group. The 30-day readmission rate for all causes was of 7,9% for the patients treated by a major surgery and of 0% for the patients treated in the outpatient clinic for minor procedures, to a total readmission rate of 6,8%. The rate of visit to the emergency room for all causes in the first 30 days was of 14% for the patients treated by a major surgery and of 2,7% for the patients treated in the outpatient clinic. Conclusion Major surgery, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status and type of wound are conditions related to unplanned readmission or visit to the ER in the first 30 day after discharge. The most commonly associated causes are infections or wound complications. An evidence-based risk stratification of the patients can be important to improve decision-making and resource utilization. An educational strategy can provide possible ways to improve the rate of readmission and reduce the amount of money expended by healthcare systems.

Machine Learning Algorithms as a Computer-Assisted Decision Tool for Oral Cancer Prognosis and Management Decisions: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Despite multiple prognostic indicators described for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), its management still continues to be a matter of debate. Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence that enables computers to learn from historical data, gather insights, and make predictions about new data using the model learned. Therefore, it can be a potential tool in the field of head and neck cancer. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review. RESULTS: A total of 81 manuscripts were revised, and 46 studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 38 were excluded for the following reasons: use of a classical statistical method (N = 16), nonspecific for OCSCC (N = 15), and not being related to OCSCC survival (N = 7). In total, 8 studies were included in the final analysis. CONCLUSIONS: ML has the potential to significantly advance research in the field of OCSCC. Advantages are related to the use and training of ML models because of their capability to continue training continuously when more data become available. Future ML research will allow us to improve and democratize the application of algorithms to improve the prediction of cancer prognosis and its management worldwide.

Complications after Functional Neck Dissection in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: An Observational, Retrospective, Single-Centre Study.

INTRODUCTION: Functional neck dissection (FND) represents a surgical procedure usually associated with less morbidity. METHODS: An observational, retrospective, analysis of patients diagnosed with any type of head and neck malignancy was designed to summarize and report the incidence of postoperative complications in patients undergoing FND including just those levels described for selective neck dissections in a tertiary university hospital between June 2016 and June 2019. RESULTS: 131 patients met the inclusion criteria. The total number of sides studied was 200. 40.5% of the patients suffer a complication in the postoperative period, being the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) injury the most common complication (10%). We did not find any statistical -correlation between the previous organ-preservation treatments and surgical complications (p = 0.207). An advanced T stage (p = 0.009) and the need of bilateral FND (p = 0.034) were significantly correlated with a higher risk of surgical complications. CONCLUSION: FND represents a useful technique. In this study, 40.5% of the patients suffer a complication in the postoperative period, being the SAN injury the most common complication. However, these data contribute to increasing our knowledge about surgical complications related to FND.

Monitorización intraoperatoria del nervio facial durante la cirugía de la glándula parótida en servicios de otorrinolaringología - cirugía de cabeza y cuello / Intraoperative monitoring of the facial nerve during parotid gland surgery in Otolaryngology services - Head and Neck Surgery

Introducción: La lesión del nervio facial continúa siendo la complicación más grave de la cirugía de la glándula parótida. Debido a la creciente evidencia sobre las ventajas del uso de la monitorización intraoperatoria del nervio facial, se distribuyó una encuesta entre los miembros de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello con el objetivo de determinar los patrones de uso en nuestro medio.Material y métodosSe distribuyó un cuestionario que incluía 12 preguntas separadas en 3 secciones en formato e-mail a través del correo oficial de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello. La primera sección de preguntas evaluaba las características demográficas, la segunda sección estaba relacionada con el patrón de uso de los sistemas de monitorización intraoperatoria del nervio facial y la tercera sección se refería a los litigios relacionados con la parálisis facial.ResultadosSe enviaron un total 1.544 cuestionarios anónimos. Recibimos un total de 255 encuestas, para una tasa de respuesta global del 16,5%. De estos, 233 (91,3%) realizaban cirugía de glándula parótida y 94% usaban monitorización intraoperatoria del nervio facial. Un 94% de los encuestado usaba la monitorización intraoperatoria del nervio facial si realizaba menos de 10 parotidectomías por año y un 93,8% si realizaban más de 10 parotidectomías por año (OR, 1,02; IC del 95%, 0,68-1,45; p=0,991).ConclusiónNuestros datos demuestran que la mayoría de los otorrinolaringólogos y cirujanos de cabeza y cuello en España están empleando la monitorización del nervio facial durante la cirugía de la glándula parótida. Casi todos coinciden en que esto busca mejorar las medidas de seguridad quirúrgica y consideran que la monitorización del nervio facial es útil para prevenir lesiones inadvertidas. (AU)

Introduction: Facial nerve injury remains the most severe complication of parotid gland surgery. Due to the increasing evidence about the advantage of the use of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring, a survey was distributed among members of the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery with the objective of determining patterns of its use.Material and methodsA questionnaire which included 12 separate questions in 3 sections was distributed via email through the official email of the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. The first section of questions was in relation to demographic characteristics, the second section was related to the pattern of monitoring use and the third section referred to litigation related to facial palsy.Results1544 anonymous questionnaires were emailed. 255 surveys were returned, giving an overall response rate of 16.5%. From these, 233 (91.3%) respondents perform parotid gland surgery. Two-hundred nineteen (94%) respondents use intraoperative facial nerve monitoring. Of the respondents,94% used intraoperative facial nerve monitoring if in their current practice they performed fewer than 10 parotidectomies per year and 93.8% if they performed more than 10 (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.68-1.45; p=.991). With regard to lawsuits, just 3 (1.2%) of the respondents had a history of a parotid gland surgery–associated lawsuit and in just one case the facial nerve monitor was not used.ConclusionOur data demonstrate that most otolaryngologists in Spain use intraoperative facial nerve monitoring during parotid gland surgery. Almost all of them use it to improve patient safety and consider that facial nerve monitoring should be helpful preventing inadvertent injury. (AU)

Pedicled Supraclavicular Artery Island Flap Versus Free Radial Forearm Flap: Perioperative Outcomes in Head and Neck Reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Radial forearm free flap (RFFF) and supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) are some of the most common fasciocutaneous flaps used for head and neck (H&N) reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of clinical data and outcomes of 31 consecutive patients who underwent H&N reconstruction using either SCAIF or RFFF over a three-year period, aiming to compare the surgical outcomes of the SCAIF and the RFFF in H&N reconstruction. RESULTS: Thirty-two flaps were performed in 31 patients (17 SCAIFs and 15 RFFFs). There was no difference in patient demographics between both groups. Hospital stay was longer in the SCAIF group (30.7 ± 18.2 days (min: 9/max: 60) versus 19.2 ± 15.8 days (min: 7/max: 72). Patients who underwent reconstruction with a SCAIF had shorter reconstructive procedure time; 74.4 min (min: 60/max: 93) versus 147.8 min (min: 140/max: 187). Overall morbidity was not significantly different (SCAIF 52.7% vs RFFF 39.9%, p = NS). Global flap survival was higher without statistical significance in the RFFF group (100%) versus the SCAIF group (70.7%). CONCLUSION: Despite the advantages related to the use of SCAIF like regarding the time spent in the reconstructive procedure. In our experience, the RFFF continues to be the most successful technique with similar perioperative outcomes and fewer complication rates. In this vein, both techniques can be reasonably used to reconstruct post-ablative H&N defects. However, in our experience, the use of SCAIF may lengthen hospital length of stay probably due to the augmented risk of flap failure.

Predictive factors for simultaneous distant metastasis in head and neck cancer patients during the diagnostic work-up.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of distant metastasis (DM) in patients affected by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is relatively low, and multiple risk factors were described for the development of distant metastasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with a HNSCC between July 2016 and July 2020 in a tertiary university hospital. RESULTS: Five-Hundred and sixty-nine patients meet inclusion criteria. In the univariate analysis we found a statistical correlation in those patients affected by a hypopharyngeal tumour (p = < 0.0001), patients older than 60 years old (p = 0.01), advanced T stage (p = < 0.0001), a proven positive lymph node (p = 0.02), poorly differentiated tumour (p = < 0.0001), patients with 3 or more positive lymph nodes (p = 0.0001), with ECS (p = 0.0001) and a second primary tumour (p = 0.03). However, according to those results from our multivariable analysis, the factor related to an increased or higher chance to detect a DM during the diagnosis work-up were the presence of a hypopharyngeal primary tumor with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.14, p = < 0.0001, advanced T stage (T3-T4) with a HR of 1.21, p = 0.001, poorly differentiated tumor with a HR of 1.04, p = < 0.0001, have proven positive lymph node with a HR of 1.03, p = 0.04, have more than three positive lymph node metastases with a HR of 1.25, p = 0.003, the presence of ECS with a HR of 1.40, p = 0.002, and have a second primary tumor with a HR of 1.05, p = 0.01. CONCLUSION: According to the present study, factors such as hypopharyngeal tumours, advanced T-stage, poor differentiation grade, have more than three positive lymph nodes, ECS and have a second primary tumour should be considered as high-risk indicators for screening. Based on these results, the authors recommend considered an extensive diagnostic work-up in all patients with a high risk of DM development.

Machine Learning Models for Predicting Facial Nerve Palsy in Parotid Gland Surgery for Benign Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing use of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring during parotid gland surgery (PGS) and the improvement in the preoperative radiological assessment, facial nerve injury (FNI) remains the most severe complication after PGS. Until now, no studies have been published regarding the application of machine learning (ML) for predicting FNI after PGS. We hypothesize that ML would improve the prediction of patients at risk. METHODS: Patients who underwent PGS for benign tumors between June 2010 and June 2019 were included. RESULTS: Regarding prediction accuracy and performance of each ML algorithm, the K-nearest neighbor and the random forest achieved the highest sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value F-score, receiver operating characteristic (ROC)-area under the ROC curve, and accuracy globally. The K-nearest neighbor algorithm achieved performance values above 0.9 for specificity, negative predictive value, F-score and ROC-area under the ROC curve, and the highest sensitivity and positive predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that ML prediction models can provide evidence-based predictions about the risk of FNI to otolaryngologists and patients. It is hoped that such algorithms, which use clinical, radiological, histological, and cytological information, can improve the information given to patients before surgery so that they can be better informed of any potential complications.