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.

Intraoperative Surgical Complications in Transoral Laser CO2 Microsurgery of the Larynx: An Observational, Prospective, Single-Center Study.

INTRODUCTION: Despite good outcomes of CO2 laser of the larynx, a lack of prospective data related to intraoperative complications in the indexed literature is evident. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, prospective, nonrandomized study. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria. The total rate of intraoperative complications was 14.8% (19/128). The rate of complications according to anatomical location was 7 (38.8%) of 18 for supraglottic tumors and 11 (10.3%) of 107 for glottic tumors, and 1 (33.3%) of 3 for subglottic tumors (P = .001). We do not found difference in complications according to severity (minor vs major complication). CONCLUSION: Previous studies reported good oncologic outcomes and low complication rates with CO2 transoral laser microsurgery (TOLMS) compared to traditional open surgery. However, it is important to consider the different intraoperative surgical, major and minor complications related to CO2 TOLMS and discuss this with our patients during the preoperative assessment, especially in those patients who need a supraglottic tumor resection.

Disección fría y coagulación bipolar versus disección con bisturí armónico en la cirugía de los tumores benignos de la glándula parótida / Cold knife dissection and bipolar diathermy Vs harmonic scalpel in parotid gland surgery for benign tumours

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las técnicas quirúrgicas para extirpación de tumores de la glándula parótida han evolucionado significativamente en los últimos años. Los datos publicados previamente sugieren que el uso del bisturí armónico disminuye el tiempo operatorio, la pérdida de sangre intraoperatoria, la producción del drenaje postoperatorio y la incidencia de lesión del nervio facial, en comparación con la disección con bisturí frío. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo en 2grupos de pacientes operados con bisturí armónico y disección en frío más coagulación bipolar. El objetivo principal fue comparar el tiempo quirúrgico y la tasa de complicaciones posquirúrgicas: lesión del nervio facial, aparición de sialocele o formación de fístula salival después de la parotidectomía por tumores benigno de la glándula parótida. RESULTADOS: Se incluyó a 108 pacientes. Con respecto al tiempo quirúrgico, el tiempo medio para usar el bisturí armónico fue de 114 ± 39 minutos (mín.: 60/máx.: 240) y el tiempo medio de uso de la diatermia bipolar fue de 135 ± 38 minutos (mín.: 90/máx.: 285) y este fue el único parámetro en el que evidenciamos una diferencia significativa entre ambas técnicas (p = 0,049). CONCLUSIONES: El bisturí armónico es una herramienta segura y eficaz para realizar la cirugía de la parótida en tumores benignos. Sin embargo, la disminución del tiempo quirúrgico fue la única ventaja que encontramos en comparación con el método tradicional de disección en frío y coagulación bipolar

INTRODUCTION: Surgical techniques for extirpation of tumours of the parotid gland have evolved significantly in recent years. Previous data suggest the use of Harmonic Scalpel reduced operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drain production, and incidence of facial nerve injury, in comparison to cold scalpel dissection MATERIAL AND METHODS: retrospective analysis of 2group of patients operated using harmonic scalpel versus cold knife dissection and bipolar diathermy and compare operative time and post-surgical complication rate:, facial nerve injury, sialocele or salivary fístula formation, after parotidectomy for benign parotid tumours. RESULTS: 108 patients were included. Regarding surgical time, the mean time to using Harmonic Scalpel was 114 ± 39 (Min: 60/Max: 240), and the mean time using bipolar diathermy was 135 ± 38 (Min: 90/Max: 285) and this was the only significant difference between the 2 techniques (p = .049). CONCLUSIONS: Harmonic scalpel is a safe and effective tool to perform parotid surgery in benign tumours. However, a shorter surgical time was the only advantage found over the traditional cold dissection and bipolar dissection method

Cold knife dissection and bipolar diathermy Vs harmonic scalpel in parotid gland surgery for benign tumours. / Disección fría y coagulación bipolar versus disección con bisturí armónico en la cirugía de los tumores benignos de la glándula parótida.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical techniques for extirpation of tumours of the parotid gland have evolved significantly in recent years. Previous data suggest the use of Harmonic Scalpel reduced operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drain production, and incidence of facial nerve injury, in comparison to cold scalpel dissection MATERIAL AND METHODS: retrospective analysis of 2group of patients operated using harmonic scalpel versus cold knife dissection and bipolar diathermy and compare operative time and post-surgical complication rate:, facial nerve injury, sialocele or salivary fístula formation, after parotidectomy for benign parotid tumours. RESULTS: 108 patients were included. Regarding surgical time, the mean time to using Harmonic Scalpel was 114±39 (Min: 60/Max: 240), and the mean time using bipolar diathermy was 135±38 (Min: 90/Max: 285) and this was the only significant difference between the 2techniques (p=.049). CONCLUSIONS: Harmonic scalpel is a safe and effective tool to perform parotid surgery in benign tumours. However, a shorter surgical time was the only advantage found over the traditional cold dissection and bipolar dissection method.

Neurological complications and quality of life after submandibular gland resection. A Prospective, non-randomized, single-centre study.

INTRODUCTION: There are different complications related to the submandibular gland resection, like damage to the mandibular branch of the facial nerve, lingual or hypoglossal nerve. Moreover, subjective complaints like dry mouth, altered sensation around the scar and taste alterations were described. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, non-randomized study was performed including 20 patients treated with submandibular gland resection. RESULTS: The most common etiology was sialolithiasis affecting 9 (45%) patients. One (5%) patient presented a lingual nerve paresis, 2 (10%) patients presented a transient marginal mandibular branch paresis and no hypoglossal nerve alteration was observed. Factors like the size of the lithiasis (P = 0.293), size of the tumor (P = 0.445) or type of pathology (P = 0.694) were not related with neurological complications. Altered sensation in the skin around a scar was the most severely weighted problem (55% and 33.3%), and xerostomia was the second one (33% and 27.3%) at one month and at six months after surgery, respectively. CONCLUSION: The submandibular gland resection remains to be a safe technique with a low rate of surgical and neurological complications. However, patients should be informed about sequelae like xerostomia, altered sensation in the skin or pain around the scar, which may be discomforting. The cosmetic result can be satisfactory, but a surgical scar can be avoided with another approach. Although rare, the risk of MBFN, lingual and hypoglossal nerve damage should always be included in the preoperative information on surgical risks.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Clean Head and Neck Surgery: An Observational Retrospective Single-Centre Study.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication in surgery. In head and neck surgeries, different rates are reported in the indexed literature. Nowadays, this indiscriminate use of antibiotics is associated with increased cost and risks for patients. Antimicrobial misuse has also contributed to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 204 patients were included in this observational retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome of this study was to describe the rate of SSI. Wound infection was considered as SSI and was defined as any cellulitis or pus drainage requiring treatment with antibiotics. RESULTS: Of all, 127 were included in group A (not antibiotic) and 77 in group B (antibiotic prophylaxis); 109 (53.5%) patients were male, and 97 (47.5%) were female. Four (3.14%) patients developed SSI in group A and 3 (3,89%) developed SSI in group B, being not statistically significant (P = .592). In group A, 2 patients suffered SSI after a submandibular gland resection (SGR), 1 patient after a parotid gland resection (PGR), and another one after a branchial cleft cyst resection. In group B, 1 patient suffered SSI after an SGR and 2 after a PGR. On univariate and multivariate analyses, we did not find any variable associated with the development of SSI. CONCLUSION: According to our results, the prophylactic antibiotic in clean, benign head and neck surgery is not necessary. Nevertheless, physicians and surgeons should be aware that severe or even fatal SSIs might be developed, and it needs to be explained to our patient before any surgery.

Translation and validation of the Parotidectomy Outcome Inventory 8 (POI-8) to Spanish.

INTRODUCTION: There are >400 million of native Spanish speakers around the world, being the second most spoken language in regard to the number of native speakers. For this reason, a valid questionnaire to access the quality of our patients after parotidectomy is necessary. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Validation and cross-cultural adaptation of the POI-8 questionnaire to the Spanish language. Internal consistency of Sp-POI 8 measured with Cronbach α. RESULTS: 35 patients met the inclusion criteria during the mentioned period. Mean age was 59 ±â€¯15,37 (Min: 18/Max: 87). 20 patients (57,1%) were male and 15 (42,9%) were female. Internal consistency with Cronbach α was 0.868. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.830 [CI] (95%: 0,791-925). Hypoesthesia was the most severely weighted problem (0,91) and xerostomia was the second (0,89). However, the high score was for fear of revision surgery (1,26). CONCLUSION: The Spanish Language is the second most spoken language with regard to the number of native speakers and the Sp-POI 8 translation represents a valid option for the Spanish-speaking medical community, from which a large number of patients can benefit.

Marginal mandibular nerve injury during neck dissection of level IIa, and the influence of different types of dissection: diathermy versus cold knife.

INTRODUCTION: Post-operative injury of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve is consider a complication in neck dissection and can be related to different factors including traction, devascularisation or the conduction block due to diathermy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, crossover study including patients treated bilateral selective neck dissection of level IIa during a 12 months-period, was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the Hayes-Martin manoeuvre to prevent nerve injury during the use of cold or monopolar diathermy dissection. RESULTS: 20 patients met the inclusion criteria (40 neck dissections). Just one case of a right temporal MMN weakness in the post-operative period was observed (1/40 = 2,5%). There were no cases of permanent marginal mandibular nerve weakness using the Hayes-Martin manoeuvre Conclusion: The Hayes-Martin manoeuvre is a safe way to preserve MMN during neck dissection of level IIa, regardless of the type of dissection.

Efectividad del colgajo de músculo pectoral mayor miofascial en la reducción de fístulas salivares tras laringectomía total de rescate / Efficacy of the myofascial pectoralis major flap in the reduction of salivary fistulas after salvage total laryngectomy

Introducción: La fístula faringocutánea es la más frecuente de las complicaciones poslaringectomía total. Su incidencia varía entre un 9-25% en pacientes poslaringectomía total primaria, hasta un 14-57% en laringectomía de rescate posradioterapia o posquimioterapia + radioterapia. El colgajo de músculo pectoral mayor miofascial (PMMF) se postula como una herramienta útil para disminuir la incidencia de esta complicación. Material y método: Análisis retrospectivo de pacientes tratados mediante laringectomía total de rescate, asociada o no a refuerzo de sutura faríngea con colgajo de PMMF. Resultados: Veinte pacientes fueron incluidos, 18 hombres (90%) y 2 mujeres (10%), en 10 de los cuales se utilizó colgajo de PMMF. La edad promedio fue de 66,65 años. Diecisiete (85%) presentaron un tumor laríngeo y 3 (15%) un tumor de hipofaringe. Ocho (80%) pacientes del grupo sin PMMF presentaron fístula en el postoperatorio, mientras que tan solo 2 (20%) pacientes del grupo de PMMF presentaron fístula durante el postoperatorio (p = 0,005). El tiempo promedio para el cierre de la fístula fue significativamente menor en los casos en que se empleó el PMMF (16 ± 11 vs. 76,8 ± 67 días, p = 0,001), así como la estancia hospitalaria (19,6 ± 18 vs. 83,9 ± 77 días, p 0,001). Conclusión: El uso del PMMF se asocia a una menor tasa de fístulas poslaringectomía total de rescate en pacientes tratados de forma primaria mediante protocolo de conservación de órgano por cáncer de laringe/hipofaringe, y favorece la cicatrización local disminuyendo el tiempo promedio de cierre de fístulas y la estancia media hospitalaria (AU)

Introduction: Pharyngocutaneous fistula is the most frequent complication after total laryngectomy. Its incidence varies between 9%-25% in post primary total laryngectomy patients, to 14%-57% in salvage laryngectomy post radiotherapy or post chemotherapy + radiotherapy. The pectoralis major myofascial flap (PMMF)is postulated as a useful tool to decrease the incidence of this complication. Materials and method: Retrospective analysis of a group of patients treated by salvage laryngectomy, associated or not with pharyngeal closure reinforcement with PMMF. Results: Twenty patients were included, 18 males (90%) and 2 females (10%), in 10 of whom the PMMF was used. The average age was 66.65 years. Seventeen (85%) had a laryngeal tumour and 3 (15%) had a hypopharyngeal tumour. Eight (80%) patients in the non-PMMF group had postoperative fistula, whereas only 2 (20%) patients in the PMMF group had a fistula during the postoperative period (P = .005). The mean time for fistula closure was significantly shorter in the cases where PMMF flap was used (16 ± 11 days vs. 76.8 ± 67 days, P = .001), as was hospital stay (19. 6 ± 18 days vs. 83.9 ± 77 days, P =. 001). Conclusion: The use of PMMF in our series is associated with a lower rate of post salvage laryngectomy fistulas in patients treated primarily by organ preservation protocol for laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancer. In turn, it promotes local healing by decreasing the mean duration of fistula closure and the mean hospital stay (AU)

Efficacy of the myofascial pectoralis major flap in the reduction of salivary fistulas after salvage total laryngectomy. / Efectividad del colgajo de músculo pectoral mayor miofascial en la reducción de fístulas salivares tras laringectomía total de rescate.

INTRODUCTION: Pharyngocutaneous fistula is the most frequent complication after total laryngectomy. Its incidence varies between 9%-25% in post primary total laryngectomy patients, to 14%-57% in salvage laryngectomy post radiotherapy or post chemotherapy + radiotherapy. The pectoralis major myofascial flap (PMMF)is postulated as a useful tool to decrease the incidence of this complication. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Retrospective analysis of a group of patients treated by salvage laryngectomy, associated or not with pharyngeal closure reinforcement with PMMF. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included, 18 males (90%) and 2 females (10%), in 10 of whom the PMMF was used. The average age was 66.65 years. Seventeen (85%) had a laryngeal tumour and 3 (15%) had a hypopharyngeal tumour. Eight (80%) patients in the non-PMMF group had postoperative fistula, whereas only 2 (20%) patients in the PMMF group had a fistula during the postoperative period (P=.005). The mean time for fistula closure was significantly shorter in the cases where PMMF flap was used (16±11 days vs. 76.8±67 days, P=.001), as was hospital stay (19. 6±18 days vs. 83.9±77 days, P=.001). CONCLUSION: The use of PMMF in our series is associated with a lower rate of post salvage laryngectomy fistulas in patients treated primarily by organ preservation protocol for laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancer. In turn, it promotes local healing by decreasing the mean duration of fistula closure and the mean hospital stay.