The Modified Alberta Reconstructive Technique: A prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Jaw defect reconstructions have been transformed by the development of free tissue transfer using vascularized bone incorporating osseointegrated dental implants. We recently developed a modification our method this procedure and termed it the Modified Alberta Reconstruction Technique (MART). The objective of this study aimed to assess the soft tissue component and outcomes of the MART as compared to the Alberta Reconstructive Technique (ART) or conventional (BDD) reconstructions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent jaw reconstruction with dental implant rehabilitation between 2000 and 2019 in Edmonton, Alberta. Patients were aged-matched and placed into a cohort based on the type of reconstruction they received. Outcomes were compared between the groups. Expert and aesthetic analyses were performed. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine significance. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients (15 BDD, 15 ART and 16 MART) were included. Demographics were similar between groups. There was no difference in complications. The soft tissue component of the MART cohort was more favourable to work with as judged by the occlusal reconstructive experts. The MART was rated as more aesthetically appealing in comparison to the BDD and ART (p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: The MART is a safe, effective, and aesthetically appealing procedure. It yields a good functional result and a clinically better soft tissue component for occlusal reconstructions. For a select group of patients requiring jaw reconstruction, the MART is an ideal reconstructive option as the modification provides good control of the soft tissue around the implants.

Long-Term Results of a Pedicled and Innervated Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Flap to Immediately Reconstruct Superficial Parotidectomy Defects.

Importance: Conventional reconstruction techniques for superficial parotidectomy have been criticized for their ability to provide long-term volumetric correction and to prevent Frey's syndrome. Objective: To demonstrate the long-term effectiveness of a pedicled and innervated sternocleidomastoid muscle flap (PISCMMF) to reconstruct superficial parotidectomy defects. Design, Setting, and Participants: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients treated by a single surgeon in a tertiary care center from July 2012 to March 2018. Seventeen of a possible 34 eligible adults having undergone reconstruction with a PISCMMF for benign parotid disease with at least 1 year of follow-up were included through convenience sampling. Patients with revision parotid surgery, malignant parotid tumors, neck dissections, or prior spinal accessory nerve dysfunction were excluded. Intervention: A PISCMMF was used to immediately reconstruct superficial parotidectomy defects. Main Outcomes and Measures: Participants underwent three-dimensional facial imaging, starch-iodine testing for Frey's syndrome, and completed a validated satisfaction questionnaire. The surface area of the positive starch-iodine tests was calculated. An average model was generated from participant images, allowing the calculation of surface millimeter differences comparing the operative with nonoperative sides. Results: Seventeen patients [7 male (41.2%), mean age 50.82 ± 12.37 years] underwent a PISCMMF to reconstruct excision (mean specimen weight = 21.45 ± 12.22 g) of benign lesions [9 pleomorphic adenomas (52.9%), 5 Warthin's tumors (29.4%), 2 cysts (11.8%), 1 chronic parotitis (5.9%)], with a mean follow-up time of 35.41 ± 12.30 months. Rates of objective and subjective Frey's syndrome were 29.4% and 11.8%, respectively. The average surface area affected was 2.32 cm2 [standard deviation (SD) = 1.95 cm2] compared with the average surface area of 16.35 cm2 (SD = 9.20 cm2) of the excised specimens. Facial symmetry analysis revealed an average millimeter difference of -1.57 ± 2.55 mm that was not significant at a threshold of 2 mm [t(16) = 0.69, p = 0.50]. No participants had postoperative shoulder or neck dysfunction. Overall satisfaction was 95.4%. Age (ß = -0.51, p = 0.02) and case number (ß = 0.44, p = 0.04) were significant predictors of smaller millimeter difference (R2 = 0.48, F(2,14) = 6.41, p = 0.01). The specimen mass (ß = -0.05, p = 0.35) did not predict millimeter difference (R2 = 0.11, F(1,8) = 0.10, p = 0.35). Conclusions and Relevance: A PISCMMF immediately reconstructing parotidectomy defects successfully restores facial symmetry, prevents clinically significant Frey's syndrome, and results in high patient satisfaction in the long term without significant morbidity.

Development of the Alberta facial clinical evaluation scale: A patient-centred outcomes instrument for facial nerve paralysis.

OBJECTIVES: Facial nerve paralysis has functional, psychological and social consequences for patients. Traditionally, outcome measurements for facial nerve injuries have been clinician derived. Recent literature has shown that patient perspective is valuable and necessary in outcomes research. This study aimed to identify patient domains of concern and subsequently, develop a point-of-care questionnaire for clinical use. DESIGN: This mixed-methods prospective study was completed in three phases. In Phase I, 15 facial nerve injury patients were interviewed individually. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed and coded with NVivo software. Analysis led to a conceptual framework detailing the most important quality of life outcomes. During Phase II, a focus group was held with five new patients in order to prioritise the outcome themes to a top six list. A second focus group was held with Otolaryngology-Head and Neck staff surgeons to create a 25-item questionnaire based on these six themes. In Phase III, the questionnaire was administered to 10 new patients to test for comprehension. SETTING: University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 30 patients with facial nerve injury were included in the various phases in the study. In addition, 5 staff Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgeons participated as focus group contributors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Domains of concern and quality of life outcomes as reported by facial nerve injury patients. RESULTS: Patients identified a total of 16 themes encompassing both functional and psychological deficits related to their facial nerve injury. From these findings, a 25-item Likert-type scale, the A-FaCE scale, was developed for clinical use. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with facial nerve paralysis experience functional and psychological deficits. This study led to the creation of the first patient-reported instrument for this population that addresses functional impairment, social function, psychological well-being and self-perception of appearance.

The Alberta Reconstructive Technique: An Occlusion-Driven and Digitally Based Jaw Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The free flap reconstructive protocols of the jaws have been refined over the years and presently are based on bone-driven approaches that generally use the lower border of the mandible or the anterior surface of the maxilla as the templates for reconstruction because these contours are deemed important to the eventual cosmetic outcomes of patients. The ultimate goal of functional jaw reconstruction, however, is the reconstruction of the dental occlusion and oral rehabilitation. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the Alberta reconstructive technique (ART), which is a new approach of occlusion-driven jaw reconstruction with digitally planned immediate osseointegrated implant installation. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: This research study considers the ART's safety, effectiveness, accuracy, timeliness of reconstruction, aesthetic appeal, and cost-effectiveness in comparison with the standard bone-driven and delayed osseointegrated implant installation (BDD) protocol. RESULTS: The ART procedures were as safe and more effective at achieving full occlusal reconstruction and oral rehabilitation. The ART cohort of patients achieved oral rehabilitation in 21.4 month as compared to 73.1 months for the BDD cohort. There were no differences in the aesthetic appeal the two groups. The ART cost an average of $22,004 less than BDD and we calculated the quality adjusted life years gain to be between 2.14 and 4.04 in favour of ART. CONCLUSIONS: The ART is a good option for patients with jaw defects. It provides a safe, effective, accurate, aesthetic, and cost-effective reconstruction that restores form and function in a timely manner. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b Laryngoscope, 129:S1-S14, 2019.

Efficacy of a high-observation protocol in major head and neck cancer surgery: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to optimize an existing clinical care pathway (CCP) for head and neck cancer with a high-observation protocol (HOP) and to determine the effect on length of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and length of stay in hospital (LOS). METHODS: The HOP mandated initiation of spontaneous breathing trials before the conclusion of the surgery, weaning of sedation, and limiting mechanical ventilation. All patients with head and neck cancer undergoing primary surgery on the HOP were compared to a historical cohort regarding length of ICU admission, ICU readmissions, and LOS. RESULTS: Ninety-six and 52 patients were observed in "historical" and "HOP" cohorts. The length of ICU admission (1.9 vs 1.2 days; p = .021), LOS (20.3 vs 14.1 days; p = .020), and ICU readmissions (10.4% vs 1.9%; p = .013) were significantly decreased in the "HOP" cohort. CONCLUSION: Rapid weaning of sedation and limiting mechanical ventilation may contribute to a shorter length of ICU admission and LOS, as well as decreased ICU readmissions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1689-1695, 2016.

Nasal septum changes in adolescent patients treated with rapid maxillary expansion.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to measure changes in nasal septal deviation (NSD) after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) treatment in adolescent patients. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 33 patients presenting with moderate to severe nasal septum deviation as an incidental finding. Out of these 33 patients, 26 were treated for transverse maxillary constriction with RME and seven, who did not undergo RME treatment, were included in the study as control group. CBCT scans were taken before appliance insertion and after appliance removal. These images were analyzed to measure changes in nasal septum deviation (NSD). Analysis of variance for repeated measures (ANOVA) was used. RESULTS: No significant changes were identified in NSD regardless of the application or not of RME treatment and irrespective of the baseline deviation degree. CONCLUSION: This study did not provide strong evidence to suggest that RME treatment has any effect on NSD in adolescent patients; however, the results should be interpreted with caution, due to the small sample size and large variation amongst individual patient characteristics.

Nasal septum changes in adolescent patients treated with rapid maxillary expansion

Objective: To analyze cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to measure changes in nasal septal deviation (NSD) after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) treatment in adolescent patients. Methods: This retrospective study involved 33 patients presenting with moderate to severe nasal septum deviation as an incidental finding. Out of these 33 patients, 26 were treated for transverse maxillary constriction with RME and seven, who did not undergo RME treatment, were included in the study as control group. CBCT scans were taken before appliance insertion and after appliance removal. These images were analyzed to measure changes in nasal septum deviation (NSD). Analysis of variance for repeated measures (ANOVA) was used. Results: No significant changes were identified in NSD regardless of the application or not of RME treatment and irrespective of the baseline deviation degree. Conclusion: This study did not provide strong evidence to suggest that RME treatment has any effect on NSD in adolescent patients; however, the results should be interpreted with caution, due to the small sample size and large variation amongst individual patient characteristics.

Objetivo: analisar imagens de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) para mensurar as alterações no desvio de septo nasal (DSN) após o tratamento com expansão rápida da maxila (ERM) em pacientes adolescentes. Métodos: o presente estudo retrospectivo incluiu 33 pacientes com desvio de septo nasal de moderado a severo, diagnosticado como um achado incidental. Dos 33 pacientes analisados, 26 tiveram a constrição maxilar transversal tratada por meio de ERM; 7 pacientes não foram submetidos à ERM, sendo incluídos no estudo como grupo controle. As imagens de TCFC foram obtidas antes da instalação do aparelho e após sua remoção, sendo analisadas para mensurar as alterações no DSN. A análise de variância para medidas repetidas (ANOVA) foi empregada. Resultados: não foram identificadas alterações significativas no DSN, independentemente da realização ou não do tratamento com ERM e do grau inicial de desvio. Conclusão: esse estudo não fornece evidências suficientes para sugerir que o tratamento com ERM produza qualquer efeito sobre o DSN em pacientes adolescentes. Porém, esses resultados devem ser interpretados com cautela, em virtude do tamanho reduzido da amostra e da grande variação das características individuais dos pacientes.

Effect of non-surgical maxillary expansion on the nasal septum deviation: a systematic review.

Nasal breathing is a requirement for proper growth and development of the craniofacial complex. Inadequacy of the nasal airway from obstruction such as from nasal septal deviation (NSD) can affect craniofacial development. Further investigation of the possibility of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) correcting NSD would be valuable, considering the undesirable sequelae of NSD on nasal breathing, which can consequently affect craniofacial development. A systematic review of the effect of RME treatment on NSD was conducted. Electronic database searches were conducted until April 2015 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CCTR), Cochrane Methodology Register (CMR), Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), American College of Physicians Journal Club (ACP Journal Club), Health Technology Assessments (HTA), and NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHSEED). MeSH terms used in database searches were 'nasal septum,' 'palatal expansion,' and 'maxillary expansion,' 'orthodontic device,' and 'palatal expansion technique.' The methodological quality of studies was reviewed using methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS). Only two studies were finally selected and reviewed. Both studies had significant methodological limitations. One study reported a significant straightening of the nasal septum in the middle and the inferior third of nasal cavity from RME in children aged 5 to 9 years. The other study reported no positional change in the nasal septum from RME in adolescent orthodontic patients. Thus far, the limited available (moderate risk of bias) evidence suggests a potentially positive effect on the nasal septum asymmetry during childhood, but no significant change in adolescence from RME in patients with NSD. The clinical significance of reported changes could be considered questionable.

Measurement tools for the diagnosis of nasal septal deviation: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of measurement tools utilized for the diagnosis of nasal septal deviation (NSD). METHODS: Electronic database searches were performed using MEDLINE (from 1966 to second week of August 2013), EMBASE (from 1966 to second week of August 2013), Web of Science (from 1945 to second week of August 2013) and all Evidence Based Medicine Reviews Files (EBMR); Cochrane Database of Systematic Review (CDSR), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CCTR), Cochrane Methodology Register (CMR), Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), American College of Physicians Journal Club (ACP Journal Club), Health Technology Assessments (HTA), NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHSEED) till the second quarter of 2013. The search terms used in database searches were 'nasal septum', 'deviation', 'diagnosis', 'nose deformities' and 'nose malformation'. The studies were reviewed using the updated Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. RESULTS: Online searches resulted in 23 abstracts after removal of duplicates that resulted from overlap of studies between the electronic databases. An additional 15 abstracts were excluded due to lack of relevance. A total of 8 studies were systematically reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic modalities such as acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry and nasal spectral sound analysis may be useful in identifying NSD in anterior region of the nasal cavity, but these tests in isolation are of limited utility. Compared to anterior rhinoscopy, nasal endoscopy, and imaging the above mentioned index tests lack sensitivity and specificity in identifying the presence, location, and severity of NSD.

High definition video teaching module for learning neck dissection.

INTRODUCTION: Video teaching modules are proven effective tools for enhancing student competencies and technical skills in the operating room. Integration into post-graduate surgical curricula, however, continues to pose a challenge in modern surgical education. To date, video teaching modules for neck dissection have yet to be described in the literature. PURPOSE: To develop and validate an HD video-based teaching module (HDVM) to help instruct post-graduate otolaryngology trainees in performing neck dissection. METHODS: This prospective study included 6 intermediate to senior otolaryngology residents. All consented subjects first performed a control selective neck dissection. Subjects were then exposed to the video teaching module. Following a washout period, a repeat procedure was performed. Recordings of the both sets of neck dissections were de-identified and reviewed by an independent evaluator and scored using the Observational Clinical Human Reliability Assessment (OCHRA) system. RESULTS: In total 91 surgical errors were made prior to the HDVM and 41 after exposure, representing a 55% decrease in error occurrence. The two groups were found to be significantly different. Similarly, 66 and 24 staff takeover events occurred pre and post HDVM exposure, respectively, representing a statistically significant 64% decrease. CONCLUSION: HDVM is a useful adjunct to classical surgical training. Residents performed significantly less errors following exposure to the HD-video module. Similarly, significantly less staff takeover events occurred following exposure to the HDVM.

Can a multisensory teaching approach impart the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence in final year medical students to manage epistaxis?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a multisensory teaching approach in imparting the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage epistaxis in a cohort of fourth year medical students. METHODS: One hundred and thirty four fourth year medical students were recruited into the study from Aug 2011 to February 2012 in four groups. Students listened to an audio presentation (PODcast) about epistaxis and viewed a video presentation on the technical skills (VODcast). Following this, students completed a 5-minute Individual Readiness Assessment Test (IRAT) to test knowledge accrued from the PODcast and VODcast. Next, students observed a 10-minute expert demonstration of the technical skills on a human cadaver and spent half an hour practicing these techniques on cadaver simulators with expert guidance. The students' confidence was assessed with Confidence Level Questionnaires (CLQs) before and after their laboratory session. The skill level of a subset of students was also assessed with a pre- and post-laboratory Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS). RESULTS: Eighty two percent of the participants achieved a score of at least 80% on the IRAT. The CLQ instrument was validated in the study. There was a statistically significant improvement between the pre- and post-laboratory CLQ scores (p<0.01) and also between pre- and post-laboratory OSATS scores (p<0.01). Qualitative feedback suggested a student preference for this teaching approach. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides further evidence that a multisensory teaching intervention effectively imparts the necessary knowledge, skill and confidence in fourth year medical students to manage epistaxis.

The great auricular nerve: an anatomic and surgical study.

BACKGROUND: The great auricular nerve (GAN) originates from the cervical plexus at the levels of C2 and C3, supplying sensation to the skin overlying the lower aspect of the pinna and angle of the mandible. The GAN can be injured during many procedures in the head and neck, resulting in a significant negative impact on the patient's quality of life. There are no reliable anatomic studies of GAN in the area where it is most likely to get injured. OBJECTIVE: To determine the GAN relationship to the posterior border of the platysma and the external jugular vein (EJV). METHODS: Patients undergoing neck dissections were included in the study. Measurements were taken between the posterior border of the platysma relative to the nearest edge of the EJV and the GAN. The distance between the GAN and the EJV was also noted. RESULTS: The posterior borders of the platysma and EJV are found, on average, 0.08 cm away from each other, and the free edge of the platysma was most often posterior to the EJV. The distance from the platysma to the GAN was, on average, 0.60 cm. The distance between the EJV and the GAN was 1.17 cm. CONCLUSION: We have added a safe, reliable, and surgically relevant technique to the head and neck surgeon's armamentarium for identifying the GAN and avoiding attendant injury with long-term debilitating neurologic sequelae.

Three-dimensional biomodeling in complex mandibular reconstruction and surgical simulation: prospective trial.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular reconstruction is challenging for experienced and resident surgeons. Three-dimensional (3D) biomodeling creates accurate physical models of patients' craniofacial skeletons, which can potentially assist reconstruction. However, this capacity has not been objectively examined. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess 3D biomodels in performing and learning mandibular reconstruction through surgical simulation. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care academic referral centre. METHODS: Ten experienced and 10 naive resident surgeons were asked to bend and fixate a titanium reconstruction plate, for a standardized anterior hemimandibular defect, on a 3D biomodel by freehand or 3D biomodel-assisted means. Participants were randomized to which technique was performed first. Twenty-four to 48 hours later, participants performed the opposite technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Accuracy was measured by anterior mental projection and intercondylar and interangular splay. The results per technique were compared to a complete (control) mandible. The time of reconstruction and usability of each technique, as per an International Standards Organization-based questionnaire, were also determined. RESULTS: Three-dimensional biomodel-assisted reconstruction led to plates with statistically indifferent projection and splay compared to the control (p < .05) for both groups. Conversely, freehand constructs significantly deviated in projection and splay for either group (p < .05). No difference in reconstruction time by technique was found (p < .05). Usability favoured 3D biomodel-assisted bending, with significantly higher ratings in either group (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional biomodels provide a usable and accurate means of mandibular reconstruction for experienced surgeons. Moreover, when used in surgical simulation, they provide an effective tool for teaching residents.