A new therapeutic approach in Gorham-Stout disease: a case report.

Background: Gorham-Stout disease is a rare condition of unknown prevalence and unknown exact cause. Its pathogenesis is based on enhanced osteoclastic activity leading to bone resorption and bone replacement by distended lymphatic vessels. Because of its rarity and a various range of symptoms the disease may give, diagnosis is challenging and a strong index of suspicion is required. Although it is a benign condition, the prognosis may be unpredictable. The treatment options suggested so far are limited, and every case should be provided with the best individual approach. Herein, we present a case report of Gorham-Stout disease managed with a regular lump drainage with a good response and control of the patient symptoms over a period of 20 years. Case report: A 23-year-old male was admitted to the Head and Neck Cancer Clinic with a 6-month history of a left-sided neck lump. Other symptoms reported were neck pain and general weakness. The basic laboratory tests were within normal limits. On physical examination, a large round lump on the left side of a patient's neck and left armpit were noticed. They were about several centimeters in diameter, soft on palpation, but firmly attached to the underlying tissue. CT scan revealed large lymphatic left-sided masses of the neck and axillary fossa and multiple osteolytic lesions in the patient's vertebrae. Together with the biopsy findings and imaging studies, a diagnosis of Gorham-Stout Syndrome was made. The patient was then scheduled for a regular cystic drainage with good control of a disease for over a period of 20 years. Conclusion: Gorham-Stout disease is a rare challenging condition, and the available treatment options remain sparse. Although surgical approach is effective, it is not always possible. In addition, the risk of radiotherapy-induced malignancy shows that this therapy may eventually result in unfavorable response. Depending on symptoms and the disease location, this condition requires an individual treatment plan. The presented case illustrates that a minimally invasive approach may result in a good control of the Gorham-Stout syndrome and may stand as an alternative treatment option for some patients with this condition.

Comparison of criteria for elective tracheostomy in head and neck cancer surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Elective tracheostomy before resection of a malignancy in head and neck region assures unobstructed ventilation during postoperative period but is associated with an increased risk of complications. We aimed to evaluate retrospectively, how application of elective tracheostomy scales would influence frequency of tracheostomy in comparison with preoperative clinical judgement. METHODS: In 205 patients operated from 2013 till 2017 resection of a malignancy involved suprahyoid or pharyngeal muscles, neck dissection and flap reconstruction. Elective tracheostomy decision was made on clinical basis. Score for each patient in 3 published scales has been calculated. RESULTS: In the study group 76 patients had an elective tracheostomy at the outset of a resection procedure. Among 129 patients without elective tracheostomy 9 had a tracheostomy in postoperative period. Indications for elective tracheostomy were calculated for scale I, II and III. Only in 120 patients the decision to perform elective tracheostomy or not would be identical in each scale. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that decisions to perform an elective tracheostomy based on the 3 scales has low specificity. The factors used in the published scales should be evaluated in a prospective multicenter study.

Differences in free flaps' reconstructions with and without coupling device for venous anastomosis.

<br><b>Introduction:</b> Introduction of the coupler devices for anastomoses of neck vessels changes planning and performance of the surgical procedures. The Rigid ring of the coupling devices keeps a vein open and less prone to occlusion. Therefore, this should improve the flap survival rate and surgery duration.</br> <br><b>Aim:</b> The aim of the study was to point out the differences in surgery planning between couplers and sutures for venous microsurgical anastomoses.</br> <br><b>Methods:</b> The medical records of 209 patients who underwent 212 microvascular free flap reconstructions from January 2011 till December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed; 103 received radial forearm free flap (RFFF); 43 - anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF); 51 - fibula free flap (FFF); 15 - iliac crest free flap (ICFF). In 189 cases, reconstruction was performed simultaneously with tumor resection and in 23 cases, reconstruction was secondary, after previous oncological treatment. Among 443 anastomoses, suturing was used for 212 arteries and 127 venous anastomoses, while coupling was used for 104 venous anastomoses.</br> <br><b>Results:</b> The mean surgery duration for suturing was 452.82 min vs 358.88 min for coupling (P<0.05). Differences in flap survival and partial necrosis rates between coupling and suturing groups were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Donor vessel distribution in the neck was significantly different in both groups. Estimated costs of the surgical procedures performed with and without coupler devices were not equal.</br> <br><b>Conclusions:</b> The use of couplers for venous anastomosis in free flap head and neck reconstructions impacts the surgery process by shortening surgery duration which leads to cost reduction.</br>.