Management of retrosternal goiter: Retrospective study of 72 patients at two secondary care centers.

OBJECTIVE: Data pertaining to the outcomes of retrosternal goiter surgeries performed at secondary care centers, where thoracic surgery expertise is not readily available, is infrequently reported. Careful patient selection is crucial to avoid an unexpected need for a sternotomy during surgery. We sought to evaluate the surgical management of patients with retrosternal goiters treated at two secondary care centers. METHODS: Retrospective review of clinical records and computed tomographic (CT) scans of 557 patients who underwent thyroid surgery at the Departments of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery of Manukau Surgery Center and Whangarei Base Hospital. Inclusion criterion was extension of goiter below the plane of the thoracic inlet on CT scan. Clinicopathologic features and surgical outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: The prevalence of retrosternal goiter was 72 of 557 patients (12.9%). All patients in this series underwent thyroidectomy transcervically. Dyspnea was present in 48 patients (66.7%). On preoperative CT scans, the goiter was noted to extend beyond the aortic arch in seven patients (9.7%), tracheal bifurcation in five patients (6.9%) and posterior mediastinum in 15 patients (20.8%). Malignancy was diagnosed in eight patients (11.1%) histologically. Postoperatively, vocal cord paralysis was temporary in 5 patients (6.9%) and permanent in 1 patient (1.4%). Hypocalcaemia was transient in 10 patients (13.9%). No permanent hypocalcemia, tracheomalacia, postoperative hematoma or patient death was reported. During the study period, 4 patients were encountered in the outpatients setting whereby the evaluation of their CT imaging demonstrated features deemed to be at high risk of requiring a sternotomy: primary mediastinal goiter (n=2) and inferior extent of goiter to the level of right atrium (n=2). These patients were pre-emptively referred to a tertiary center where thoracic surgery service was available and their data was reported separately. CONCLUSION: With careful patient selection, the majority of retrosternal goiter can be resected transcervically with minimal morbidities. Preoperative CT scan yielded useful surgical information; in the presence of primary mediastinal goiter or inferior extent of goiter to the level of the right atrium, surgery should be planned in a tertiary center where thoracic surgeon is available.

Evofosfamide for the treatment of human papillomavirus-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Evofosfamide (TH-302) is a clinical-stage hypoxia-activated prodrug of a DNA-crosslinking nitrogen mustard that has potential utility for human papillomavirus (HPV) negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), in which tumor hypoxia limits treatment outcome. We report the preclinical efficacy, target engagement, preliminary predictive biomarkers and initial clinical activity of evofosfamide for HPV-negative HNSCC. Evofosfamide was assessed in 22 genomically characterized cell lines and 7 cell line-derived xenograft (CDX), patient-derived xenograft (PDX), orthotopic, and syngeneic tumor models. Biomarker analysis used RNA sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and whole-genome CRISPR knockout screens. Five advanced/metastatic HNSCC patients received evofosfamide monotherapy (480 mg/m2 qw × 3 each month) in a phase 2 study. Evofosfamide was potent and highly selective for hypoxic HNSCC cells. Proliferative rate was a predominant evofosfamide sensitivity determinant and a proliferation metagene correlated with activity in CDX models. Evofosfamide showed efficacy as monotherapy and with radiotherapy in PDX models, augmented CTLA-4 blockade in syngeneic tumors, and reduced hypoxia in nodes disseminated from an orthotopic model. Of 5 advanced HNSCC patients treated with evofosfamide, 2 showed partial responses while 3 had stable disease. In conclusion, evofosfamide shows promising efficacy in aggressive HPV-negative HNSCC, with predictive biomarkers in development to support further clinical evaluation in this indication.

Parotid metastatic disease from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: prognostic role of facial nerve sacrifice, lateral temporal bone resection, immune status and P-stage.

BACKGROUND: Recognized prognostic indicators for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck include facial nerve involvement, immune status, and "parotid" staging system (P-stage). We sought to examine the impact of lateral temporal bone resection (LTBR) on prognosis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 160 patients with metastatic cutaneous SCC to the parotid. All patients had parotidectomy and neck dissection; 27% had additional LTBR when the tumor was adherent to the temporal bone. RESULTS: Overall 5-year survival was 48%, disease-specific survival 77%, and locoregional control 83%. Corresponding results for immunocompetent versus immunocompromised were 55%, 86%, and 87% versus 12%, 48%, and 64%. On Cox regression analysis, only immunocompromised status (ie, lymphoproliferative disorder, organ-transplant patient) was prognostically significant (p < .001). CONCLUSION: More radical resection that may include LTBR mitigates the poorer prognosis with advanced disease in our series. Treatment must be individualized in immunocompromised patients who have shortened overall survival.

Efficacy of neck dissection: are surgical volumes important?

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVES/HYPHOTHESIS: Surgical volumes have been shown in many fields to reflect expertise and to be associated with improved clinical outcomes. We sought to test similar hypotheses that neck dissection is a volume-sensitive procedure wherein the number of lymph nodes harvested and clinical outcomes are correlated with the number of neck dissections performed. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 375 neck dissections. The number of nodes harvested was examined by multiple linear regression before and after mathematical correction for pathologists' variation over time. The prior experiences of the surgeons were also averaged, depending on whether there was regional recurrence after at least 9 months of follow-up. RESULTS: More nodes were found by the pathologists over time, with 2.1 more nodes being found on average for each successive year (P < .001). After correcting for this effect of time, there remained a significant relationship between surgeons' experience and number of nodes harvested (P < .003). Additionally, cases that recurred were operated by less-experienced surgeons (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that there is a "learning curve" for neck dissection. Our most experienced surgeon harvested on average 11 more nodes than similar specimens submitted by the group of inexperienced surgeons. The effect of experience remains significant even without adjusting for time (P < .001). Surgical experience also affects clinical outcome months after the dissection. This retrospective review supports surgical volume as an indicator of expertise in neck dissection that could be used to assess trainees' progress and for quality assurance in large head and neck units. Laryngoscope, 2009.

Acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland: Auckland experience and literature review.

Acinic cell carcinoma is an uncommon malignancy of the salivary glands and as such it has been difficult to accurately delineate its natural history. The aim of this study is to assess the behaviour of acinic cell salivary cancer of the parotid gland presenting to a single head and neck surgical unit in Auckland. The study is a structured review of cases of acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland presenting from 2000 to 2006 to the Head and Neck Unit at Auckland Hospital, those identified from the pathology database and the Otobase head and neck database. Case records and pathology reports were reviewed. Fifteen patients were identified, 9 men and 6 women. The mean age was 67.2 years, with range 50-85 years. The mean follow up was 4.4 years and range 1.1-7 years. There was one case of local recurrence during study period and no deaths. Five of 15 patients received postoperative radiotherapy. Postoperative complications consisted of one wound haematoma and two cases of marginal mandibular weakness (one transient and one permanent). Current management strategies are obtaining appropriate rates of recurrence and postoperative complications within the Auckland population.

Prediction of pharyngocutaneous fistulas after laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the predictive value of wound amylase as an indicator for pharyngocutaneous fistula development following laryngectomy for cancer. DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a prospective observational study at a tertiary referral center of 102 consecutive laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer patients undergoing laryngectomy with or without pharyngectomy. INTERVENTION: Data were collated on potential predictors of fistula formation compared with rate of development of clinical fistulas, all confirmed radiologically. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rate of fistula formation was determined for the following potential predictors: extent of resection (extended laryngectomy), postoperative wound (drain) amylase, previous radiotherapy, neck dissection, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin and albumin levels, and postoperative transfusion. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of significant predictors were ascertained. RESULTS: The only significant predictors of fistula formation were extent of resection (extended laryngectomy) and drain amylase >4000 IU/L. If both factors are combined, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for fistula development are 83, 94, 63, and 98 percent, respectively. CONCLUSION: We advocate that patients be managed postoperatively according to the presence or absence of these given predictors to reduce occurrence of fistula formation in the high-risk group.

Effect of immunocompromise on metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the parotid and neck.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to examine the effect of a compromised immune state on the outcomes in patients treated for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients with metastatic cutaneous SCC to the parotid and neck treated at Greenlane Hospital between 1992 and 2002 was conducted. Outcomes were compared between immune-competent and immunocompromised patients. A logistic regression analysis of likely risk factors for poor outcome was done. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were identified, nine of whom were immunocompromised. All patients were treated by parotidectomy and/or neck dissection. The facial nerve was sacrificed in 42% of the patients. Thirty-seven patients underwent postoperative radiotherapy (76%). Recurrence was significantly more common in the immunocompromised group (56% vs 28%), with higher rates of local and distant recurrence. Survival at 1 and 2 years was reduced. CONCLUSION: Immunocompromise has a significant impact on the outcome of metastatic cutaneous SCC to the parotid and neck, affecting recurrence and survival.

Endovascular treatment of epistaxis.

AIM: Embolization of external carotid vessels in the treatment of intractable epistaxis is not well documented in Australasia. The aim of the present retrospective study was to audit our experience with the technique, and to compare it with other centres. METHODS: Retrospective review. RESULTS: Twenty-nine embolizations were performed in 28 patients. Embolization was successful in 24 out of 28 patients (86%). Three patients required ligation of the anterior ethmoidal arteries, one of whom subsequently underwent successful repeat embolization. There were minor complications in 6/29 procedures (21%), and no major complications. CONCLUSION: Our outcomes compare favourably with those of larger centres. Embolization is an effective tool in the management of patients with intractable epistaxis.

Pulmonary complications following major head and neck surgery with tracheostomy: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial of prophylactic antibiotics.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that extended postoperative antibiotic cover would reduce the incidence of pulmonary complications in patients undergoing major head and neck surgery with tracheostomy. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was carried out to determine the efficacy of an extended course (5 days) of intravenous amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in reducing the rate of atelectasis and pulmonary infections postoperatively. Other possible risk factors that might predispose to pulmonary complications were also evaluated. SETTING: Tertiary referral center for head and neck surgery. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients younger than 80 years with planned surgery for carcinoma of the oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx were enrolled. Patients with diabetes, those who had received antibiotics within 1 week before surgery, and those with preexisting pulmonary disease were excluded. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomly assigned no antibiotics or a 5-day course of intravenous amoxicillin-clavulanic acid postoperatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The development of pulmonary complications (pulmonary infection or atelectasis). RESULTS: Eighty-six patients were enrolled; 73 patients met the criteria for analysis. Thirty-four (47%) developed pulmonary complications; 29 (40%) had a pulmonary infection. An extended course of antibiotics did not reduce the rate of pulmonary infections (P =.57). Positive risk factors for a pulmonary infection were presence of preoperative obstructive lung function and postoperative atelectasis. CONCLUSIONS: An extended course of antibiotics did not prevent the development of postoperative pulmonary infections in patients undergoing major head and neck surgery with tracheostomy. Poor pulmonary function and postoperative atelectasis emerged as significant risk factors for pulmonary infection.

Comparison of the use of endoscopic and radiologic gastrostomy in a single head and neck cancer unit.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer patients frequently require gastrostomy feeding. Different insertion techniques have been described. The aim of the present study was to compare clinical results of percutaneous endoscopic and radiological gastrostomies in patients treated in a regional head and neck cancer unit. METHODS: The records of patients who received either percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) or percutaneous radiological gastrostomy (PRG) between August 1997 and February 2001 were reviewed retrospectively. Documented complications (leak, infection, nausea and vomiting, ileus, bleeding, peritonitis) were recorded, compared and evaluated. RESULTS: There were 74 patients (56 PEG, 18 PRG), most with stage III and IV head and neck malignancy. There was a significantly lower incidence of complications in PEG than PRG (11% vs 44%, P = 0.004). There was a delay of feeding due to tube placement in 4% of PEG and 22% of PRG (P < 0.025). Major complications occurred in 3.6% and 5.6% of PEG and PRG, respectively. Generally the complication rate for either form of gastrostomy was comparable with other studies. No procedure-related deaths occurred. CONCLUSION: Selection bias, technique and tube type appeared to influence the complication rate in the present review. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy will remain the authors' preferred method while PRG will be reserved for those cases for whom endoscopic placement is deemed to be impractical.

Quality of life after parotid and temporal bone surgery for cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to examine the quality of life (QL) of patients who received treatment for cancer of the parotid or temporal region, and to identify factors contributing to it. The relationships between clinician-based measures of treatment outcome and the patient-based counterparts were also evaluated. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on 23 patients who had received either a temporal bone resection or a combination of parotidectomy and radiotherapy. The QL survey involved both global QL and measures of the appearance, communication, hearing, physical, psychological, and social domains. Patients were assessed clinically for their performance status, facial nerve function, disfigurement, and hearing and the results were compared with patient-rated QL. Correlation between the QL variables and global QL was identified using Spearman correlation tests. RESULTS: Ongoing physical symptoms, communication difficulties, and social disturbances were associated with poorer global QL (P <.05). No correlation was detected between global QL and objective disfigurement, facial function, and measures of hearing loss. With the exception of hearing testing, clinical assessments generally did not correlate well with patient ratings. CONCLUSION: QL measures provide insight into patients' perceptions of the treatment outcome but do not necessarily correlate with the clinicians' views. The use of a global QL measure overcomes the difficulty of extrapolating the impact of symptom scores or observational measures on patients' overall quality of survival.