Adherence to olfactory training improves orthonasal and retronasal olfaction in post-COVID-19 olfactory loss.

BACKGROUND: Olfactory loss (OL) has emerged as one of the most prevalent and debilitating symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and long-COVID-19. The present prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of olfactory training (OT) on orthonasal and retronasal olfactory function in a cohort of individuals with persistent post-COVID-19 OL. METHODOLOGY: Participants with post-COVID-19 olfactory impairment underwent 4 months of OT, self-assessing their smell perception and undergoing comprehensive psychophysical evaluation of orthonasal and retronasal olfaction at baseline and after training. Orthonasal olfactory function was assessed using the extended Sniffin' Sticks test battery. Retronasal olfactory function was tested with powdered aromas. RESULTS: Among 114 participants with post-COVID-19 olfactory loss, adherence to OT was 60%. In adherents, the average increase in composite TDI score was 6.0 points compared to 2.6 points in non-adherents. Fifty-seven percent of adherent participants achieved a clinically significant improvement in TDI score (≥5.5 points), compared to 22% of non-adherents. In retronasal olfactory identification, 56% of adherents achieved a clinically significant improvement (≥4 points), compared to 16% of non-adherents. CONCLUSION: Adherence to a 4-month OT regimen can yield clinically meaningful improvements in both orthonasal and retronasal olfactory function among individuals with persistent post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction.

Adherence to olfactory training improves orthonasal and retronasal olfaction in post-COVID-19 olfactory loss.

BACKGROUND: Olfactory loss (OL) has emerged as one of the most prevalent and debilitating symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and long-COVID-19. The present prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of olfactory training (OT) on orthonasal and retronasal olfactory function in a cohort of individuals with persistent post-COVID-19 OL. METHODOLOGY: Participants with post-COVID-19 olfactory impairment underwent 4 months of OT, self-assessing their smell perception and undergoing comprehensive psychophysical evaluation of orthonasal and retronasal olfaction at baseline and after training. Orthonasal olfactory function was assessed using the extended Sniffin' Sticks test battery. Retronasal olfactory function was tested with powdered aromas. RESULTS: Among 114 participants with post-COVID-19 olfactory loss, adherence to OT was 60%. In adherents, the average increase in composite TDI score was 6.0 points compared to 2.6 points in non-adherents. Fifty-seven percent of adherent participants achieved a clinically significant improvement in TDI score (≥5.5 points), compared to 22% of non-adherents. In retronasal olfactoryidentification, 56% of adherents achieved a clinically significant improvement (≥4 points), compared to 16% of non-adherents. CONCLUSION: Adherence to a 4-month OT regimen can yield clinically meaningful improvements in both orthonasal and retronasal olfactory function among individuals with persistent post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction.

MRI-based assessment of the mylohyoid muscle in oral squamous cell carcinoma, a 7-point scoring method.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate preoperative MRI evaluation of the features of the mylohyoid muscle (MM) predictive of its infiltration in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) treatment planning, defining the most appropriate sequences to study its deep extension into the floor of the mouth (FOM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We applied a 7-point score to retrospectively evaluate preoperative imaging of patients who underwent surgery for OSCC over 11 years. The results were compared with histopathological findings using Spearman's rank coefficient. Receiver operating characteristic curves were employed to assess the score's ability to predict MM infiltration, determining optimal thresholds for sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. The Mann-Whitney U-test confirmed that infiltration judgments did not overlap around this threshold. Cohen's K statistical coefficient was used to evaluate the interobserver agreement. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (mean age 66.4 ± 11.9 years, 36 men) were evaluated. Histopathological examination found MM infiltration in 21% of cases (n = 11), with 90% classified in the highest Score categories. A score > 4 proved to be the best cut-off for predicting the risk of MM infiltration, with a sensitivity of 91% (CI: 0.57-0.99), specificity 61% (CI: 0.45-0.76), PPV 38% (CI: 0.21-0.59), and NPV 96% (CI: 0.78-0.99). At the subsequent single-sequence assessment, the TSE-T2wi had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with sensitivity 90% (CI: 0.57-0.99), specificity 70% (CI: 0.53-0.82), PPV 45% (CI: 0.25-0.67), and NPV 96% (CI: 0.80-0.99). CONCLUSION: The 7-point score is a promising predictor of safe surgical margins for MM in OSCC treatment, with the particular benefit of T2-weighted sequences. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Our scoring system for tumor infiltration of MM, which is easy to use even for less experienced radiologists, allows for uniformity in radiological language, thereby ensuring crucial preoperative information for the surgeon. KEY POINTS: The relationship of the MM to an oral lesion may impact surgical planning. As the score increases, there is a greater incidence of infiltration in the MM. Our score system improves radiologists' reporting for MM involvement by tumor.

Facial ridge management in canal wall down tympanoplasty for middle-ear cholesteatoma.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate whether leaving a high facial ridge during canal wall down tympanoplasty increases the risk of residual cholesteatoma. METHODS: In this retrospective case review, 321 patients treated with primary canal wall down tympanoplasty for middle-ear cholesteatoma were divided into a completely lowered facial ridge group and a non-completely lowered facial ridge group. Factors affecting facial ridge management, residual disease rate and disease-free survival were analysed. RESULTS: Residual disease rates were 10.8 per cent in the non-completely lowered facial ridge group and 16.6 per cent in the completely lowered facial ridge group (p = 0.15). Localisation at sinus tympani, mesotympanum or supratubal recess, pre-operative extracranial complications, and destroyed ossicular chain or fixed platina were associated with a completely lowered facial ridge. Residual disease rates and disease-free survival did not significantly differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: Facial ridge can be managed according to cholesteatoma extension. The facial ridge can be maintained high if the cholesteatoma does not involve sinus tympani, mesotympanum or supratubal recess, without increasing the risk of residual disease.

Use of a novel sealant film in head and neck surgery.

In head and neck surgery, sealant films represent a useful adjunct to ensure a reinforcement preventing leakages, dehiscence or oozing. The aim of this pilot study is to present the potential applications of a new sealant sheet in head and neck surgery, reporting outcomes, advantages and limitations. The sample included 32 patients, that underwent oncologic or elective surgery between January 2019 and January 2021 at the Cattinara Hospital in Trieste, Italy. Data regarding the patient, the surgical procedure and the postoperative course over hospitalization in terms of surgical complications were retrospectively collected. In this study, nor complication during the regular follow-up period occurred neither difficulties emerged in TP use in any head and neck subsites. In our experience, TP represented a valid aid in suture strengthening, easy to apply and suitable also for oncologic surgery in which the closure of some surgical defects may need a greater sealing effect.

High prevalence of long-term olfactory, gustatory, and chemesthesis dysfunction in post-COVID-19 patients: a matched case-control study with one-year follow-up using a comprehensive psychophysical evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Using an age and gender matched-pair case-control study, we aimed to estimate the long-term prevalence of psychophysical olfactory, gustatory , and chemesthesis impairment at least one year after SARS-CoV-2 infection considering the background of chemosensory dysfunction in non-COVID-19 population. METHODOLOGY: This case-controlled study included 100 patients who were home-isolated for mildly symptomatic COVID-19 between March and April 2020. One control regularly tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection and always tested negative was matched to each case according to gender and age. Chemosensory function was investigated by a comprehensive psychophysical evaluation including ortho- and retronasal olfaction and an extensive assessment of gustatory function. Differences in chemosensory parameters were evaluated through either Fisher’s exact test or Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The psychophysical assessment of chemosensory function took place after a median of 401 days from the first SARS-CoV-2 positive swab. The evaluation of orthonasal smell identified 46% and 10% of cases and controls, respectively, having olfactory dysfunction, with 7% of COVID-19 cases being functionally anosmic. Testing of gustatory function revealed a 27% of cases versus 10% of controls showing a gustatory impairment. Nasal trigeminal sensitivity was significantly lower in cases compared to controls. Persistent chemosensory impairment was associated with emotional distress and depression. CONCLUSION: More than one year after the onset of COVID-19, cases exhibited an excess of olfactory, gustatory , and chemesthesis disturbances compared to matched-pair controls with these symptoms being associated to emotional distress and depression.

Post-operative outcomes of different surgical approaches to oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer: a case-matched study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the post-operative outcomes of transoral laser microsurgery, lateral pharyngotomy and transmandibular surgery in oropharyngeal cancer management. METHODS: Records of 162 patients treated with transmandibular surgery, transoral laser microsurgery or lateral pharyngotomy were reviewed. The transoral laser microsurgery cohort was matched with the lateral pharyngotomy and transmandibular surgery cohorts for tumour stage, tumour subsite and human papilloma virus status, and the intra- and post-operative outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Duration of surgery and hospital stay were significantly longer for transmandibular surgery. Tracheostomy and nasogastric feeding tube rates were similar, but time to decannulation and to oral feeding were longer in the transmandibular surgery group. Transmandibular surgery more frequently required flap reconstruction and had a greater complication rate. Negative margins were fewer in the lateral pharyngotomy group than in the transoral laser microsurgery and transmandibular surgery groups. CONCLUSION: In comparison with transmandibular surgery, transoral laser microsurgery and lateral pharyngotomy were associated with fewer complications and faster functional recovery. Lateral pharyngotomy had a higher rate of positive margins than transoral laser microsurgery, with a consequently greater need for adjuvant therapy. Many patients are nonetheless unsuitable for transoral surgery. All these factors should be considered when deciding on oropharyngeal cancer surgical treatment.

Extranodal extension in head and neck squamous cell cancer: is there a role for further stratification?

To investigate the prognostic significance of the stratification of extranodal extension (ENE) into ENE minor (ENEmi, up to 2mm) and ENE major (ENEma, over 2mm) in non-HPV-related squamous cell cancers of the head and neck, we retrospectively reviewed microscopic slides from neck dissection specimens of ENE-positive patients and subcategorised them into ENEmi and ENEma. We then compared the two groups in terms of overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and disease-free survival (DFS). Forty-four patients with pathologically positive necks had ENE in the histological report. Twenty-six had ENEmi and 18 ENEma. The three-year OS was 46% in the ENEmi group and 38.9% in the ENEma group. DSS and DFS were 80.8% and 80.8%, respectively, in the ENEmi group and 61.1% and 77.8%, respectively, in the ENEma group. None of the comparisons revealed any statistically significant difference. The results of our survival analysis seem to show a trend towards better survival rates in the ENEmi group, particularly regarding OS. Nonetheless, extension of the tumour outside the lymph node capsule by more than 2mm was not found to be significantly associated with any of the explored survival outcomes.

Self-reported alteration of sense of smell or taste in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis on 3563 patients.

BACKGROUND: Emerging reports suggest that new onset of smell or taste loss are potential early clinical markers of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but it remains unclear as to what extent. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to systematically assess the prevalence of self-reported altered sense of smell or taste in patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, overcoming the limitations of individual studies by meta-analysis of pooled data. METHODS: The databases Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and MedRxiv's set were searched from inception to the 4th May 2020. This study was conducted following the PRISMA checklist. RESULTS: 18 studies met the eligibility criteria out of the 171 initially screened citations. The overall prevalence of alteration of the sense of smell or taste was 47% , but estimates were 31% and 67% in severe and mild-to-moderate symptomatic patients, respec- tively. The loss of smell and taste preceded other symptoms in 20% of cases and it was concomitant in 28%. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this meta-analysis, we recommend self-isolation and testing, where possible, for patients complaining smell or taste impairment during COVID-19 pandemic in order to prevent spread of disease and propose the inclusion of loss of smell and taste as recognized symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 in the World Health Organization and other relevant regulatory body's lists.

How we improve the transoral resection for oral and oropharyngeal cancer: the CO2 waveguide laser.

PURPOSE: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the CO2 waveguide laser (CO2 WGL) with flexible fiber (Lumenis, Santa Clara, CA) in the treatment of oral and oropharyngeal cancers specifically focusing on the lateral thermal damage (LTD) induced by this instrument and therefore on the reliability of the analysis of frozen sections collected during margin mapping. METHODS: A total of 48 patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancers from T1 to T4a were prospectively enrolled in the study. We collected data about LTD, pathologic tumor and node stage (pTNM), surgical intervention, kind of reconstruction (no flap, local vs free flap), need for tracheotomy and time of removal, postoperative complications (such as bleeding, mucosal dehiscence, and fistula), need for feeding tube and time of removal. RESULTS: Mean LTD was 164.7 ± 92.4 µm. Comparing frozen section histology before and after formalin embedding we found 5 true positives, 170 true negatives, 4 false positives and 4 false negatives, with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of 55.6%, 98%, 55.6%, 98%, and 96.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: CO2 WGL is a very manageable tool, which allows a precise cut. However, its high costs, the inability to re-use the fibers and its low coagulation capability must be considered.

Head and neck immunoglobulin G4 related disease: systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Immunoglobulin G4 related disease is a recently described systemic syndrome. The head and neck region is the second most common site for presentation after the pancreas. METHODS: PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched from 1995 to July 2017 for all the studies on immunoglobulin G4 related disease diagnosed in the head and neck compartment. Patient-specific data were extracted and basic statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients were identified. Treatment was specified in 76 patients. Twenty patients received surgical treatment, eight of them in association with medical therapy. Fifty-six patients received medical treatment. The disease recurred in 25 per cent of patients treated with surgical treatment alone, in 3.6 per cent of patients treated with medical treatment alone and in 12.5 per cent of patients treated with both. All medical treatment protocols contained high-dose corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: Early and correct diagnosis can avoid unnecessary surgical treatment, and glucocorticoid therapy can improve the long-term prognosis.

New generation cut-and-seal devices in oral and oropharyngeal cancer resection: clinical and cost-effectiveness study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of ultrasonic shears and the electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system, in comparison to the traditional cold knife and bipolar forceps, in oral and oropharyngeal cancer surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent oral or oropharyngeal cancer resection and neck dissection with either ultrasonic shears (n = 36) or electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing (n = 32) were enrolled. Surgical time, intra-operative bleeding, blood drainage, post-operative pain, neck oedema, complications and hospitalisation duration were compared to those of an historical cohort of 36 patients treated using a cold knife and bipolar forceps. Additionally, a cost-effectiveness evaluation was performed. RESULTS: Ultrasonic shears and, in particular, electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing, were advantageous compared to the traditional techniques. The cost of ultrasonic shears and electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing was completely offset by declining time-driven costs for the surgical team and operating theatre. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonic shears and, in particular, electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing, are more advantageous compared to the traditional techniques, from both a clinical and economic point of view.

Prognosis of oral cancer: a comparison of the staging systems given in the 7th and 8th editions of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual.

The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Staging Manual introduces "depth of invasion" and "extranodal extension" into the head and neck section, and our aim was to find out if these changes have an impact on prognosis. We evaluated 174 patients who had had oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) resected between 2003 and 2012. The clinical records were reviewed, the patients' tumours restaged according to the 8th edition of the AJCC, and we analysed five-year survival to verify whether different correlations were made between the T and N stages and disease-specific survival using the 7th and 8th editions. We excluded seven cases because information was incomplete, and the final sample was 167 patients. The five-year overall survival was 68% and the five-year disease-specific survival was 78%. The variable pT was upstaged in 51 patients (31%), and no tumour was downstaged. When we used the 7th edition, the pT category did not correlate with survival (p=0.055), but when we used the 8th edition, there was a significant association between increased pT categories and disease-specific survival (p=0.01). In the pN category 23 cases were upstaged (14%) and this affected disease-specific survival using both the 7th and the 8th editions (p=0.001). When patients were restaged, there was an improvement in discrimination between T categories in relation to disease-specific survival, and confirmation of the prognostic impact of the variable pN. T stage and depth of invasion are complementary predictors of disease-specific survival, and their combination results in the new AJCC staging system giving a better prognosis.

Will the mininvasive approach challenge the old paradigms in oral cancer surgery?

In the genome era, the achievement of a safe and complete resection of oral cancers remains a challenge for surgeons. Margin length at histopathological examination is still considered the main indicator of oncological radicality. However, this parameter is fraught by major limitations. Cancer aggressiveness, and in particular its ability to spread in the surrounding tissue, most probably influences loco-regional control and prognosis more than margin length. Unfortunately, no molecular markers are currently available to predict tumor aggressiveness pre-operatively. However, additional histopathological parameters, beside margin length, could be considered to better stratify oral tumors, including depth of invasion (DOI), perineural invasion or composite scores. Recent advances in laser technology have established a novel surgical trend toward a minimalist approach, named transoral laser microsurgery (TLM). TLM provides a local control rate comparable to the one achieved by larger resections if the margin appears disease free, independent from its length. In addition, the clinical availability of innovative optical technologies, such as narrow band imaging (NBI) or autofluorescence, allows more precise and tailored resections, not simply based on clinical observation and ruler measurement. This review will propose the possible implementation of novel procedures toward a mini-invasive surgical approach, providing a satisfactory control rate but significantly improving the quality of life of the patients compared to conventional surgery.

Stretching stenoses of the external auditory canal: a report of four cases and brief review of the literature.

Acquired stenosis of the external auditory canal may be caused by a variety of insults, all sharing a common pathogenesis, namely a cascade of inflammatory changes leading to medial canal fibrosis. Previous surgery (canaloplasty or meatoplasty) and radiotherapy, especially if associated with a history of parotid surgery extended to the external auditory canal, have been implicated as possible causes. The literature offers advice on the management of stenosis consequent to otosurgery for congenital and acquired defects, but nothing on forms secondary to radiotherapy to the head and neck region. The proposed solutions are often cumbersome and difficult to fabricate, and therefore expensive. The aim of this paper, in which the cases of four patients are reported, is to present a new technique initially used for the most severe form - i.e. external auditory canal stenosis after surgery and radiotherapy - and then extended to forms due to different causes. This new technique involves the use of a series of surgical steel tubes of increasing dimension commonly used for tissue expansion in a body piercing practice called stretching and known as ear stretching tunnels or ear stretchers. This innovative approach proved effective in solving external auditory canal stenosis in our patients, with the least discomfort for the patient and the lowest cost. We consider this new solution to be feasible and practical and are convinced that it provides a new approach to an old problem. Further studies are needed to increase the number of clinical cases to verify how long the ear stretcher should be kept in place for the stenosis to stabilise, and to establish whether surgery is always necessary after ear stretcher application and, if so, the best timing for surgery.

Evaluation of nutritional status in head and neck radio-treated patients affected by oral mucositis: efficacy of class IV laser therapy.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the role of class IV laser therapy in the amelioration of nutritional status of patients affected by oral mucositis due to radiotherapy of the head and neck region during oncological treatment. METHODS: Sixty-three oncological patients were included in this study. All patients were affected by tumors in the head and neck region and had developed oral mucositis during radiotherapy. Forty-two patients had been treated by high-power laser therapy whereas 21 patients had been managed with traditional medications. Data collection included weight measurement (kilogram) and body mass index (BMI) calculation (mass (kilogram)/(height) (square meter)) on the first and last day of radiotherapy. In addition, gender, age, pathology, and the kind of oncological treatment have been considered. RESULTS: Laser-treated patients decreased less in BMI during radiotherapy (p=0.000). Patients treated by combined oncological treatments (radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy and/or surgery) had a higher weight loss during radiotherapy (p=0.015). According to a multivariate regression analysis, the only variable which significantly influenced the reduction of BMI was laser treatment (p=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Laser therapy is actually considered one of the recommended remedies for the healing of oral mucositis due to cancer treatments. Healing of mucositis can deeply influence the feeding capacity of patients, through reduction of pain and improvement of chewing and swallowing capacities. It also allows lowering the costs for hospitalization and supportive care. Laser therapy should become part of nutritional interventions in oncological patients affected by oral mucositis.

Epidemiology and variables involved in dental abscess: survey of dental emergency unit in Trieste.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this epidemiologic study was to estimate the healing time of acute dental abscesses and to evaluate the main variables involved in the healing process itself. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Among a sample of over 24 000 patients visited at the emergency dental unit, 688 subjects were diagnosed with dental abscess and enrolled in the study. Case histories of all patients were collected to investigate the clinical course and healing time of dental abscess according to anamnestic and diagnostic data and therapeutic management. A multiple logistic regression model was performed to evaluate the association of each variable with the healing time required for dental abscess. RESULTS: Variables associated with increased healing time were spring seasonality at admission, pyretic state, trismus, involvement of multiple anatomic spaces, and spontaneous drainage. Moreover, administration of some, but not all, classes of antibiotics was also associated with an increased healing time. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of variables involved in healing time for dental abscess is crucial in the optimization of managing such infections in terms of cost-benefit ratio. This would represent a valuable way to ensure a shortened and more effective healing.

Oral manifestation upon short time cocaine abuse. A case report.

Effects of cocaine abuse on the oral mucosa are still poorly defined. Herein, a case of an 18-year-old male patient with a 15-day history of persistent painful ulcers and aphthous lesions of unknown etiology and with no other remarkable manifestations, is presented. All of the laboratory tests performed showed to be within normal ranges. Only subsequently, the patient admitted a cocaine abuse, through smoking and rubbing, over the last 15 days. Finally, after 15 days of interruption of cocaine abuse the oral lesions showed complete regression.