Reconstruction in open anterior skull base surgery: A review and algorithmic approach.

PURPOSE: Defects resulting from open resection of anterior skull base neoplasms are difficult to reconstruct. Our objective was to review the literature and describe an evidence-based algorithm that can guide surgeons reconstructing anterior skull base defects. METHODS: A research librarian designed database search strategies. Two investigators independently reviewed the resulting abstracts and full text articles. Studies on reconstruction after open anterior skull base resection were included. Studies of lateral and posterior skull base reconstruction, endoscopic endonasal surgery, traumatic and congenital reconstruction were excluded. Based on the review, a reconstructive algorithm was proposed. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 603 unique abstracts. 53 articles were included. Adjacent subsites resected, defect size, radiotherapy history, and contraindications to free tissue transfer were identified as key factors influencing decision making and were used to develop the algorithm. Discussion of the reconstructive ladder as it applies to skull base reconstruction and consideration of patient specific factors are reviewed. Patients with a prior history of radiotherapy or with simultaneous resection of multiple anatomic subsites adjacent to the anterior skull base will likely benefit from free tissue transfer. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of anterior skull base defects requires knowledge of the available reconstructive techniques and consideration of defect-specific and patient-specific factors.

Factors and Outcomes Associated With Temporal Bone Resection for Primary Parotid Malignancy.

OBJECTIVE(S): Although parotid cancer invading into the temporal bone makes up only a small fraction of all parotid cancers, it is more common and relatively understudied compared with primary cancer of the external auditory canal. The objective of this study was to determine what factors are associated with receiving parotidectomy with temporal bone resection (TBR) and the immediate postoperative outcomes. METHODS: We reviewed the National Cancer Database (2004-2015) for patients with primary parotid malignancy who received parotidectomy with or without TBR. Patient demographic, clinical, and perioperative variables were collected and then compared. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with receiving TBR. RESULTS: We identified 134 patients who received parotidectomy with TBR and 16,595 who received parotidectomy only. Reported in terms of odds ratios (95% confidence interval), our multivariate model showed having surgery at an academic facility (1.91 [1.34-2.71], P < .001), clinical stage III or IV (7.48 [1.65-33.96] and 31.37 [7.61-129.32], P = .009 and P < .001, respectively), histologic grade II to IV (4.36 [1.51-12.57], 4.31 [1.53-12.15], and 6.74 [2.26-20.13], P = .006, .006, and .001, respectively), and adenoid cystic histology (3.23 [2.02-5.17], P < .001) were significantly and independently associated with receiving TBR. There was no significant difference in 30-day readmission, or 30-day or 90-day mortality, but the rate of positive surgical margins was significantly higher in those who underwent TBR. CONCLUSION: Demographic variables are not significant factors for receiving TBR. Tumor characteristics, such as clinical stage and histologic type, and receiving surgical treatment at an academic facility were more strongly associated with receiving TBR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2461-E2468, 2021.

The variable direct cost and cost drivers of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach.

BACKGROUND: As transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach grows in popularity, there is a need for data on cost in order to better characterize its value to patients. To this end, we compared the variable direct cost of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach and transcervical approach thyroidectomy and determined which factors drive the increased cost for the transoral approach. METHODS: Patients undergoing thyroid lobectomy and total thyroidectomy that met inclusion criteria for transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach, including those patients that opted for management via the transcervical approach, between 8/2016 and 4/2019 were reviewed. The variable direct cost for the surgical encounter was collected and means were compared between the transoral and transcervical cohorts for lobectomy and total thyroidectomy respectively. The operative time independent variable direct cost was similarly compared between cohorts. RESULTS: Out of 238 patients, 118 (50%) were managed via transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach and 120 (50%) were managed via transcervical approach thyroidectomy. Mean variable direct cost, our primary outcome, was $4,455 (SD 1,129, 95% CI: 4,204-4,706) for transoral lobectomy and $3,179 (SD 687, 95% CI: 2,990-3,369) for transcervical lobectomy [t(132.05)=8.09, P<0.001] representing a difference in cost of $1,276 (SD 158, 95% CI: 964-1,587). Mean variable direct cost was $4,681 (SD 829, 95% CI: 4,405-4,957) for transoral total thyroidectomy and $3,645 (SD 876, 95% CI: 3,431-3,858) for transcervical total thyroidectomy [t(79.92)=5.98, P<0.001], representing a difference in cost of $1,036 (SD 173, 95% CI: 691-1,381). Differences in energy devices alone account for $487.53 and $447.96 of the cost differences, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The differences in mean variable direct cost between transoral endoscopic vestibular approach and transcervical approach for lobectomy and total thyroidectomy were $1276 and $1036 respectively, amounts far less than some believe them to be. This data will be invaluable as we ultimately aim to define the value of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach.

Predictive model of operative time in transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach.

BACKGROUND: Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach (TOETVA) has demonstrated excellent safety and is receiving wider use in North America. Understanding which factors lead to operative difficulty, as evaluated by operative time (OT), may help to improve safety and refine indications for this procedure. METHODS: Cases of TOETVA performed at our institution were reviewed. Multivariate linear regression was performed using patient demographics, thyroid characteristics, and operative variables to predict OT. RESULTS: A total of 207 cases were included for analysis. A multivariate linear regression model, controlling for age, sex, and BMI, was developed from 104 cases with an R2 of 0.47 (p < 0.001). Cross-validation on 103 remaining cases showed root-mean-square error of 46.37. Total thyroidectomy and lobe size were the only significant predictors (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We successfully developed a model to predict OT for TOETVA based on preoperative and operative variables. Lobe size, but not BMI, is a significant predictor of OT.

Pressure Transmission to the Inner Ear by Mastoid Palpation After Transmastoid Surgery for Superior Canal Dehiscence.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss an effect of transmastoid repair of superior semicircular canal dehiscence and its resolution using a mastoid titanium mesh plate. PATIENTS: A 53-year-old woman with a history of superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) and subsequent transmastoid repair experienced dizziness and a loud, drum-like sound in her repaired ear when touching the ear. Palpating the skin over the mastoid defect reproduced the symptoms and could be observed on binocular microscopy as tympanic membrane deformation synchronous with mastoid palpation. INTERVENTION (S): Surgery to place a titanium mesh cranioplasty plate over the mastoid cavity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE (S): Reduction in dizziness and auditory symptoms when palpating the mastoid. RESULTS: In follow-up 2 months after surgery, palpation of the left mastoid no longer results in vertigo or hearing a loud sound. Hearing and vestibular function remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Despite resolution of SCDS symptoms after transmastoid plugging and resurfacing of the superior semicircular canal involving mastoidectomy, patients can be bothered by dizziness and vertigo when pressing on the mastoid soft tissue envelope. This acts like a balloon that, when compressed, changes middle ear pressure and moves the tympanic membrane and can even cause alternobaric vertigo. This can be avoided or resolved by rigidly reconstructing the defect in the mastoid bone.

Predictors of mortality following conservatively managed fractures of the odontoid in elderly patients.

AIMS: Rates of mortality as high as 25% to 30% have been described following fractures of the odontoid in the elderly population. The aim of this study was to examine whether easily identifiable variables present on admission are associated with mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A consecutive series of 83 elderly patients with a fracture of the odontoid following a low-impact injury was identified retrospectively. Data that were collected included demographics, past medical history and the results of blood tests on admission. Radiological investigations were used to assess the Anderson and D'Alonzo classification and displacement of the fracture. The mean age was 82.9 years (65 to 101). Most patients (66; 79.5%) had a type 2 fracture. An associated neurological deficit was present in 11 (13.3%). All were treated conservatively; 80 (96.4%) with a hard collar and three (3.6%) with halo vest immobilisation. RESULTS: The rate of mortality was 16% (13 patients) at 30 days and 24% (20 patients) at one year after injury. A low serum level of haemoglobin and the presence of a neurological deficit on admission were independent predicators of mortality at 30 days on binary logistic regression analysis. A, low level of haemoglobin, admission from an institution, a neurological deficit and type 3 fractures were independent predictors of mortality at one year. CONCLUSION: We suggest that these easily identifiable predictors present on admission can be used to identify patients at high risk and guide management by a multidisciplinary team. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:116-21.