[Treatment of tracheoesophageal and tracheopharyngeal fistulas after laryngectomy]. / Therapie der tracheoösophagealen und tracheopharyngealen Fisteln nach Laryngektomie.

Tracheoesophageal (TEF) and tracheopharyngeal fistulas (TPF) after laryngectomy can mainly be divided into five types: "high TEF with leakage through the voice prosthesis (VP)" (Type Ia), "high TEF with leakage around the VP" (Type Ib), "enlarged high TEF" (Type II), "deep TEF" (Type III), "TPF" (Type IV) and "TPF associated with pharynx stenosis" (Type V). Leakage of TEF in prosthetic voice restoration usually responds well to conservative measures. If these measures fail, as well as in all cases of TPF, surgical intervention is necessary for transtracheostomal or transcervical closure with multi-layer sutures of the esophagus and trachea. In persisting TEF/TPF after unsuccessful surgical attempts revision surgery remains challenging. Tracheostoma transposition for dissociation of the cranial end of the trachea and the hypopharynx and esophagus is essential for effective closure. In rare cases of TPF combined with pharyngoesophageal stricture formation a resection and immediate reconstruction of the stenotic pharyngoesophageal segment with a tube-shaped fasciocutaneous radial forearm flap must be considered.

[Unilateral extended medialization thyroplasty. Treatment for total aspiration after laser surgery and radiotherapy of laryngeal cancer]. / Einseitige erweiterte Medialisierungs-Thyroplastik. Therapie der kompletten Aspiration nach laserchirurgischer Resektion und Strahlentherapie des Larynxkarzinoms.

BACKGROUND: Total aspiration is a rare complication after extended laser surgery for laryngeal cancer with adjuvant radiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two patients with long-standing total aspiration after laser surgery with radiotherapy despite intensified swallowing therapy were treated with an extended medialization thyroplasty. RESULTS: Postoperatively, both patients were able to swallow food and liquids without aspiration. One patient no longer has a gastrostomy tube and has been free from aspiration with normal oral food intake for 3 years. The second patient, with a tiny mucosal scar perforation, developed an abscess 2 months after surgery and needed revision surgery, with a subsequent return of aspiration. DISCUSSION: The second patient's complication stresses the significance of an intact endolaryngeal scar because of the well-known prolonged healing of mucosa in the irradiated larynx. In our opinion, the potential benefits of medialization thyroplasty outweigh the risk of significant complications, especially after irradiation.

[Posttraumatic gusher phenomenon following fracture of the petrous bone]. / Posttraumatisches Gusher-Phänomen nach Felsenbeinquerfraktur.

The gusher phenomenon is a very rare complication that may occur during stapedectomy or cochleostomy. A sudden perilymphatic flow of cerebrospinal fluid can be seen following platinotomy. The cause is an abnormal connection between subarachnoid and perilymphatic spaces due to congenital malformation, leading to an abnormally wide cochlear aqueduct or due to an internal auditory canal fistula. We describe a case of posttraumatic gusher phenomenon after a fracture of the petrous bone.

[Brachytherapy in combination with function-preserving surgery. An interdisciplinary challenge]. / Brachytherapie in Kombination mit zurückhaltender Chirurgie. Eine interdisziplinäre Herausforderung mit dem Ziel des Organerhalts.

A multimodal, interdisciplinary approach known as intensity-modified brachytherapy is a promising alternative for patients with advanced head and neck cancer infiltrating the orbita and skull base. An 87-year-old man presented with a recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the medial corner of the left eye that had been locally resected and irradiated by external beam radiotherapy multiple times. The cancer was resected with preservation of the eye with close margins, implantation of afterloading catheters, and reconstruction of the defect with a median forehead flap. The patient was irradiated with a total radiation dose of 30 Gy IMBT. After 1 year, there was no evidence of locoregional recurrence. The background of this therapeutic process and analysis of the current literature regarding this interdisciplinary treatment of head and neck cancer infiltrating the orbita and skull base are discussed based on this case report.

[Surgery of the parapharyngeal adenomas]. / Chirurgie der parapharyngealen Adenome.

Pleomorphic adenomas are the most common tumors of the parapharyngeal space (PPS) and often grow to an enormous size before becoming visible or symptomatic. CT and MRI scans are important in both diagnosis and surgical treatment. There are basically four different surgical approaches (transoral-transpalatal, transcervical-submandibular, transparotid und transmandibular) to the anterior PPS. Wide and direct exposure of the PPS is provided by a midline mandibulotomy with transection of the floor of the mouth. Owing to its morbidity this approach is reserved exclusively for extended tumors. The transcervical-submandibular route with blunt finger dissection generally offers adequate access for total tumor removal. For adenomas arising from the parotid gland a transparotid approach may be utilized. Adenomas located medially are better be resected transorally by splitting the soft palate.

[Surgery of benign tumors of the parotid gland: the value of fine needle aspiration cytology]. / Gutartige Tumoren der Glandula parotidea: Präoperative Aspirationszytologie und chirurgische Strategie.

BACKGROUND: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a widely used diagnostic tool to evaluate neoplastic or inflammatory tumorous lesions of the salivary glands. This method influences the selection of the modality of surgical treatment. In cases of benign tumors of the parotid gland, a (partial) superficial parotidectomy is usually recommended. However, for tumors other than pleomorphic adenomas (such as cystadenolymphomas, other adenomas, or benign tumor-like lesions) this operation is considered an overtreatment because extracapsular satellites are rare and recurrences in case of a capsular lesion are not likely. In such cases, a less extended surgery (enucleation) with lower morbidity is sufficient and can be carried out provided that pleomorphic adenomas and non-pleomorphic benign lesions are reliably differentiated prior to surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the FNAC in differentiating benign tumors of the parotid gland. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of 160 cases of benign parotid gland tumors was performed and the cytological diagnoses compared with the histomorphological results. A collection of 26 cases with false-negative and false-positive results was reevaluated. RESULTS: FNAC showed a sensitivity of 74.2% and a specificity of 89.8% for differentiation between pleomorphic adenomas and non-pleomorphic benign lesions. The predictive value for pleomorphic adenomas was 82.1%, and for non-pleomorphic benign lesions 84.6%. Reevaluation showed higher sensitivity (96.2%), specificity (98.9%), and negative/positive predictive values (97.9% and 98.1%, respectively). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Poor quality and hypocellularity of the cytological smears seem to negatively effect the outcome of the cytological diagnosis. It is concluded that only an accurate diagnosis of non-pleomorphic adenoma or a benign tumor-like lesion, based on an adequate FNAC specimen and assessed by an experienced cytopathologist, can justify tumor enucleation because the risk of pleomorphic adenoma is only 2% under these circumstances.

[Integration of the active middle ear implant Vibrant Soundbridge in total auricular reconstruction]. / Integration des aktiven Mittelohrimplantates in die plastische Ohrmuschelrekonstruktion.

BACKGROUND: Patients with high-grade microtia and atresia require a sophisticated and specific treatment. Apart from the plastic reconstruction of the auricle, in some cases hearing rehabilitation is medically indicated or is desired by the patients. The long-term results of simultaneous middle ear reconstruction with tympanoplasty are often inadequate owing to a persisting air-bone gap, and new techniques in hearing rehabilitation are needed for these patients. METHODS: We present three cases of unilateral atresia to illustrate a combined approach integrating hearing rehabilitation using the active middle ear implant Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) into plastic auricular reconstruction. The VSB was attached to the stapes suprastructure via the titanium clip in two of these cases and in the third case a subfacial approach was used to attach it directly to the membrane of the round window. RESULTS: The air-bone gap was reduced to 17 dB, 14 dB and 0.25 dB HL. In free-field speech recognition tests at 65 dB SPL the patients achieved 100%, 90% and 100% recognition with the activated implant. No postoperative complications such as facial nerve paresis, vertigo or inner ear damage were found. CONCLUSIONS: The integration of active middle ear implants in auricular reconstruction opens up a new approach in complete hearing rehabilitation. The additional implantation of the VSB does not have any negative effect on the healing process or the cosmetic outcome of the auricular reconstruction.

The diagnosis of 'essential palatal tremor'.

We report a patient with a 30-year history of progressive, involuntary movements of the left ear and clicking sounds in both ears for 2 years. The patient had rhythmic contractions of the tensor veli palatini muscle and could relieve palatal movements and ear clicks, but not ear movements, by pressing a pillow against the left ear or by finger pressure on the tragus or the retroauricular region. We discuss the significance of these sensory tricks and the nosology of the long-standing ear movements within a classification of essential and symptomatic palatal tremor. Current diagnostic criteria for both types of palatal tremor may not cover some atypical cases such as ours.

[Topographic and anatomic study of lateral upper arm transplants]. / Topographisch-anatomische Studie des lateralen Oberarmtransplantats.

An anatomic and topographic study of the lateral upper arm free flap for the clinical use in reconstruction. Defects of the laryngopharynx and the oral cavity after cancer ablation are increasingly reconstructed by free microvascular anastomosed tissue transfer. Besides the jejunum transplant we use the free radial forearm flap frequently. This flap is suitable for restoring intraoral and pharyngeal integrity. Major disadvantages are the requirement of a skin graft to obtain wound closure and the cosmetic deformity. The lateral upper arm free flap is intended as alternative method for the fasciocutaneus tissue transfer. Based on our dissection of ten cadavers we demonstrate the anatomy of the flap, the harvesting technique, and present data of vascular pedicle length, vessel calibers, and flap size. The vessel calibers of the profound brachial artery (X = 2.5 mm) and its terminal branch, the posterior radial collateral artery (X = 1.8 mm), are comparable to the radial artery. The pedicle length can be extended up to 13 cm by using a lateral approach. The subcutaneous tissue volume was 1.3 cm in average, and compared to the radial flap rather thick. Because of his bulky and strong fascia the lateral arm flap seems to be useful as a fascia-fat flap in facial augmentation or as a fascia flap in soft tissue reconstruction. Disadvantageous are the difficult dissection technique and the loss of sensitivity on the lateral aspect of the forearm. Where a fasciocutaneous flap is indicated, we prefer the radial forearm flap.

Electromyography of the infrahyoid muscles: pathological and normal findings.

UNLABELLED: In recent years, the infrahyoid muscles (IHM) have been used by plastic reconstructive surgeons as a neurovascular muscle flap in the neck and mouth region. METHODS: A preoperative electromyographic examination (EMG) of the IHM was performed in 10 patients, of whom 9 suffered from tongue cancer, in order to detect neurogenic lesions caused by possible metastases or lymph nodes. The results were compared to those of 10 healthy controls. RESULTS: The EMG at rest showed no pathological spontaneous activity in any patient. During light voluntary innervation, the motor unit potentials (MUPs) were normal in controls and in patients with normal sonographic images, computertomographic scans, and histologic findings after surgery in the neck region. When metastatic lymph nodes were found on one side of the neck, the number of polyphasic MUPs in the IHM of that side was increased in some cases (n = 6), and normal in others (n = 5). Traumatic or radiogenic lesions clearly resulted in pathological EMG findings (n = 6). A maximal innervation of the IHM was achieved during head bending and jaw opening, there was no activation of the IHM with tongue movements and vice versa. CONCLUSIONS: If the presence of lymph node pathology was demonstrated using imaging techniques, a resulting lesion of the ansa cervicalis can functionally be demonstrated by EMG. In patients without lymph node metastases and without concurrent other lesions in the cervical region, EMG of the IHM seems to give no further clinical information. A clear postoperative functional differentiation of the transplanted IHM and the indigenous tongue muscles is possible.

[Reconstruction of the auditory canal wall with bone chips from the temporal squama--preliminary results]. / Rekonstruktion der Gehörgangswand mit Knochenchips aus der Temporalschuppe--Erste Ergebnisse.

BACKGROUND: The canal wall down-technique in cholesteatoma surgery with the creation of an open mastoid cavity offers many disadvantages as prolonged healing time, necessity for periodic cleaning and subsequent infections. Therefore reconstruction of the posterosuperior canal wall is the more and more preferred technique to restore the physiologic anatomy of the external auditory canal without lacking a good surgical exposure to the tympanal and retrotympanal spaces. Cartilage is the mainly used material for this technique, as cartilage is easy to prepare and to fit into the defect with good viability. However, cartilage resorption and retraction is observed increasing the risk for recurrent cholesteatoma. In contrast, by the use of bone chips from the temporal squama a stable and close restoration of the auditory canal wall can be achieved. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 23 patients (17 attic and 6 sinus cholesteatomas including two recurrences in each group) we have performed an anterior atticoantrostomy with retrograde cholesteatoma removal and reconstructed the posterosuperior wall of the auditory canal with bone chips harvested from the temporal squama by chisels. The bone chips and remaining gaps in the reconstructed wall were covered by bone paté and temporal fascia. In 4 cases the ossicular chain could be conserved (type-1 tympanoplasty [TP]), type-3 TP with PORP was performed in 13 and TORP-TP in 6 cases. The mean follow-up was 12.1 months (range 4 - 34 months). 8 patients had undergone a second-look procedure. RESULTS: On follow-up all patients showed a good healing of the external ear canal with no graft insufficiency. In one case we observed a slight ear canal narrowing due to bone excess, three patients developed retraction pockets of the attic. Recurrent cholesteatoma was not seen yet. Second-look tympanotomy revealed complete ingrowth of the transplanted bone chips into the surrounding bony structures in all cases. One residual cholesteatoma had to be removed and the canal wall had to be reconstructed again with bone chips. The average postoperative air-bone gap was 7.0 +/- 8.2 dB HL for type-1 TP, 8.6 +/- 3.0 dB HL for PORP-TP (83 % [100 %] of the patients < or = 10 dB HL [< or = 20 dB HL]) and 19.3 +/- 9.2 dB HL for TORP-TP (66 % of the patients < or = 20 dB). CONCLUSIONS: Osteoplastic atticoantrostomy allows adequate anatomic and physiologic restoration of the auditory canal even after extensive cholesteatoma removal. Bone stability may reduce recurrent cholesteatoma. However, due to the underlying impaired tubal function long-time results must be further evaluated.

Persistence of perilymph fistula mechanism in a completely paretic posterior semicircular canal.

The three dimensional eye movements (search coil technique) of a patient with a completely paretic left posterior semicircular canal as a result of a perilymph fistula (PLF) were studied. The patient still exhibited pressure induced nystagmus that obeyed Ewald's first law. This finding cannot be explained by otolith stimulation, but might indicate that PLF mechanisms either persist in canal plugging or act on the ampulla by directly deflecting the cupula.

[A modified nasal tamponade with foam rubber protection in epistaxis]. / Eine modifizierte Nasentamponade mit Schaumstoffschutz bei Epistaxis.

We present a modification of a nosebleed catheter or nasal/nasopharyngeal tamponade in case of bleeding from the posterior nasal cavity. A piece of foam rubber from a "moist nose" is cut to size and drawn over the tamponade. The advantage of the method is that it protects the sides of the patient's nose against pressure ulcers and prevents the tamponade from sliding into the naso/oropharynx. Treatment would be meaningfully complemented by continuous intravenous sedation of the patient by combining a peripheral with a central analgesic.

[Neurovascular infrahyoid myofascial flap. Anatomic-topographic study of innervation and vascular supply]. / Der neurovaskuläre infrahyoidale Muskelfaszienlappen. Anatomisch-topographische Untersuchung der Innervation und Gefässversorgung.

Fifteen cadavers were examined bilaterally for the topography of the superior thyroid artery and vein an lower cervical ansa as an axial bundle of vessels and nerves for the infrahyoid myofascial flap. Using injections of methylene blue, the vascular territories of the superior thyroid artery were demonstrated. The superior thyroid artery and vein could be found in all cases. This artery was derived in 47% of cases from the external carotid artery, in 30% from the bifurcation and in 23% from the common carotid artery. In 43% of cases the vein flowed to the facial vein and in 37% to the internal jugular vein. In the remaining 20%, several segmental veins were found that flowed separately to the jugular vein. In case of a far caudally situated vascular bundle the radius of rotation was limited in a cranial direction. The voluntary innervation of the muscles of the infrahyoid myofascial flap was derived from the lower cervical ansa. The upper radix of the ansa was found 1 cm in latero-cranial direction to the greater horn of the hyoid bone, where it separated from the hypoglossal nerve. Present findings show that the superior thyroid artery supplies the infrahyoid musculature in its whole extension from the hyoid bone to the sternum. It is therefore possible to develop a myofascial flap of 3.5 cm x 11.5 cm in size, which can be predicted at an upper vascular and neural bundle. Depending on the radius of rotation, defects of the floor of mouth, tongue and oro- and hypopharynx can be covered sufficiently with this neurovascular myofascial flap.

[Lateral upper arm flap: topographic-anatomic study for clinical use as vascular pedicled transplant]. / Der laterale Oberarmlappen: Topographisch-anatomische Studie für den klinischen Einsatz als gefässgestieltes Transplantat.

Defects of the laryngopharynx and the oral cavity after cancer ablation are increasingly reconstructed by free microvascular anastomosed tissue transfer. Besides the jejunum transplant, we use the free radial forearm flap frequently. This flap is suitable for restoring intraoral and pharyngeal integrity. Major disadvantages are the requirement of a skin graft to obtain wound closure and the cosmetic deformity. The lateral upper arm free flap is intended as alternative method for the fasciocutaneous tissue transfer. Based on our dissection of ten cadavers we demonstrate the anatomy of the flap, the harvesting technique, and present data of vascular pedicle length, vessel calibers, and flap size. The vessel calibers of the profund brachial artery (mean = 2.5 mm) and its terminal branch, the posterior radial collateral artery (mean = 1.8 mm), are comparable to the radial artery. The pedicle length can be extended up to 13 cm by using a lateral approach. The subcutaneous tissue volume was 1.3 cm in average, and compared to the radial flap rather thick. Because of its bulky and strong fascia, the lateral arm flap seems to be useful as a fasciafat flap in facial augmentation and as a fascia flap in soft tissue reconstruction. Disadvantageous are the difficult dissection technique and the loss of sensitivity on the lateral aspect of the forearm. Where a fasciocutaneous flap is indicated, we prefer the radial forearm flap.

Voluntary palatal tremor in two siblings.

We report two siblings with palatal tremor (PT) and ear clicks who can voluntarily elicit or suppress both PT and ear clicks by just "thinking" about starting or stopping the sounds. The patients were also able to voluntarily modulate the frequency of their ear clicks and PT. They did not have any signs of cerebellar, brain stem, or other neurologic disease. These familial palatal movements may represent a variant of palatal tremor but can not satisfactorily be classified as either symptomatic or essential PT.

[Plastic reconstructive surgery of soft palate defects--functional and oncological aspects]. / Plastische Rekonstruktion von Defekten im Bereich des weichen Gaumens--Funktionelle und onkologische Aspekte.

BACKGROUND: Resection of the soft palate in tumor surgery can lead to significant swallowing disorders. Therefore rehabilitation needs a functional reconstruction of the remaining defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In four years, nine patients received a partial removal, and six patients a total removal of the soft palate including adjacent parts of the oropharynx in six cases due to oropharyngeal carcinoma. Partial defects were reconstructed with a neurovascularized infrahyoidal muscle flap, total defects with fasciocutaneous flaps of the lateral arm, radial forearm or scapula region. The function of the new palate was evaluated by interview, cinematography, and pressure measurements of the pharynx. RESULTS: These investigations demonstrated proper swallowing without aspiration or regurgitation in all cases. Values of 60% of normal pressure behind the palate have been achieved after palate reconstruction with a pressure slope directed into the hypopharynx. Decannulation was possible on average 34 days postoperatively, removal of the feeding tube on average 29 days postoperatively. Now 87% of our patients are free of tumor after a mean observation time of 24 months. In light of the fact that two-thirds of all patients suffered from advanced carcinoma, results can be considered as good. This study shows good functional and oncologic results after tissue reconstruction of the soft palate.

[Clinical comparison between radial and lateral forearm flap]. / Klinischer Vergleich zwischen Radialis- und lateralem Oberarm-transplantat.

BACKGROUND: Free fasciocutaneous flap transplantation is a versatile method for soft tissue reconstruction. This clinical study points out differences between the radial forearm flap and the lateral arm flap. METHODS: We used the radial forearm flap in 36 patients following tumor ablation and in 11 patients we used the lateral arm flap for soft tissue reconstruction. We studied the arterial and venous vessel calibers of the flaps, the vessel pedicle length, and the size of the skin paddle. Motor and sensory function tests of the upper/ lower arm and hand were performed after surgery. Recipient and donor site morbidity was noted. RESULTS: Compared to the forearm flap the lateral arm flap is bulky (1-5 cm vs. 0.5-1.5 cm), its vessel calibers are smaller (Art.: 1.4 vs. 1.8 mm, Ven.: 1.8 vs. 2.0 mm), flap size and maximum vessel pedicle length (10 vs. 12 cm) are equal. Raising the lateral arm flap is more demanding and needs more time due to the deep location of the vessel pedicle and the accompanying radial nerve within the intermuscular septum. On the other hand the lateral arm flap is advantageous because of primary wound closure of the donor site. The donor site of the forearm flap had to be covered with skin graft in all cases. We found sensory deficits of the proximal lower arm in 50% after dissection of the lateral arm flap and in 14% on the distal lower arm and thumb joint after dissection of the radial forearm flap. CONCLUSIONS: Both transplants are fasciocutaneous and optional innervated, they offer a constant anatomy and can be harvested simultaneously without interference to the head and neck team. Because of the specific characteristics of these flaps we prefer the radial forearm flap for soft tissue reconstruction. We use the lateral upper arm flap, if a forearm flap cannot be harvested, for head or neck augmentation and for reconstruction of large and deep defects.

[Transplants from the shoulder-back region]. / Transplantate der Schulter-Rücken-Region.

BACKGROUND: In spacious or multilayered tissue losses and cases of multiple locations of defects, a large amount of tissue with different components such as skin, fatty tissue, and muscle is required for proper reconstruction. A donor area which can meet these demands is the shoulder-back region with the subscapular vessel, which arises from the axillary artery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report our clinical experience with 12 patients in whom we reconstructed defects with transplants from this region. RESULTS: Our anatomic investigation and measurements provided proof of a constant anatomy of the vessels with a length of the vascular pedicle and a vascular diameter suitable for microvascular anastomosis. Based on our clinical experience, the scapular, parascapular, and latissmus dorsi muscle transplants are very suitable for the reconstruction of very large superficial defects or for the augmentation of multilayered defects of the upper aerodigestive tract. CONCLUSIONS: A main advantage of the transplants from the shoulder and back region is the possibility of combining several transplants with a wide variety of tissue combinations with one vascular pedicle for a single-step reconstruction of multiple defects of the oral cavity and the pharynx.

[Electromyography of the infrahyoid muscles - part 1: normal findings]. / Elektromyographie der Infrahyoidalmuskulatur - Teil 1: Normalbefunde -

BACKGROUND: The infrahyoid muscles (IHM) are very useful as a neurovascular myofascial flap in plastic reconstructive surgery of the upper aerodigestive tract, especially for restoration of the muscular component in larger tongue defects. As a base for further postoperative investigations on the function of transferred IHM this first part of the study describes the physiological function and the electromyographical features of the IHM. METHODS: In 17 patients with cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract the sternohyoid and sternothyroid muscles and in additionally eight patients the upper part of the omohyoid muscle were studied electromyographically. Muscular activity was recorded at various movements and maximal voluntary innervation. In ten healthy volunteers the motor unit potentials (MUP) during light voluntary innervation of these muscles were studied. RESULTS: In both muscles we found the steadist and strongest muscular activity at isometric head bending and yaw opening, in the omohyoid muscle also at head rotation. At swallowing and breathing in (2/3) of the cases muscular activity could be recorded. Amplitudes and electromyographic charge pattern in comparison were diminished. Phonation und tongue movements showed no noticable muscular activity. Analysis of the MUP in 10 healthy volunteers showed a mean amplitude of 274 +/- 59 microV and a mean duration of 8.5 +/- 0.6 ms. CONCLUSIONS: The presented study demonstrates that EMG of the IHM are recorded best while head bending, yaw opening and head rotation. Since there is no interchange of nerve fibres between the hypoglossal nerve and the cervical ansa it should be possible to differentiate between original tongue muscles and transferred muscles in electromyographic studies of myofascial flaps after tongue reconstruction.