Sleep quality burden in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and its modulation by dupilumab.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is associated with a substantial burden on patients' quality of life and impaired sleep quality. The most common CRSwNP endotype is characterized by type 2 inflammation, with enhanced production of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody against IL-4 receptor-α, which inhibits both IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, and was recently approved for treatment of CRSwNP. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of dupilumab on the sleep quality of patients with CRSwNP in a real-life setting. METHODS: Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 1 and 3 months of dupilumab treatment by means of the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), insomnia severity index (ISI), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and sinonasal outcome test 22 (SNOT-22) sleep domain. RESULTS: A total of 29 consecutive patients were enrolled, and their baseline sleep quality assessment were as follows: ESS of 7.9 (± 4.5); ISI of 13.1 (± 6.2); PSQI of 9.2 (± 3.7); and SNOT-22 sleep domain of 12.1 (± 4.2). Excessive daily sleepiness, insomnia, and globally impaired sleep quality were present in 24.1%, 79.3%, and 93.1% respectively. Treatment with dupilumab was associated with significant improvement in ESS, ISI, PSQI, and SNOT-22 sleep domain with concomitant reduction of the proportion of patients with insomnia and globally impaired sleep quality. CONCLUSION: CRSwNP was associated with a significant impact on global sleep quality, in particular, insomnia, and treatment with dupilumab induced a rapid improvement (after 1 single month of treatment) in all the sleep quality parameters, suggesting that sleep disturbances should be more carefully evaluated as an additional outcome in these patients.

A randomized prospective comparative study on sinonasal morbidity and quality of life of transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery for pituitary adenomas: endonasal versus trans-septal approach.

PURPOSE: Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (Endonasal approach) is commonly used to treat pituitary adenomas. The extent of dissection possibly changes the anatomy and the physiology of the nasal cavities and could give rise to post-operative morbidity and the quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study was to investigate sinonasal morbidity and general QoL in patients who underwent surgery for treatment of pituitary adenoma, comparing Endonasal and endoscopic trans-septal transsphenoidal approach (Trans-septal approach). METHODS: A prospective observational study, recruiting 40 patients undergoing surgery for pituitary adenoma, 20 via Endonasal approach and 20 via Trans-septal approach at our institution. Surveys with Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22), Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS), and Short Form Health Survey 36 version 2 (SF-36v2) were obtained to collect QoL data pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: All the 40 patients completed the questionnaires. At 6 months postoperatively, the SNOT-22 and CSS score shows significant improvements both in Endonasal approach (p = 0.01) and in Trans-septal approach (p = 0.02). No significant difference in sinonasal morbidity is observed between the two groups for SNOT-22 (p = 0.13) and CSS scores, except for sinus headache (p = 0.49), with a better score in Endonasal approach. The mean SF-36v2 scores remain the same in pre- and post-operative periods, but an improvement in time is seen in general health (p = 0.027), and general health compared to one year ago (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery has negligible morbidity and does not negatively affect the nasal function in the long term. Endonasal approach and Trans-septal approach are comparable in terms of morbidity outcomes and general QoL, leaving the choice of the approach to the surgeon preference.

Airways Type-2 Related Disorders: Multiorgan, Systemic or Syndemic Disease?

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has recently undergone a significant paradigm shift, moving from a phenotypical classification towards an "endotype-based" definition that places more emphasis on clinical and therapeutic aspects. Similar to other airway diseases, like asthma, most cases of CRS in developed countries exhibit a dysregulated type-2 immune response and related cytokines. Consequently, the traditional distinction between upper and lower airways has been replaced by a "united airway" perspective. Additionally, type-2 related disorders extend beyond respiratory boundaries, encompassing conditions beyond the airways, such as atopic dermatitis. This necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. Moreover, consideration of possible systemic implications is crucial, particularly in relation to sleep-related breathing diseases like Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) and the alteration of systemic inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide. The trends in epidemiological, economic, and social burden are progressively increasing worldwide, indicating syndemic characteristics. In light of these insights, this narrative review aims to present the latest evidence on respiratory type-2 related disorders, with a specific focus on CRS while promoting a comprehensive perspective on the "united airways". It also introduces a novel concept: viewing these conditions as a multiorgan, systemic, and syndemic disease.

Compartmental Transoral Robotic Lateral Oropharyngectomy with the da Vinci Single-Port System: Surgical Technique.

BACKGROUND: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has renovated the surgical management of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), allowing a minimally invasive surgical approach with optimal oncological outcomes. The recent introduction of the da Vinci Single Port (SP) system resulted in a considerable improvement of TORS technique. METHODS: In this video, we illustrate the transoral robotic lateral oropharyngectomy performed with the da Vinci SP system in a 50-year-old male patient suffering from a p16+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma cT4N1M0. RESULTS: The transoral robotic lateral oropharyngectomy is illustrated step by step. The structures encountered during the resection are described, and the surgical margins are defined based on anatomical landmarks. The most critical regions encountered during resection are pointed out, and the tip and tricks of this surgery are reported. CONCLUSIONS: A step-by-step transoral lateral oropharyngectomy is described to increase its reproducibility. The da Vinci SP system owns various benefits for performing transoral lateral oropharyngectomy due to the increased maneuverability in the narrower oral cavity working spaces.

Preoperative systemic inflammatory markers as prognostic factors in differentiated thyroid cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation has been associated with tumor development and circulating inflammatory biomarkers have been proposed as possible predictors of recurrence of several solid tumors. However, the role of inflammation markers in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is still uncertain. OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aimed to assess the prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with DTC. METHODS: Studies investigating the association between survival and preoperative circulating inflammatory markers in DTC patients were included. The primary outcome was disease-free survival (DFS). Cumulative logarithms of the hazard ratio (log-HRs) with 95% CI were calculated through the inverse variance method using a random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 7599 patients with a mean age of 48.89 (95% CI 44.16-53.63) were included. The estimated pooled log-HRs for DFS were 0.07 for NLR (95% CI -0.12-0.26; p = 0.43), -0.58 for LMR (95% CI -1.21-0.05; p = 0.06), and 0.01 (95% CI 0-0.01; p = 0.21) for PLR. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis showed no association between NLR, PLR, LMR and DFS in DTC; however, more prospective data are needed to better define the association between inflammatory status and prognosis of DTC.

High-definition 3D exoscope-assisted tonsillectomy.

Tonsillectomy is one of the most frequent surgical procedures performed by ENT surgeons. The high-definition 3D exoscope showed to be a promising tool to substitute the operating microscope in performing microsurgical procedures. However, transoral surgery might represent an innovative application of this visualization and magnification tool. In this video, a bilateral tonsillectomy was performed entirely under exoscopic visualization by an ENT resident. The high-definition 3D exoscope allowed to conduct the procedure with higher precision, with potential benefits in terms of complications and postoperative pain. Moreover, the use of the exoscope demonstrated important benefit from the educational perspective, allowing the senior surgeon to continuously monitor the resident without interruptions and position changes. The exoscopic-assisted tonsillectomy is a valuable alternative to conventional transoral procedures, and the superiority of this technique should be further investigated in cohort studies.

Functional outcomes of soft palate reconstruction after oncologic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze functional outcomes of soft palate reconstruction after oncologic surgery. METHODS: This study was conducted in conformity with the PRISMA statement. A single arm meta-analysis was performed for feeding tube dependence (FTD) (primary outcome), velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) and hypernasality (HN) (secondary outcomes) incidences. RESULTS: A total of 510 patients (males: 77.75%, n = 353/454) with a median age of 58 years (n = 480/510; 95% CI 57.0-61.0) who underwent soft palate surgical resection with primary reconstruction were included. Overall, the cumulative FTD rate was 1.55% (n = 28/510; 95% CI 0.24-3.96%), the VPI rate was 22.18% (n = 119/379; 95% CI 12.99-33.02%), and the HN rate was 33.01% (n = 88/234; 95% CI 19.03-46.61%). CONCLUSIONS: Soft palate reconstruction results in a low incidence of FTD, and most patients resume a full oral diet. Both obturators, primary closure, local and free flaps seem good reconstructive options. Nevertheless, more specific postoperative functional deficiencies like VPI and HN owns higher incidences, potentially affecting the quality of the swallowing and speaking function and the patient's quality of life.

Oncological outcomes of cervical esophageal cancer treated primarily with surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine the oncological outcomes of cervical esophageal cancer (CEC) treated primarily with surgery. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 868 patients were included from 18 studies. Estimated pooled Overall Survival (OS) rates (95% Confidence Interval, CI) at 1 and 5 years were 74.4% (66.5-83.3), and 26.6% (20.3-34.7), respectively. Larynx non-preserving surgery (n = 229) showed an estimated pooled OS rates (95% CI) at 1 and 5 years of 59.3% (51.5-68.2) and 14.6% (8.8-24.3), respectively. On the other hand, larynx preserving surgery (n = 213) showed an estimated pooled OS rates (95% CI) at 1 and 5 years of 83.6% (78.2-89.4) and 35.1% (24.9-49.6), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Primary larynx-preserving surgery remains a valuable option for the management of CEC, with similar survival outcomes compared to primary chemoradiotherapy (CRT). On the other hand, larynx non-preserving surgery showed a significantly reduced survival, that may reflect the more advanced T classification of these tumors. Further studies are mandatory to directly compare primary surgery and primary CRT, distinguishing larynx preserving and non-preserving surgery.

Complications of pectoralis major myo-cutaneous flap, anterolateral thigh flap and radial forearm free flap after total laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: No consensus exists regarding the most effective reconstruction after total laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy (TLwPP). This study aims to compare different reconstructive techniques (pectoralis major myo-cutaneous flap, PMMCF; anterolateral thigh flap, ALTF; radial forearm free flap, RFFF) after TLwPP in terms of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF), stenosis and feeding tube dependence (FTD) incidence. METHODS: The Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched. A single-arm meta-analysis was performed for PCF incidence, stenosis incidence, and FTD incidence on the entire cohort. An arm-based network analysis was conducted to compare three different surgical interventions (PMMCF, ALTF, RFFF). RESULTS: A total of 13 studies and 232 patients were included in the network meta-analysis. The lowest PCF absolute risk was measured for the RFFF (11.7%, 95% CI: 2.8%-33.4%), compared to the ALTF (13.4%, 95% CI: 4.5%-32.1%) and the PMMC (49.0%, 95% CI: 19.2%-79.3%). The RFFF showed a stenosis absolute risk of 0.0% (95% CI: 0.0%-1.1%), while a higher stenosis incidence was measured for the ALTF (5.7%, 95% CI: 0.8%-25.2%) and the PMMCF (11.6%, 95% CI: 0.8%-55.1%). The RFFF showed the lowest absolute risk of FTD incidence (6.8%, 95% CI: 0.5%-28.1%) compared to the other reconstructive techniques (PMMCF: 12.4%, 95% CI: 2.4%-42.1%; ALTF: 17.5%, 95% CI: 6.4%-38.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The RFFF seems the best choice for reconstruction of partial pharyngeal defects after TLwPP due to the lower incidence of PCF, stenosis and FTD compared to the ALTF and the PMMCF.

High-Definition 3D Exoscope in Thyroid Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The high-definition 3D exoscope is an innovative and promising tool that was recently introduced in the clinical practice. It may be used during open surgical procedures to enhance the ability to perform precise dissection of fine structures. We describe our preliminary experience with the 3D exoscope in thyroid surgery, discussing potential advantages of this system. METHODS: A high-definition 3D exoscope (3D VITOM®) mounted on the VERSACRANETM holding system (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) was used to perform open thyroid surgery. RESULTS: The 3D exoscope was used in three patients without significant intra-operative delay or complications. Both thyroidectomy and central compartment dissection were performed. The 3D exoscope allows to perform precise dissection in the identification and preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the parathyroid glands. CONCLUSIONS: 3D exoscope-assisted thyroid surgery seems to be feasible and safe. Further studies should be encouraged to analyze potential clinical benefit in the post-operative period.

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Continuous Noninvasive Monitoring of Free Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction: Systematic Review of the Literature and Personal Experience.

BACKGROUND: Buried free flaps represent a reconstructive challenge concerning monitoring of vitality, which is fundamental for an early detection of flap failure and prompt surgical salvage. Many flap monitoring techniques have been developed over time, and there is still no consensus concerning the best monitoring technique for buried reconstructions. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the literature on NIRS monitoring for head and neck free flaps. Moreover, we presented a case of orbital reconstruction through a buried free myo-fascial anterolateral tight flap (ALTF) in which postoperative monitoring was performed by means of NIRS. RESULTS: Four studies were included with a total of 200 monitored head and neck free flap reconstructions. Flap survival was reported in 96.5% of studies (n = 193/200) with a 3.5% of total flap failure rate (n = 7/200). We monitored the buried myo-fascial ALTF for 7 post-operative days measuring a regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) ranging from 55% to 72% (mean = 66%). CONCLUSIONS: This device appeared to be an efficient choice for monitoring buried flaps, thanks to its ability to measure tissue perfusion deep under the skin, to the continuous availability of recorded data on the monitor, and to its low impact on the patient. Further prospective studies are advised in order to standardize this monitoring technique and define warning values.

Applications of Co2 laser in endoscopic surgery for sinonasal neoplasms.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to assess safety, effectiveness, and potential advantages of CO2 fiber laser during endoscopic endonasal surgery for the resection of sinonasal neoplasms. We present text, images, and videos to show our experience with this new device recently introduced in endoscopic endonasal surgery and as a potential tool for educational purpose. METHODS: Six patients affected by benign or malignant sinonasal tumors who underwent endoscopic resection between January and May 2021 were enrolled in the study. Surgical approach was conducted via standardized centripetal endonasal technique. During the surgery we evaluated instrument ergonomics, quality in section on both healthy tissue and tumor, coagulation, and bleeding control from major vessels. RESULTS: In our experience, CO2 fiber laser has proved to have good ergonomics, as well as to be a safe and effective tool for the resection of both neoplastic and healthy tissues. Cauterization was efficient only in vessels with average diameter lower than 1 cm. Prolonged procedural time, costs, and necessity of learning-curve and expertise are possible drawbacks. CONCLUSION: Co2-fiber laser is an effective tool which can aid the surgeon during endoscopic endonasal approach to sinonasal neoplasms.

Association between human papillomavirus infection and malignant transformation of sinonasal inverted papilloma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Although sinonasal inverted papilloma malignant transformation has not been entirely understood, some studies have suggested that human papillomavirus acts as a potential oncogenic agent in the progression of sinonasal inverted papilloma to squamous cell carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between human papillomavirus infection and sinonasal inverted papilloma transformation, taking also into account human papillomavirus types and their distribution in different geographic areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature from the last 25 years was examined. The systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 163 malignant sinonasal inverted papilloma and 961 non-malignant sinonasal inverted papilloma were included in the overall analysis. From this sample it was possible to recognize a statistically significant increase in risk of malignancy of sinonasal inverted papilloma for human papillomavirus infection (OR = 2.43, 95 % CI: 1.45-4.08, I2 = 14.0 %). A positive association for patients with high-risk human papillomavirus types was noted (OR = 10.20, 95 % CI: 3.66-28.42, I2 = 15.9 %). In all the 3 geographical areas analyzed the presence of high-risk human papillomavirus significantly increased the probability of malignant transformation. CONCLUSIONS: High-risk human papillomavirus infection plays a key role in the malignant transformation of sinonasal inverted papilloma and its research during histological examination can be of paramount importance. More prospective studies are needed to help further tease out this association.

Clinical outcome and quality of life of lacrimal sac mucocele treated via endoscopic posterior approach.

OBJECTIVE: Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the surgical treatment for lacrimal sac mucoceles (LSM), yet variants of the procedure are several. Since LSM causes bone remodeling and thinning, especially of the lacrimal bone, osteotomy at that site is reasonably the easiest. The aim of the study is to support treatment of LSM via a posterior DCR approach, in a large cohort of cases, and report patients' quality of life after the procedure with validated questionnaires. METHODS: Single-center observational retrospective study on a specific methodology (endoscopic-DCR via posterior approach). Consecutive patients with LSM were enrolled in 2008-2020; CT scans were reviewed, bone thickness was measured bilaterally and compared. Resolution of mucocele, epiphora and infection were analyzed after 6-months. Patients were administered the Munk Score and Lacrimal Symptom Questionnaire (Lac-Q). Statistical analysis was done to compare bone thickness between the two sides; descriptive analysis of the questionnaires results was presented. RESULTS: Forty-four patients with LSM were enrolled. The LSM side showed frontal process thickness of 4.00 ± 1.06 mm (vs 3.90 ± 1.03 on the unaffected side; p = 0.23) and a lacrimal bone of 0.32 ± 0.12 mm (vs 0.41 ± 0.12; p < 0.001). Resolution of infection was achieved in 97.4% cases, anatomical patency in 87.2%. After 5 years, 84.6% of patients reported no relevant epiphora (Munk score 0-1). Social impact (Lac-Q) due to lacrimal malfunctioning was still noted in 30.8% patients. CONCLUSIONS: Adult LSM is a rare condition and DCR remains the mainstay of treatment. LSM physiopathology may support a preferred surgical choice via a posterior approach. Despite objective patency, some lacrimal way malfunctioning may be experienced in a minority of cases.

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of larynx and hypopharynx: a systematic review and pooled analysis.

PURPOSE: To define the oncologic outcomes and the prognostic factors of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC). METHODS: A systematic review and individual patient data analysis were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 41 patients (males: 37; mean age: 63.1, standard deviation: 10.0) were included. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 36.0 months (interquartile range, IQR: 11.5-73.5), while the median overall survival (OS) time was 96 months (IQR: 39.0-120.0). Estimated disease-specific survival (DSS) rates (95% Confidence Interval, CI; number still at risk) at 1, 3, and 5 years were 94.4% (79.5-98.6; 31), 82.7% (62.7-92.5; 21), and 78.1% (56.8-89.7; 13), respectively. Estimated disease-free survival (DFS) rates (95% CI; number still at risk) at 1, 3, and 5 years were 92.1% (77.4-97.4; 31), 74.9% (55.6-86.8; 21), and 66.6% (46.1-80.8; 13), respectively. Patients undergoing primary surgery had a reduced chance of death from cancer than patients receiving primary radiotherapy (5-year DSS 85.6 vs. 56.2%; p = 0.04), while EBV positivity tend to be a negative prognostic factor (5-year DSS 100 vs. 66.7%; p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal LEC is a rare disease with favorable survival. Further prospective multicenter studies are needed to make a reliable statement on prognosis and outcome, stratifying patients for different therapy regimens and tumor stages.

Surgical prevention of pharyngocutaneous fistula in salvage total laryngectomy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of different reconstructive techniques in preventing pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after salvage total laryngectomy (STL). METHODS: An arm-based network analysis was conducted using a Bayesian hierarchical model according to the PRISMA-NMA guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 1694 patients with a median age of 64 years (n = 1569, 95% CI: 62-66 years) were included. If compared to primary pharyngeal closure alone, only a pedicled flap onlay (PFO) showed a statistically significant reduction in PCF rate (OR: 0.35, CI: 0.20-0.61). PFO seemed to perform better than other treatments according to the rank probabilities test (39.9% chance of ranking first). CONCLUSIONS: A pedicled flap placed with an overlay technique might be preferred over a patch reconstruction to prevent PCF after STL.

3D-4K exoscope-assisted temporal bone dissection: a new frontier in surgical training.

PURPOSE: To assess if 3D-4K exoscope is a valuable tool for temporal bone dissection and to evaluate its teaching potential. METHODS: Six consecutive 3D-4K-exoscope-assisted cortical mastoidectomies were performed by a novice, an intermediate and an expert surgeon (two dissections each). All dissections were entirely recorded and later evaluated independently by three other experienced surgeons. The dissection end-product was evaluated according to the Melbourne Mastoidectomy Scale (MMS). Paired t test was used to assess whether novice and intermediate surgeons have a score improvement in the second dissection compared to the first one. Surgeons' interactions, depth effect, and 3D impression were also assessed to perform a subjective analysis. RESULTS: Mean MMS scores for the novice, intermediate and expert surgeon were 11.3 ± 2.8, 13.8 ± 3.9 and 19 ± 1.3, respectively. Paired t test demonstrated a statically significant improvement between the first and the second dissection both for the novice and the intermediate surgeon (+ 4.7 and + 7 points; p = 0.0002). A high-quality magnification of the temporal bone was obtained, allowing the expert surgeon to identify all the anatomical structures without injuring them. The exoscope was capable of providing a high involvement in the dissections with very effective interactions between the expert surgeon and the trainees, that had access to the same surgical field view. CONCLUSION: 3D-4K-exoscope resulted adequate for a safe and effective mastoidectomy and showed a high potential for training and educational purposes. It can represent a valid option for surgical training of temporal bone dissection and a new interactive tool to understand the complex temporal bone anatomy.

Discrepancies between UICC and AJCC TNM classifications for oral cavity tumors in the 8th editions and following versions.

PURPOSE: To underline discrepancies between the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) classifications in oral cavity cancer. METHODS: Comparison between the UICC and AJCC TNM classifications of oral cavity cancer in their 8th editions and following versions. RESULTS: The most important update was the introduction of the depth of infiltration (DOI), which reflects the proximity of the tumor to the underlying lymphovascular tissues and was associated to the presence of nodal metastases. Since the first publication of the 8th edition of the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual on March 30, 2017, two further versions have been published, while the UICC TNM classification was left unchanged until a document containing modifications to the 8th edition of the UICC TNM Classification of Malignant Tumours was published online on October 6, 2020. CONCLUSION: Different versions of the TNM classification can be confounding for the scientific community. Citing the 8th edition of the UICC TNM Classification of Malignant Tumours or the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual without specifying the precise version used for classification may be insufficient. Clinicians and researchers are invited to always refer to the latest update of each classification.

Long-standing gustatory and olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to describe recovery of gustatory dysfunction (GD) and olfactory dysfunction (OD) in COVID-19 patients, and to analyze variables associated with early or late recovery. METHODS: Telephone surveys were administered during an 18-month follow-up after COVID-19 diagnosis. One hundred and thirty-two included patients rated olfactory and gustatory function at each follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-nine patients reported GD, of whom 91 (70.5%) reported severe GD, and 99 patients reported OD, of whom 84 (84.9%) reported severe OD. Seventy-two/129 (55.8%) and 52/99 (52.5%) patients reported an improvement in GD and in OD during the first 7 days from the onset, respectively. At 3-month follow-up, 110/120 patients (85.3%) recovered from GD, while 80/99 patients (80.8%) recovered from OD. At 18-month follow-up, a total of 120/129 patients (93.0%) recovered from GD and 86/99 patients (86.9%) recovered from OD; while 10 patients (7.0%) still reported GD and 13 patients (13.1%) still reported OD. Severe GD/OD at presentation were associated with late complete recovery of taste/smell (p = 0.019 and p = 0.034, respectively). Improvement over the first 7 days from onset was significantly associated with faster recovery (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: More than 80% of patients reported complete recovery of olfactory/gustatory function in the first 3 months after symptom onset. At 18-month follow-up, patients reporting complete recovery of gustatory and olfactory function were 93% and 87%, respectively. Severity of chemosensory dysfunction at the onset was negatively correlated to recovery, and improvement of taste and/or smell function within the first 7 days from symptom onset was significantly associated with early resolution.

Open partial horizontal laryngectomy for T2-T3-T4a laryngeal cancer: oncological outcomes and prognostic factors of two Italian hospitals.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyse the oncologic results of open partial horizontal laryngectomy (OPHL) and to assess the prognostic factors that could affect the survival of patients affected by T2, T3 and T4a laryngeal cancer. Using this data, we aim to identify clinical criteria to select patients amenable to conservative surgery, and to facilitate a more targeted approach in the management of advanced laryngeal cancer. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in patients who underwent OPHL type II for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma from January 2005 to December 2018. We analysed a total of 170 patients; 21(12.36%) cases were staged as pT2, 116 (68.23%) as pT3 and 33 (19.41%) as pT4a. RESULTS: Five-year overall survival (OS) was 80.9%, 79.3%, 70.4% for T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Disease-specific survival (DSS) was 90.4%, 85.3% and 77.4%. Posterior tumour extension, perineural invasion and N status showed to considerably influence survival in both uni- and multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: The oncological outcomes from our study show that OPHL for advanced laryngeal cancer can guarantee a high percentage of success. Accurate patient selection is of utmost importance to differentiate advanced disease amenable to conservative surgery, and treatment options should consider selected criteria based on tumour and patient features.