The limitation of risk factors as a means of prognostication in auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder of perinatal onset.

OBJECTIVE: The management of hearing loss due to auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) in neonates and infants is challenging because speech and language development prognosis cannot be directly inferred from early audiometric hearing thresholds. Consequently, appropriate intervention with hearing aids or cochlear implantation (CI) can be delayed. Our objective was to determine whether any features of patient history could be used to identify CI candidates with ANSD at an earlier age. METHOD: A database was maintained over 11 years to monitor cases of perinatal onset ANSD. Risk factors associated with the perinatal time period considered pertinent to hearing outcomes were assessed, including prematurity, birth weight, APGAR score, ototoxic drugs, and hyperbilirubinemia. Children with cochlear nerve aplasia and genetic mutations were excluded. Hearing outcome was determined according to mode of auditory rehabilitation beyond 30 months of age: A) no hearing device; B) hearing aid; C) CI. RESULTS: Of twenty-eight children with ANSD, nine (32%) had behavioural thresholds and language development sufficient to require no assistive device, 9 (32%) were fitted with hearing aids and 10 (36%) had CIs. The average age at CI (3.45 ± 2.07 years) was significantly older than the age at CI of other children in our program with prelingual hearing loss (2.05 ± 1.14 years; p = 0.01 Mann-Witney U Test). None of the putative risk factors for hearing loss reliably predicted the need for subsequent CI. CONCLUSION: The small sample size in this study is sufficient to confirm that clinical history alone does not reliably predict which young children with perinatal-onset ANSD will require CI. Consequently, timing for CI remains delayed in these children, potentially affecting speech and language outcome. The pathogenesis of perinatal-onset ANSD remains undetermined and novel means of assessment are required for prognostication in affected infants.

Preoperative biopsy in parotid malignancies: Variation in use and impact on surgical margins.

OBJECTIVES: Determine rate of preoperative biopsy in parotid malignancies, identify factors associated with its use, and its association with surgical margins. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Commission on Cancer-Accredited Institutions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We included 5533 patients treated surgically for a parotid malignancy 2004-2014 in the National Cancer Database. Chi-squared tests, univariable, and multivariable logistic regressions were used to evaluate predictors of preoperative biopsy (defined as needle, aspiration, or incisional), and associate biopsy with surgical margins. RESULTS: Preoperative biopsy was utilized in 26.0% of patients. Biopsy was more likely in patients >60 years (odds ratio [OR]: 1.19, P = .035), advanced clinical T stage (vs. T1,T2 OR: 1.23, P = .009; T3 OR: 1.26, P = .026; T4A OR: 2.05, P < .001), advanced clinical N stage (vs. N0, N1: OR: 1.39, P = .013; N2/3: OR: 1.63, P < .001), in academic centers (OR: 1.18, P < .024), and in higher volume centers (vs. low, medium OR: 1.28, P = .002; high OR: 2.16, P < .001). Biopsy use increased over time (vs. 2004-2006, 2007-2010 OR: 1.20, P = .047; 2011-2014 OR: 1.39, P < .001). Biopsy was associated with a reduced risk of positive margins in patients with clinical T1 stage (OR: 0.70, P = .012), and younger than 61 (OR: 0.79, P = .036). CONCLUSION: The national rate of preoperative biopsy in parotid malignancy is low at 26.0%, but has increased over time. Preoperative biopsy is associated with a reduced risk of positive margins in younger patients and those with early clinical stage, suggesting its increased use may improve surgical outcomes and decrease reoperation or adjuvant therapy in these subgroups of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 130:1450-1458, 2020.

Assessing functional outcomes in head and neck surgical oncology.

BACKGROUND: A reliable method of measuring functional outcomes is essential to inform treatment decisions in head and neck cancer. METHODS: Members of the American Head and Neck Society were surveyed regarding their use of functional outcome assessment tools. Qualitative statistical analysis was performed to identify major tools used and to clarify obstacles to functional outcome assessment. A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify available tools. RESULTS: A total of 142 surgeons were surveyed. 44.12% of respondents use at least 1 tool to assess functional outcomes. The most frequently used tools were modified barium swallow, MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory, and functional endoscopic evaluation of swallow (FEES). 72.65% of respondents reported barriers to assessment, most frequently a lack of support to administer the tests or to collect, apply or analyze the results. Review of the literature revealed 173 available tools. CONCLUSIONS: Although a wide variety of validated tools are available in the literature to assess functional outcomes after head and neck surgery, major obstacles to their use persist. The lack of a standard measure that is practical and transferable continues to impair research progression in this field.

HPV status in unknown primary head and neck cancer: Prognosis and treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Approximately 3% to 9% of head and neck cancer presents with a metastatic node and no identifiable primary tumor. These cases of head and neck carcinoma of unknown primary (HNCUP) present a therapeutic challenge. Therapy of this disease varies based on factors such as institutional, surgeon, and patient preference. Evidence demonstrating the outcomes associated with these therapies for HNCUP is limited, and among the available series, the tumor human papillomavirus (HPV) status is often ignored. Treatment deintensification has been proposed for a subset of these patients. We aim to evaluate the treatment-related outcomes for HPV-associated and HPV-negative HNCUP. METHODS: A retrospective study of 978 adult HNCUP diagnosed from 2010 to 2013 in the NCDB was conducted. Multivariate Cox survival regressions as well as univariate Kaplan-Meier analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Patients with HPV-associated disease had superior survival, with a 3-year survival of 94.8% (standard error [SE]: 1.0), compared with 80.3% (SE: 2.9) among those with HPV-negative disease. Among HPV-negative patients with clinical nodal classification (cN)2/cN3 disease, treatment with definitive radiotherapy alone compared to definitive chemoradiotherapy was associated with diminished survival (hazard ratio 5.507, P = 0.005). Among patients with HPV-associated cancer and cN2/cN3 disease, all treatments (surgery alone, surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy, surgery with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, definitive chemoradiotherapy, definitive radiotherapy) resulted in statistically equivalent survival. CONCLUSION: Tumor HPV status has a significant prognostic value for HNCUP and should be considered in future studies of treatment deintensification in this group. Treatment deintensification to radiotherapy alone in cN2/cN3 cases may result in poorer patient survival for HPV-negative patients, whereas it may be a promising option for further investigation in HPV-positive patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:684-691, 2019.

Adjuvant Chemotherapy Is Associated With Improved Survival for Late-Stage Salivary Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Salivary squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) represent a unique disease entity because many are thought to represent metastases from primary cutaneous malignancies. Nevertheless, they represent a significant proportion of parotid gland cancers and have a notably poor prognosis. Recently, there has been controversy regarding the utility of adjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of these malignancies, with most studies concluding that there is no survival benefit. We aim to determine the outcomes associated with the use of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of early- and late-stage salivary SCC. METHODS: A retrospective study of 2,285 of surgically resected adult salivary SCC diagnosed from 2004 to 2014 in the National Cancer Database was conducted. Patients were divided into early- (I/II) and late-stage (III/IV) groups. Demographic, facility, tumor, and survival variables were included in the analyses. Multivariate Cox survival regressions, propensity-score matched analyses, and univariate Kaplan-Meier analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The use of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for late-stage patients was associated with improved survival compared to the use of adjuvant radiotherapy alone (hazard ratio [HR] 0.774, P = 0.026). Five-year survival for late-stage patients treated with surgery alone, surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy, and surgery with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy was 31.1% (standard error [SE]: 2.5), 45.6% (SE: 2.2), and 58.9% (SE: 3.4). Use of adjuvant therapy (either chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy alone) was associated with improved survival for early-stage patients (HR 0.746, P = 0.037). CONCLUSION: The addition of chemotherapy to the adjuvant therapy of late-stage patients with salivary SCC may result in improved long-term survival. Expanded use of adjuvant therapy for early-stage disease may also improve patient outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:883-889, 2019.

Gender disparities in head and neck cancer chemotherapy clinical trials participation and treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the representation of women in clinical trials directing the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for chemotherapy use in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), as well as the relationship between gender and chemotherapy administration in the definitive treatment of HNSCC in the United States. METHODS: A review of all HNSCC chemotherapy clinical trials cited by the 2018 NCCN guidelines was performed. Sex-based proportions were compared with the corresponding proportions in the general U.S. population of patients with HNSCC between 1985 and 2015, derived from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. A second analysis using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), identified 63,544 adult patients diagnosed with stages III-IVB HNSCC between 2004 and 2014 and treated with definitive radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of chemotherapy administration. RESULTS: While women comprised 26.2% of U.S. patients with HNSCC between 1985 and 2015, they comprised only 17.0% of patients analyzed in U.S. NCCN-cited chemotherapy clinical trials between 1985 and 2017. On multivariable analysis, women had decreased odds of receiving chemotherapy (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.875; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.821-0.931; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Women are underrepresented in HNSCC chemotherapy clinical trials cited by the national guidelines. Additionally, women are less likely than men to receive definitive chemoradiotherapy as oppose to definitive radiotherapy. Reasons for these disparities warrant further investigation as well as re-evaluation of eligibility criteria and enrollment strategies, in order to improve relevance of clinical trials to women with HNSCC.

Intraoperative cardiac arrest etiologies in head and neck surgery: A comprehensive review.

BACKGROUND: The etiologies of intraoperative cardiac arrest within otolaryngology are not well understood as they are rare events. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the etiologies and corresponding pathophysiologic neural mechanisms of intraoperative cardiac arrest in otolaryngologic surgery are examined. RESULTS: The occurrence of this rare complication has been described in a range of head and neck procedures, including but not limited to suspension laryngoscopy and oncologic resections in the neck, maxilla and thyroid. Three anatomically distinct pathways leading to intraoperative cardiac arrest are described: direct vagal stimulation, the trigeminocardiac reflex and the baroreceptor reflex. All three share the final common pathway of parasympathetic signaling to the sinoatrial node via the cardiac fibers of the vagus nerve. CONCLUSION: With a firm understanding of the mechanistic underpinning of this rare phenomenon, otolaryngologic surgeons can be better prepared for its occurrence.

Sex differences in patients with high risk HPV-associated and HPV negative oropharyngeal and oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated head and neck cancer is now recognized as a distinct clinical entity from HPV-negative tumors, which are primarily associated with tobacco and alcohol exposure.Little is known, however, about the behavior of HPV-associated oropharynx (OP) and oral cavity (OC) SCCs as two distinct cancers and how sex affects the overall survival (OS) in these two cancers. The objective of our study is to determine if sex is associated with overall survival (OS) in patients with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) in the oropharynx and oral cavity sites. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study using a national database. Data were extracted from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) of patients diagnosed with OP or OC SCC from 2010 to 2014. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were conducted with chi-square tests, Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards multivariable modeling. RESULTS: A total of 30,707 patients (13,694 OP HPV-associated, 7933 OP HPV-, 1220 OC HPV-associated, 7860 OC HPV-) were identified. In all four groups, women tended to be older and have lower T and N clinical classification than men. Though there were no significant differences in OS between the sexes in OP HPV-associated cancers, female sex was associated with worse OS in OP HPV- cancers (HR: 1.15; 95% CI 1.04-1.28, p = 0.004), whereas it was associated with improved OS in OC HPV-associated and HPV- cancers (HPV-associated: HR: 0.71; 95% CI 0.50-0.99, p = 0.048; HPV-: HR: 0.87; 95% CI 0.78-0.95, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The effect of sex on OS in OC and OP SCC appears to vary based on tumor location and HPV status. While the source of this difference in prognostic association is unclear, it may be related to an emerging difference in the biology of HPV carcinogenesis in these locations.

Association of Human Papillomavirus Status at Head and Neck Carcinoma Subsites With Overall Survival.

Importance: Data are limited on the prognostic value of human papillomavirus (HPV) status for head and neck carcinoma subsites. Objective: To determine whether HPV positivity at each head and neck subsite is associated with improved overall survival. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective population-based cohort study used the National Cancer Database to identify patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2014. Patients were classified according to the location of their primary malignancy into 1 of the 6 main subsites of the upper aerodigestive tract: oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, and sinonasal tract. Patients were also classified by their HPV status. Data collection for this study took place from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2014. Data analysis was conducted from August 1, 2017, to September 30, 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures: The difference in 5-year overall survival between patients with HPV-positive status and those with HPV-negative status in various head and neck carcinoma subsites; the role of HPV status in an unadjusted Cox multivariate regression model. Results: Of the 175 223 total number of patients identified (129 634 [74.0%] male; 45 589 [26.0%] female; mean [SD] age, 63.1 [11.9] years), 133 273 (76.1%) were ineligible and 41 950 (23.9%) were included in the sample. This sample included 16 644 patients (39.7%) with HPV-positive tumors and 25 306 (60.3%) with HPV-negative tumors. Patients with an HPV-positive status were more likely to be younger, be white, be male, present with local T category tumors, and have poor differentiation on histologic examination. HPV-positive status was associated with survival at 4 tumor subsites: oral cavity (hazard ratio [HR], 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66-0.87), oropharynx (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.41-0.47), hypopharynx (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.45-0.77), and larynx (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.59-0.85). The HPV status was the greatest factor in survival outcome between the HPV-positive and -negative cohorts at the oropharynx subsite (77.6% vs 50.7%; survival difference, 26.9%; 95% CI, 25.6%-28.2%) and hypopharynx subsites (52.2% vs 28.8%; survival difference, 23.4%; 95% CI, 17.5%-29.3%). For the nasopharynx (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.75-1.42) and sinonasal tract (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.39-1.01) subsites, HPV-positive status was not an independent prognostic factor. Conclusions and Relevance: Human papillomavirus positivity was associated with improved survival in 4 subsites (oropharynx, hypopharynx, oral cavity, and larynx), and the largest survival difference was noted in the oropharynx and hypopharynx subsites. In the nasopharynx and sinonasal tract subsites, HPV positivity had no association with overall survival. Given these results, routine testing for HPV at the oropharynx, hypopharynx, oral cavity, and larynx subsites may be warranted.

Risk factors for thirty-day readmission following flap reconstruction of oncologic defects of the head and neck.

OBJECTIVES: Unplanned 30-day readmission rate following hospital discharge is an important metric of healthcare quality. This study sought to characterize the rate, risk factors, and common causes of readmission in head and neck cancer patients following free or pedicled flap reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Charts were reviewed of all patients who underwent free or pedicled flap reconstruction following resection of head and neck cancer at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary 2009 to 2014. Readmission risk factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Of 682 patients with free (76%) or pedicled flap reconstruction, 135 patients (19.8%) were readmitted. Factors not associated with readmission included age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, operative time, prior radiation therapy, primary cancer site, and free (vs. pedicled) flap type. Significant readmission risk factors included surgical site infections (SSI) (45.2% vs. 9.9%), use of hardware (18.5% vs. 11.3%), and clean-contaminated or contaminated surgery (15.2% vs. clean 8.2%). Surgical site infections (P < 0.001) and use of hardware (P = 0.03) remained predictive of readmission on multiple regression analysis. Primary reasons for readmission included wound complications (61.5%) and supportive care (15.6%). The median time to readmission was 8 days, and 41% of readmissions occurred within 1 week. Seventy percent of readmissions occurred within 2 weeks, including 77% of readmissions for SSIs and 86% for supportive care. CONCLUSION: Readmissions occurred in nearly one-fifth of patients following flap surgery. SSIs and use of hardware were risk factors, whereas wound complications were the most common cause of readmission. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 128:343-349, 2018.

Robotic epiglottopexy for severe epiglottic prolapse limiting decannulation.

Surgical management of supraglottic collapse at the level of the epiglottis limiting decannulation has historically consisted of placement of epiglottopexy sutures which are technically challenging and often unsuccessful. Herein we describe the use of robotic technology to assist with epiglottopexy for a case of a 9 year old child with severe epiglottic petiole prolapse limiting capping and decannulation. Postoperatively the patient is tolerating capping during waking hours.

Predicting Microsurgical Aptitude.

OBJECTIVE: Microscopic techniques are an essential part of otolaryngologic practice. These procedures demand advanced psychomotor and visuospatial skills, and trainees possess these abilities to varying degrees. No method currently exists to predict who will possess an aptitude for microscopic surgery. Our goal was to determine whether performance can be predicted by background experiences or skills. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary academic hospital. SUBJECTS: Students with no previous surgical experience. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were surveyed on a wide range characteristics thought to affect surgical aptitude, with a primary focus on video gaming and musical training. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Subjects performed a microsurgical task using a novel simulator and their performance was assessed by blinded investigators. RESULTS: Forty-six students were assessed. There was no correlation between video gaming and improved microsurgical performance. Rather, video gamers obtained worse scores, although this difference did not reach significance. The majority of students played a musical instrument. Within this group, musicians who began playing at younger ages obtained higher scores, with the highest scores obtained by musicians who began playing before age 6. However, musicians did not obtain higher scores than non-musicians, regardless of their age of initiation. CONCLUSIONS: No improvement in microsurgical aptitude was seen in subjects who had a history of video gaming or musical instrument playing.

The management of acute mastoiditis in children with cochlear implants: saving the device.

OBJECTIVE: Early treatment of profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss with cochlear implantation has become routine, resulting in an increased proportion of children implanted at younger ages. These children are at a relatively high risk for acute otitis media (AOM), and are more likely to develop mastoiditis in the implanted ear. Despite the significant risks associated with mastoiditis, including compromise of the implant, there are no specific guidelines on the management of this population. We propose a treatment algorithm emphasizing early but conservative operative intervention. METHODS: A retrospective chart review included eight patients, who experienced mastoiditis, in the context of cochlear implantation at our center from August 2005 to November 2012. During this period 806 implant surgeries were completed. RESULTS: The median age at which mastoiditis occurred was 37 months, and the mean time from implantation to mastoiditis was 9.56 months. All patients underwent drainage of the middle ear in conjunction with intravenous antibiotics, and two additionally underwent post-auricular incision and drainage. DISCUSSION: Recent mastoidectomy may be a risk factor for the development of a post-auricular abscess in children, who develop AOM following cochlear implantation. A treatment algorithm was developed, which emphasizes early operative drainage in conjunction with aggressive antibiotic therapy. Conclusions A consistent approach to the management of mastoiditis in children with cochlear implants has not been established. Rapid initiation of aggressive antibiotic therapy and a low threshold for conservative operative intervention results in effective resolution of infection while allowing preservation of the implant.

The Western Surgical Concern Inventory-Thyroid: development and initial validation.

OBJECTIVE: Patients considering surgery face many uncertainties and concerns. This investigation sought to develop an objective assessment tool for characterizing the areas of greatest concern among those considering thyroidectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort design. SETTING: Tertiary-care otolaryngology practice. SUBJECTS: Participants included individuals presenting with a thyroid nodule found to be of intermediate risk (15%-20%) of cancer based on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy and amendable to hemithyroidectomy. METHODS: As part of validating a clinical measure concerning perioperative concerns, patients presenting with thyroid nodules amendable to hemithyroidectomy were voluntarily recruited. Thirty individuals (6 men, 24 women) completed a novel 18-item questionnaire during their initial clinical visit and again 3 days later. Outcome measures included descriptive statistics and test-retest reliability. RESULTS: Individual patients have both general and specific preoperative concerns. A wide range of responses was obtained across the entire spectrum of the survey. The questionnaire demonstrated fair-to-excellent test-retest reliability, with correlation values from 0.467 to 0.954. Between-rater reliability was consistent with intraclass correlation coefficient values of 0.52 to 0.86. No relationship between question order and patient response was identified. Women were found to be more concerned about scar appearance (P = .028), and men were conversely more concerned about resuming daily activities (P = .026). CONCLUSIONS: Patients considering thyroidectomy have concerns that remain stable in the early preoperative period. This is the first study to evaluate preoperative patient concerns and preliminarily establishes the Western Surgical Concern Inventory-Thyroid as a means of ensuring adequate patient counseling and a method of evaluating preoperative patient education.

Comparison of endoscopic laser resection versus radiation therapy for the treatment of early glottic carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Radiation therapy (RT) and transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) are established treatments for early glottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Similar oncologic outcomes have been reported with both modalities, leading physicians to consider other factors when making clinical recommendations. One such factor is voice-related quality of life. This investigation sought to characterize differences in self-reported voice outcomes in patients undergoing RT or TLM for the treatment of Tis or T1a glottic SCC. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of all individuals who received either RT or TLM for the treatment of Tis or T1a glottic SCC between 2004 and 2009 at the London Regional Cancer Program. The primary outcome measure was voice-related quality of life, as assessed by the Voice-Related Quality of Life questionnaire (V-RQOL). Secondary outcomes included local control, overall survival, and laryngectomy-free survival. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were eligible for this study; 34 received RT and 23 received TLM. Forty (70.2%) of the 57 patients completed the V-RQOL. No statistically significant difference in total V-RQOL score was observed between the RT and TLM cohorts (p  =  .228). There was, however, a trend toward higher scores (ie, less voice disability) in the physical function domain of the V-RQOL for the RT group (90.0%) compared to the TLM group (80.2%) (p  =  .05). No significant differences were observed in recurrence or overall survival between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Both oncologic outcomes and self-rated voice-related quality of life are similar in patients treated with RT and TLM for early glottic carcinoma.