[Treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of an unknown primary (HNCCUP): oncologic analysis of 35 cases]. / Traitement des adénopathies cervicales malignes en apparence primitive (AMAP): résultats carcinologiques à propos de 35 cas.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to perform an oncologic analysis of patients treated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of an unknown primary (HNCCUP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 35 cases were included in our monocentric restrospective study (1999-2010). All patients had a complete clinical exam as well as head, neck and chest CT scans. The primary tumour remained undetected after panendoscopy 25 patients underwent a routine tonsillar biopsy ipsilateral to the lymphadenopathy. In 9 cases (36%), an invasive squamous cell carcinoma was detected on pathological examination. These patients were excluded from further study. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate analysis were also performed using Cox's regression model. RESULTS: The therapeutic management of patients' majority (73%) consisted of lymphadenectomy with frozen section examination which confirmed the presence of an invasive squamous carcinoma in the resected lymph node(s). This was followed by ipsilateral neck dissection and radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy. Patients with unresectable lymph node(s) underwent exclusive radiochemotherapy. Specific survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were respectively 77%, 52% and 47%. The median survival time was 3 years. The comparison of univariate and multivariate survival curves confirmed that the lymph node status is an important factor for survival (HR 8.3 [2.03-33.96]). CONCLUSION: Our results are consistent with those found in the medical literature. HNCCUP has a poor prognosis which correlates with the lymph node status.

Friedrich Trendelenburg's tracheal tampon-cannula.

The aim of this historical vignette is to analyze the role of Friedrich Trendelenburg's tracheal balloon cannula in the development of laryngeal surgery in the early 1870s. The purpose of this cannula was to prevent bleeding into the airway in cases of extensive laryngeal surgery requiring a tracheostomy.

Management of the neck in the setting of definitive chemoradiation: is there a consensus? A GETTEC study.

BACKGROUND: The management of the neck remains controversial in the definitive chemoradiation setting of advanced N2-3 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Most published data favor omission of neck dissection (ND) after complete response for N2-3 or selective ND for residual disease METHODS: We studied the patterns of care in the French-Belgian Groupe d'Etude des Tumeurs de la Tête Et du Cou (GETTEC) through a questionnaire-based survey. RESULTS: Eighteen percent of institutions never performed up-front ND, 20% rarely, 40% sometimes, 14% often, and 8% systematically. Induction chemotherapy was indicated in 30% of the cases, and most ND were performed either between induction and radiation or after chemoradiation for residual disease. Response to chemoradiation was assessed by computed tomographic scan and positron emission tomography in 72% of cases. Selective ND was more common than radical ND. CONCLUSIONS: Omission of ND based on computed tomographic scan and positron emission tomography-based complete response to chemoradiation is the most common strategy for advanced nodal disease among centers. However, neck management strategies vary among institutions, and some institutions continue advocating systematic ND before irradiation. The new treatment options and the changing epidemiology, namely docetaxel-based induction chemotherapy and human papilloma virus-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma having better response profiles and prognosis, are adding to the nonconsensual approach. The best therapeutic index in terms of neck management remains to be defined in this evolving context.

Subacute tuberculous otitis media complicated by petrositis and meningitis.

AIMS: The aim of our case study is to illustrate diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties as well as gravity related to tuberculous otitis media with intracranial complications. CASE PRESENTATION: A diabetic male patient of 65 years old was treated for subacute otitis media with mixed hearing loss. Early bacteriologic samples from ear exudates revealed opportunistic pathogens. Clinical evolution after four months was marked by the appearance of mastoiditis with facial paralysis. The patient presented petrositis and bilateral laryngeal paralysis with lymphocytic meningitis after six and eight months respectively. Tuberculosis was suspected after a positive ELlspot tests with appearance of biologic markers of hepatic dysfunction like cholestasis and hepatic cytolysis. Although antituberculous treatment was instaured even without isolation of acid fast bacilli, the patient died after ten months. CONCLUSION: Subacute otitis media complicated by labyrinthitis, early onset of facial paralysis or any other oranial nerve palsy should raise suspicion of tuberculosis. The prognosis depends on early diagnosis which remains difficult despite morphological and metabolic imaging. The diagnostic workup should include histological and bacteriologic samples, liver markers of intacellular damage as well as ELlspot test. The prognosis remains poor especially in immunocompromised patients despite appropriate treatment.

[Fronto-ethmoidal fibrous dysplasia: a case-report]. / Dysplasie fibreuse fronto-ethmoïdale: a propos d'un cas.

OBJECTIVES: Fibrous dysplasia is a congenital bone disease, where normal bone is replaced by a fibrous-like tissue with immature osteogenesis. The cephalic extremity is affected in one out of three cases. The aim of this study was to describe a case of fibrous dysplasia and review workup and management of this pathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed relevant publications using the Medline database and presented a case of isolated paranasal sinus fibrous dysplasia to illustrate this disease. RESULTS: The clinical onset was headache and left palpebral oedema in a twelve-year old. Imaging showed a left fronto-ethmoidal bone lesion with epidural empyema. No other radiological anomaly or phosphor-calcic disorder was present. The clinical course was positive using intravenous antibiotics, with a two-year follow-up. DISCUSSION: Fibrous dysplasia is diagnosed using CT-scan, without the need for histologic confirmation in most cases. Initial workup includes axial skeleton X-rays and hormonal dosages. The efficiency of biphosphonates drugs has significally reduced the number of surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrous dysplasia is often a multifocal disease and should be treated medically first. Management requires a multi-disciplinary team.

Hypopharyngeal reconstruction with gastro-omental free flap.

Three types of reconstruction are possible following total laryngopharyngectomy (TLP) for advanced hypopharyngeal cancer: locoregional tubularized island flaps, gastric pull-up and free flaps. Gastro-omental free flap (GOFF) is rarely used in this setting. However, because of its composite nature, this flap has the advantage of being able to restore digestive continuity and reconstruct part of the skin of the neck when it needs to be sacrificed because of tumour invasion or poor trophicity. The GOFF is a reliable and robust flap particularly indicated in hostile environments: repeated neck surgery, atrophic and devascularized skin after radiotherapy, sepsis in the context of fistula and/or pharyngostomy. It requires the collaboration of two or even three surgical teams. In this article, we describe the flap harvesting technique and the complications and functional outcome.

Guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (SFORL), part I: Primary treatment of pleomorphic adenoma.

INTRODUCTION: The authors present the guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (SFORL) for the diagnosis and treatment of pleomorphic adenoma (PA) of the salivary glands. METHOD: A review of the literature was performed by a multidisciplinary task force. Guidelines were drafted based on the articles retrieved and the workgroup members' individual experience. Guidelines were graded A, B, C or expert opinion by decreasing level of evidence. RESULTS: In clinically suspected salivary gland PA, MRI should be performed, including head and neck lymph node levels. Fine needle aspiration cytology is particularly recommended for tumours difficult to characterise by MRI. Frozen section biopsy should be performed to confirm diagnosis and adapt the surgical procedure in case of intraoperative findings of malignancy. Complete resection of the parotid PA should be performed en bloc, including margins, when feasible according to tumour location, while respecting the facial nerve. Enucleation (resection only in contact with the tumour) is not recommended. For the accessory salivary and submandibular glands, complete en bloc resection should be performed.

Guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (SFORL), part II: Management of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland.

INTRODUCTION: The authors present the guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (SFORL) for the management of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma (RPA) of the parotid gland. METHOD: A review of the literature was performed by a multidisciplinary task force. Guidelines were drafted, based on the articles retrieved and the work group members' individual experience. There were then read and re-edited by an independent reading group. The proposed recommendations were graded A, B or C on decreasing levels of evidence. RESULTS: Complete resection under neuromonitoring is recommended in case of RPA. The risks of progression and malignant transformation, which are higher the younger the patient, have to be taken into consideration. The risk of functional sequelae must be explained to the patient. MRI is recommended ahead of any surgery for parotid RPA, to determine extension and detect subclinical lesions. Radiotherapy should be considered in case of multi-recurrent pleomorphic adenoma after macroscopically complete revision surgery at high risk of new recurrence (microscopic residual disease), in case of RPA after incomplete resection, and in non-operable RPA.

Optimal treatment of cervical necrotizing fasciitis associated with descending necrotizing mediastinitis.

BACKGROUND: Cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) associated with descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a rapidly evolving and life-threatening condition. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe a treatment strategy for CNF with DNM and present a management algorithm for mediastinal extensions of CNF. METHODS: Patients diagnosed and treated for CNF with DNM over 14 years in a tertiary referral centre were included. RESULTS: Seventeen adult patients were included. The origin of infection was mainly oropharyngeal. The diagnosis of CNF/DNM was based on clinical and computed tomography findings. All patients underwent cervicotomy for CNF. In ten patients, DNM was located above the carina and could be accessed by a cervical approach. In seven patients, DNM was below the carina, and necessitated sternotomy for anteroinferior mediastinal involvement and posterolateral thoracotomy for posteroinferior mediastinal involvement. All patients received broad-spectrum antibiotics. One patient died 3 days after surgery. The median hospital stay was 30 days. There was no recurrence during long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: Prompt diagnosis and early surgical treatment are essential for reducing mortality in CNF/DNM. All patients should undergo extensive cervicotomy. The surgical approach to the mediastinum depends on the supracarinal or infracarinal location of the disease.

Intraoperative near-infrared image-guided surgery for peritoneal carcinomatosis in a preclinical experimental model.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the quality of surgery performed under conventional light with near-infrared (NIR) image-guided surgery using a tumour-targeting probe and a portable clinical grade imaging device in a mouse model of peritoneal carcinomatosis. METHODS: Peritoneal carcinomatosis was induced by injection of luciferase-positive tumour cells, leading to the formation of small nodules in the peritoneal cavity. One day after intravenous injection of RAFT-c(RGDfK)4-Alexa Fluor 700, a fluorescent tumour-targeting probe, the surgeon operated using the Fluobeam, a portable device that illuminated the mouse with NIR light and allowed NIR vision. The quality of the surgery was evaluated using bioluminescence, a highly sensitive method that detected the remaining tumour cells, and operating time was measured. RESULTS: Under normal light, the surgeon detected and removed a mean(s.d.) of only 50.6(2.3) per cent of the nodules that were visible under NIR light. The duration of surgery was reduced from 19.5(3.3) min under normal light to 14.0(2.6) min when NIR light was used (P = 0.025). The sensitivity of the NIR system allowed the detection of nodules containing as few as 227 tumour cells. CONCLUSION: NIR image-guided surgery improved the quality of surgery for peritoneal carcinomatosis by doubling the number of nodules detected and significantly reducing the duration of surgery.

Imaging of tumors of the trachea and central bronchi.

Tumors of the trachea and central bronchi can be benign or malignant. Clinical presentation may be confusing, particularly in benign tumors that can be misdiagnosed as asthma or chronic bronchitis. Chest radiography has many limitations and is often considered unremarkable in patients with tumors of the central airways; therefore, multidetector CT (MDCT) has become the most useful noninvasive method for diagnosing and assessing the central airways. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of imaging of the tumors of the trachea and central bronchi. We emphasize the crucial role of MDCT and postprocessing techniques in assessing neoplasms of the central airways.

Imaging of tumors of the trachea and central bronchi.

Tumors of the trachea and central bronchi can be benign or malignant. Clinical presentation may be confusing, particularly in benign tumors that can be misdiagnosed as asthma or chronic bronchitis. Chest radiography has many limitations and is often considered unremarkable in patients with tumors of the central airways; therefore, multidetector CT (MDCT) has become the most useful noninvasive method for diagnosing and assessing the central airways. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of imaging of the tumors of the trachea and central bronchi. We emphasize the crucial role of MDCT and postprocessing techniques in assessing neoplasms of the central airways.

[Complications after insertion of a totally implantable venous access port in patients treated with chemotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma]. / Complications d'un dispositif intraveineux implantable pour chimiothérapie dans les cancers des voies aérodigestives supérieures.

OBJECTIVES: To review the occurrence of early and delayed complications after insertion of a totally implantable venous access port (Tivap) in patients treated with chemotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Monocentric prospective study (2005-2008) undertaken in a tertiary referral center. In all cases, the inserted Tivap was a Celsite ST301 (Braun) model. The insertion procedure was performed in operating room conditions under local anesthesia using a surgical cut-down method. No antibiotic prophylaxis or long-term anticoagulant medications were administered. Two groups were made between experienced and in-training surgeons. All complications occurring from the date of Tivap insertion to the date of its removal or until the closure of the study were included. RESULTS: The study comprised of 122 patients including 103 males and 19 females; the patients' mean age was 58.5 years (range, 36-80). Twelve (9.8%) had a tracheotomy or tracheostomy and 41 (33.6%) underwent cervical radiotherapy before Tivap insertion. In 63 cases (51.6%), the procedure was performed by a senior surgeon. The inserted vessel was the cephalic vein (84.4%), the external jugular vein (11.5%) or the internal jugular vein (2.5%). Overall, the total number of days of Tivap implantation was 51,403. Altogether, 11 complications (9%) were listed: two (1.6%) early complications and nine (7.4%) delayed complications. We did not uncover a significant statistical relation between complication onset and experience of the operating surgeon, sex, implanted side, tracheotomy, previous radiotherapy, or number of days of Tivap port. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that: (1) complications are rare provided careful implantation and manipulation methods are followed by health personnel; (2) surgical cephalic cut-down is a very reliable method; and 3) antibiotic prophylaxis or long-term anticoagulant medications are not mandatory.

[The EXIT procedure: principles and application in congenital cervical teratomas]. / La procédure EXIT modifiée: principes et application dans les tératomes cervicaux congénitaux.

INTRODUCTION: The ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure uses uteroplacental gas exchange after caesarean section for foetus oxygenation. This placental support allows establishing an airway in the newborn in case of obstruction. Maintenance of placental perfusion requires uterine relaxation. A halogenated agent is classically use while nitroglycerine is used in the modified EXIT procedure. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a newborn with a giant thyroid teratoma diagnosed on ultrasound at 20 weeks' gestation. At 32 weeks' gestation, a modified EXIT procedure was performed. The EXIT was successful and newborn was operated on the following day. Currently, the child is 32-month-old, has no sequelae and benefits from thyroid hormone substitution. DISCUSSION: The EXIT procedure allows managing airway obstruction, even when complex, at birth. Nevertheless, prolonged uterine relaxation increases the risk of flooding. Because of its short half-life, nitroglycerine reduces this risk. In this case report we chose the modified EXIT procedure because the mother was young and primipara and foetal prognosis was poor. CONCLUSION: Currently, the EXIT procedure is the technique of choice in the management of a foetal cervical mass. An exhaustive preoperative foetal workup is necessary to choose the classical or modified EXIT procedure.

Giant osteoma of the maxillary sinus--diagnosis and management.

Osteomas are rare, slow-growing, benign bone tumors that preferentially develop in the paranasal sinuses. We report a case of a giant osteoma of the left maxillary sinus in a 29-year-old man which was diagnosed by imaging and endoscopy and treated surgically because of the patient's symptoms and maxillary sinus distortion. Given the large volume and location of the osteoma, resection was performed through an external sublabial approach, according to the Rouge-Denker technique. There were no postoperative complications. There was no sign of recurrence at 5 years follow-up. A review of the literature for maxillary sinus osteomas was performed. Indications for surgery and the different surgical approaches available are discussed.

Non-traumatic nasal septal abscess due to acute spheno-ethmoiditis.

Non-traumatic nasal septal abscesses (NSAs) are rare and those associated with acute sinusitis are even rarer. We report a case of a 12-year-old female child with NSA and complicating acute spheno-ethmoiditis that was diagnosed by physical examination and computed tomography (CT) scan. The NSA was treated by surgical incision and drainage of the abscess, endoscopic aspiration of pus from the spheno-ethmoidal recess, systemic antibiotic therapy, and nasal cleansing.

Endoscopic lateralization of the vocal fold.

Vocal fold paralysis in adduction can result in significant breathing difficulties. Techniques such as vocal fold lateralization and/or arytenoidopexy help to improve respiratory function in this setting. These techniques require open approach or specific instruments. The authors describe an original vocal fold lateralization technique performed exclusively via an endoscopic approach. This technique helps to enlarge the glottic aperture, while preserving laryngeal architecture, and permanently improves respiratory function in patients with vocal fold paralysis in adduction.

[Treatment of a voluminous rhinophyma]. / Traitement d'un volumineux rhinophyma.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to present an advanced case of rhinophyma and to discuss the pathophysiology, clinical presentation and treatment of this pathology. CASE REPORT: A 75-year-old patient presented to the ENT out-patient department with a large rhinophyma causing nasal obstruction and eating problems in addition to its aesthetic social burden. RESULTS: The patient was operated under antibiotic coverage. The operated site was left to heal and later covered with a full-thickness skin graft. During the 5-year postoperative follow-up period, there were no complications, no recurrence of the rhinophyma, and the patient retained a good aesthetic result. CONCLUSION: Rhinophyma is the highest of the four grades of rosacea progression. The diagnosis is usually clinical. Surgical treatment is reserved for the advanced nodular forms and is performed under antibiotic coverage in order to prevent the risk of chondrolysis of the nasal cartilages.

[Therapeutic management of glottic tumours: about a series of 41 cases of subtotal laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP)]. / Stratégie de prise en charge des tumeurs du plan glottique a partir de l'etude d'une série de 41 laryngectomies subtotales avec CHEP.

OBJECTIVES: 1) To analyse the oncological and early functional results of partial supra-cricoid laryngectomy with crico-hyoido-pexy performed as a primary treatment modality on patients diagnosed with glottic squamous cell carcinoma involving the anterior commissure; 2) To propose a therapeutic management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted over a period of 10 years (1995-2005). Inclusion criteria included: 1) Squamous cell carcinoma of the vocal cords reaching the anterior commissure; 2) Absence of previous treatment for the glottic lesion; 3) Minimum follow-up period of 24 months. The functional results were evaluated according to duration of hospitalization, and the time elapsed before decanulation and realimentation. Statistical analysis was performed using the stat-view software. RESULTS: Forty-one patients underwent partial supra-cricoid laryngectomy. All patients had a tumour stage I or II. Mean follow-up was of 88 months. Tumour resection was complete in 95% of cases. The rate of lymph node involvement was 7.3%. Four patients (9.8%) developed local recurrence 13 months, on average, postoperatively. Three patients (7.3%) developed a metachronous lesion 14 months, on average, postoperatively. Three patients (7.3%) died during the follow-up period (2 cases related to the cancer). The specific survival and recurrence-free survival rates were 95% and 84.7% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in survival rates between patients with stage I and stage II tumours. The mean duration of hospitalization was 24 days. The mean time intervals to decanulation and realimentation were 21 and 15 days respectively. CONCLUSION: Partial supra-cricoid laryngectomy with crico-hyoido-pexy is one surgical option in laryngeal conservative surgery. This surgical procedure allows for adequate oncological control and good functional results as long as the indications are well respected and the surgical techniques are well mastered.