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Objective: To compare functional and cost‐effectiveness of awake transnasal laser assisted‐surgery versus microlaryngeal surgery for benign laryngeal lesions. Methods: This was a prospective non‐inferiority randomized controlled trial conducted from May 2021 to December 2022 at two tertiary referral hospitals in Hong Kong. Patients were block‐randomized to receive either awake transnasal laser‐assisted surgery or microlaryngeal surgery, with post‐operative follow‐up in a multidisciplinary voice clinic for 1‐year. Primary outcome was Voice Handicap Index (VHI‐30). Secondary outcomes included operation time, complications, length of stay, peri‐operative discomfort, recurrence, and medical costs. Results: Sixty‐one patients were randomized to either awake transnasal laser‐assisted surgery (n = 30) and microlaryngeal surgery (n = 31). Both groups had comparable demographics and laryngeal pathologies. Both groups showed significant improvement of VHI‐30 score over time and had comparable post‐operative VHI‐30. Awake transnasal laser‐assisted surgery group had a significantly shorter length of stay (0.5 vs. 1 day) and less throat discomfort (2 vs. 4) compared to microlaryngeal surgery group. Intraoperative complications were more common in microlaryngeal surgery group (14.3% vs. 0%). Otherwise, both groups had similar operative time and recurrence rate. Cost‐analysis showed a significantly lower hospital cost for awake transnasal laser‐assisted surgery (USD 3090) compared to microlaryngeal surgery group (USD 5120). Conclusion: Awake transnasal laser‐assisted surgery was safe, functionally non‐inferior, as measured by VHI‐30, to microlaryngeal surgery in managing benign laryngeal lesions, while superior to microlaryngeal surgery in peri‐operative discomfort and medical costs. Level of Evidence: 2 Laryngoscope, 134:3732–3740, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The journey from radical treatments to the precision of robotic surgery underscores a commitment to innovation and patient-centered care in the field of head and neck oncology. Purpose of review: This article provides a comprehensive overview that not only informs but also stimulates ongoing discourse and investigation into the optimization of patient care through robotic surgery. The literature on current robotic applications within head and neck region was systematically reviewed. Recent findings: Thirty-four studies with a total of 1835 patients undergoing robotic surgery in head and neck region were included. Clinical staging, histological types, operative duration, postoperative complications, functional recovery and survival outcomes were compared and evaluated. Summary: Clinical outcomes have shown promising results and thus the indication on the robotic usage has no longer been limited to oropharyngeal region but from skull base to neck dissection. The latest advancement in robotic surgery further refines the capabilities of surgeons into previously difficult-to-access head and neck regions and heralds a new era of surgical treatment for head and neck oncology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Our study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using high‐density surface electromyography (HD‐sEMG) for swallowing assessment by comparing the quantitative parameters and topographic patterns of HD‐sEMG between post‐irradiated patients and healthy individuals. Methods: Ten healthy volunteers and ten post‐irradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were recruited. 96‐channel HD‐sEMG was recorded although each participant consumed different consistencies of food (thin and thick liquid, puree, congee, and soft rice). Dynamic topography was generated from the root mean square (RMS) of the HD‐sEMG signals to illustrate the anterior neck muscle function in the swallowing process. The averaged power of muscles and the symmetry of swallowing patterns were assessed by objective parameters including average RMS, Left/Right Energy Ratio, and Left/Right Energy Difference. Results: The study showed different swallowing patterns between patients with dysphagia and healthy individuals. The mean RMS values were higher in the patient group compared to the healthy group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Asymmetrical patterns were shown in patients with dysphagia. Conclusion: HD‐sEMG is a promising technique that could be used to quantitatively evaluate the average power of neck muscles and the symmetry of swallowing activities in patients with swallowing difficulties. Level of Evidence: Level 3 Laryngoscope, 133:2920–2928, 2023 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Head and neck cancers of the oropharyngeal subsite can be driven by the human papillomavirus (HPV). In countries such as the United States, the incidence of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer has exceeded that of HPV-associated cervical cancer. HPV vaccination is currently the main preventative approach for HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer. Globally, both the epidemiology of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer and HPV vaccine policy vary. This paper aims to describe regional variations in HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer, variations in gender-neutral vaccine policy, and future areas of policy-relevant research. Global trends in human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck cancers (HNC), specifically in the oropharynx subsite, have been dynamically changing, leading to new staging and treatment paradigms. Epidemiologic studies have noted regional variations in HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). While HPV vaccination remains the main preventative approach, vaccination policy in relation to gender neutrality is heterogeneous and particularly sparse in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of global cancer cases and HPV-associated HNC are not well-characterized in certain regions. This review summarizes the existing literature on regional variations of HPV-associated OPSCC and gender-neutral vaccine policies. Based on available data, the incidence of HPV-associated OPSCC is highest in North America, Europe, and Oceania. As of 2022, 122 of 195 (63%) World Health Organization (WHO) member states had incorporated HPV vaccinations nationally; of these, 41 of 122 (34%) member states have introduced gender-neutral vaccine coverage. Future research is needed to describe continued evolving trends in HPV-associated OPSCC, understand underlying risk factors leading to regional variation in disease, and implement gender-neutral policy more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Extracellular vesicles are considered intracellular messengers that exchange proteins, lipids, various types of DNA and RNA, etc. They can be properly collected from many kinds of biofluids, such as blood and saliva. Compared to other substances obtained from liquid biopsy, such as cell-free DNA and circulating tumor cells, extracellular vesicles are a better choice to evaluate the disease since the genetic information is protected by their membranous structure, and thus they are more stable for detection. Extracellular vesicles contain less invasive property compared with other substances, and they are easier to collect from extraction with higher efficiency. Moreover, the roles of extracellular vesicles in multiple physiological and pathological processes are more well-known, entitling them to serve as biomarkers for certain cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This review aims to comprehensively present the current clinical trials at several key stages of tumor diagnosis and treatment, as well as their potential to dynamically monitor head and neck cancers during the whole clinical care process. Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) arising from different anatomical sites present with different incidences and characteristics, which requires a personalized treatment strategy. Despite the extensive research that has conducted on this malignancy, HNSCC still has a poor overall survival rate. Many attempts have been made to improve the outcomes, but one of the bottlenecks is thought to be the lack of an effective biomarker with high sensitivity and specificity. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted by various cells and participate in a great number of intercellular communications. Based on liquid biopsy, EV detection in several biofluids, such as blood, saliva, and urine, has been applied to identify the existence and progression of a variety of cancers. In HNSCC, tumor-derived EVs exhibit many functionalities by transporting diverse cargoes, which highlights their importance in tumor screening, the determination of multidisciplinary therapy, prediction of prognosis, and evaluation of therapeutic effects. This review illustrates the classification and formation of EV subtypes, the cargoes conveyed by these vesicles, and their respective functions in HNSCC cancer biology, and discloses their potential as biomarkers during the whole process of tumor diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the stability analysis and stabilization of periodic piecewise positive systems. By constructing a time‐scheduled copositive Lyapunov function with a time segmentation approach, an equivalent stability condition, determined via linear programming, for periodic piecewise positive systems is established. Based on the asymptotic stability condition, the spectral radius characterization of the state transition matrix is proposed. The relation between the spectral radius of the state transition matrix and the convergent rate of the system is also revealed. An iterative algorithm is developed to stabilize the system by decreasing the spectral radius of the state transition matrix. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft manipulators integrated with optical laser fibers offer new opportunities for endoscopic noncontact laser surgery. To achieve precise laser projection in a confined workspace and avoid damage, a controller with high accuracy and stability is required. An effective way is to close the control loop. Therefore, a visual servo controller that allows automatic laser spot steering using soft manipulators is proposed. An epipolar geometry model is established to acquire the inverse transition mapping from image to actuation. With this mapping, a feedback controller is derived without prior information of tissue surface geometry. Experimental validation demonstrates accurate path following using a magnetic resonance‐safe manipulator, with root‐mean‐square (RMS) tracking errors <4 pixels (140 μm) in the camera view. This is maintained even throughout 70 repeated cycles, with a maximum tracking error <11.32 pixels (≈396.2 μm). The controller enables laser spot following of the mouse cursor with an RMS tracking error of 3.97 pixels (≈180.5 μm). Ex vivo tissue ablation tests are conducted to validate the laser ablation pattern, with an RMS tracking error of about 5.75 pixels (≈201.3 μm). A laser ablation test is conducted under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to validate the feasibility of MRI‐guided laser surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (MRI) provides compelling features for the guidance of interventional procedures, including high-contrast soft tissue imaging, detailed visualization of physiological changes, and thermometry. Laser-based tumor ablation stands to benefit greatly from MRI guidance because 3D resection margins alongside thermal distributions can be evaluated in real time to protect critical structures while ensuring adequate resection margins. However, few studies have investigated the use of projection-based lasers like those for transoral laser microsurgery, potentially because dexterous laser steering is required at the ablation site, raising substantial challenges in the confined MRI bore and its strong magnetic field. Here, we propose an MR-safe soft robotic system for MRI-guided transoral laser microsurgery. Owing to its miniature size (Ø12 × 100 mm), inherent compliance, and five degrees of freedom, the soft robot ensures zero electromagnetic interference with MRI and enables safe and dexterous operation within the confined oral and pharyngeal cavities. The laser manipulator is rapidly fabricated with hybrid soft and hard structures and is powered by microvolume (<0.004 milliter) fluid flow to enable laser steering with enhanced stiffness and lowered hysteresis. A learning-based controller accommodates the inherent nonlinear robot actuation, which was validated with laser path–following tests. Submillimeter laser steering accuracy was demonstrated with a mean error < 0.20 mm. MRI compatibility testing demonstrated zero observable image artifacts during robot operation. Ex vivo tissue ablation and a cadaveric head-and-neck trial were carried out under MRI, where we employed MR thermometry to monitor the tissue ablation margin and thermal diffusion intraoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The role of traditional nuclear medicine studies in the management of malignant otitis externa (MOE) is unclear and there are ongoing debates regarding their diagnostic value. The authors perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the sensitivity and specificity of traditional nuclear medicine studies in the diagnosis of MOE.Methods: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, a query of the Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases was undertaken. The primary outcomes of interest were the sensitivity and specificity of traditional nuclear medicine studies to detect MOE.Results: Of the initial 1317 hits from the four databases, 20 articles with a combined 608 patients were ultimately included in the review. The pooled sensitivities for Technetium-99 and Gallium-67 were 85.1% (95% CI, 72.0-98.1%) and 71.2% (95% CI, 55.1-87.3%) respectively. The available evidence suggested poor specificity of these modalities, but was insufficient for meta-analysis. Neither modality was shown to be effective in the assessment of disease resolution.Conclusion: The sensitivities of Technetium-99 and Gallium-67 to detect MOE are less favorable than was initially thought. Given this finding and their poor specificity, lack of anatomic resolution, unproven ability to detect disease resolution and variable availability, this review does not support the routine use of these studies in the management of MOE.Level Of Evidence: N/A Laryngoscope, 130:1812-1816, 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess interobserver agreement and intraobserver reproducibility when assessing the nasopharynx for malignancy under white light and narrow band imaging endoscopy because the decision to biopsy hinges on the examiner's perceived chance of malignancy.Methods: An interobserver and intraobserver agreement study utilizing white light and narrow band endoscopic images of the nasopharynx. The setting was an academic referral hospital. Participants were 156 adults with suspected nasopharyngeal carcinoma who underwent white light and narrow band imaging endoscopy and biopsy. Images of the nasopharynges were subsequently scored for malignancy by four otolaryngologists. The nasopharynx was scored on 4-point scales under white light and narrow band imaging endoscopy for the likelihood of malignancy or abnormality, respectively.Results: Intraclass correlation coefficients for intraobserver agreement for nasopharyngeal malignancy for four observers under white light were 0.86, 0.89, 0.79 and 0.88 (mean 0.855), respectively; and under narrow band imaging they were 0.64, 0.68, 0.64, and 0.66 (mean 0.655), respectively (all P values < 0.001). The coefficient for interobserver reliability under white light was 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-0.82; P < 0.001), which indicated strong agreement. The coefficient for interobserver reliability under narrow band imaging was 0.56 (95% CI 0.50-0.61; P < 0.001), which indicated moderate agreement.Conclusions: Intraobserver and interobserver agreement for nasopharyngeal malignancy was strong on white light endoscopy but only moderate on narrow band imaging endoscopy. Agreement may be improved by adopting a standard set of assessment guidelines, including an objective detailed morphological analysis under white light and vasculature analysis under narrow band imaging.Level Of Evidence: 2a Laryngoscope, 129:1374-1379, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of the present study was to determine the accuracy of diagnostic sialendoscopy in patients with suspected obstructive salivary duct disease referenced to current imaging modalities. Patients and Methods A retrospective study of patients with symptoms suggestive of obstructive salivary duct disease who underwent one or more imaging modalities, and then sialendoscopy at an academic hospital, were reviewed. The radiological and sialendoscopic findings were compared, and the diagnostic accuracy of various imaging modalities was determined using sialendoscopy as a reference. Results Seventy-five sialendoscopies were performed in 68 patients (39 females, 29 males). Obstructive lesions were identified in 71 of the 75 sialendoscopies; 18 stones and 53 nonstone obstructive lesions were identified. Imaging consisting of plain X-ray ( n = 4), radiosialography ( n = 18), ultrasonography ( n = 58), computed tomography ( n = 13) and magnetic resonance imaging (n = 10) detected disease in 25, 70.6, 69.1, 69.2 and 100 per cent of diseased ducts, respectively. Conclusion Sialendoscopy is more sensitive, and thus more useful, in diagnosing obstructive salivary duct disease in symptomatic patients than current imaging modalities. Symptomatic patients with negative imaging should be considered for sialendoscopy when therapy, such as stone retrieval or stricture dilation, can instituted at the time of diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]