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Objectives: Patients undergoing head and neck free flap reconstruction (HNFFR) may have significant change to their baseline functional status requiring inpatient rehabilitation (IPR) after discharge. We sought to identify patient/procedure characteristics predictive of discharge destination. Methods: Patients undergoing elective HNFFR between July 2017 and July 2022 were reviewed for discharge destination. Those discharged to IPR versus home were compared across patient/procedure characteristics and physical/occupational therapy metrics. Significance was assessed via bivariate and multivariable analyses. Results: Of the 531 patients, 102 (19.2%) required IPR postoperatively. Patients discharged to IPR versus home were significantly older (70.1 [11.6] vs. 64.1 [13.1] years; p < 0.001) and more likely to lack family assistance (26.5% vs. 8.6%; p < 0.001), require baseline assistance for activities of daily living (ADLs) (31.4% vs. 9.8%; p < 0.001), have baseline cognitive dysfunction (15.7% vs. 6.1%; p = 0.001), were more likely to have neoplasm as the surgical indication for HNFFR (89.2% vs. 80.0%; p = 0.033) and more likely to have a tracheostomy postop (62.7% vs. 51.7%), and had a significantly longer length of stay (11.2 [8.0] vs. 6.8 [8.3] days; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in gender, donor site, use of tube feeds, and use of assistive devices between the two groups. Following logistic regression, the strongest predictors of discharge to IPR include lack of family assistance (OR = 3.8; p < 0.001) and baseline assistance for ADLs (OR = 4.0, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Certain patient factors predict the need for discharge to rehab after HNFFR. Perioperative identification of these factors may facilitate patient counseling and discharge planning with potential to reduce hospital length of stay and further optimize patient care. Level of Evidence: III Laryngoscope, 134:2721–2725, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Esophageal defects can result from primary pathologies such as malignancy or stricture, or secondary ones such as perforation due to trauma or iatrogenic injury. Techniques, management, and outcomes of reconstruction in this setting are poorly understood. Herein, we aim to highlight surgical outcomes in patients undergoing local and free flap reconstruction of esophageal defects in the setting of an intact larynx. Methods: Retrospective review of patients who underwent esophageal reconstruction with an intact larynx between 2009 and 2022 at our institution was performed. Results: Ten patients met inclusion criteria. Esophageal reconstruction was performed for extruded spinal hardware (n = 8), and esophageal stricture (n = 2). Four patients underwent reconstruction with free tissue transfer, and six with local pedicled flaps. There were no cases of flap failure, esophageal fistula, hematoma, or wound dehiscence. One patient had post‐operative bleeding requiring return to the operating room. Three patients had a postoperative wound infection, two of whom required washout. There were no unplanned 30‐day readmissions. At three months after operation, all patients who were not tube feed‐dependent prior to surgery returned to oral intake. Of the four patients who were tube feed‐dependent preoperatively, three were tolerating oral intake at nine months postoperatively. Nine patients (90%) had stable flexible laryngoscopy exams pre‐ and postoperatively with no voice changes. Conclusions: Reconstruction of esophageal defects in the setting of an intact larynx can be challenging. In this series, surgical intervention with free tissue transfer and local pedicled flaps was effective in returning patients to oral intake with low long‐term morbidity. Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:1227–1233, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify practices in microvascular techniques in routine and challenging scenarios. Study Design: Cross‐sectional study. Methods: A national survey addressing practices related to microvascular free flap reconstruction was distributed to AHNS members between October and November 2021. Results: The respondents encompassed 95 microvascular surgeons. Median years of practice was 6 (interquartile range, 2–13) and median flaps per year was 35 (22–50). Common practices in arterial anastomosis included limited cleaning of artery (84.2%), use of a double approximating clamp (64.2%), and use of interrupted suture (88.4%). Common practices in venous anastomosis included limited cleaning (89.5%), downsizing the coupler (53.7%), and coupling to two independent venous systems (47.4%). In arterial anastomosis, respondents felt that kinking (50.5%) and tension (24.2%) were the riskiest challenges. Kinking was handled by loose sutures or native tissue/dissolvable biomaterial to orient pedicle. Excess tension was handled by additional dissection. With regards to associated practices, most surgeons perform anastomosis after partial inset (52.6%), give aspirin immediately postoperatively (66.3%), reserve transfusion for hemodynamic instability (69.5%), and utilize intraoperative pressors when needed (72.6%). More senior surgeons reported placing more suture to address leaks (p = 0.004) and perform end to side anastomosis on larger vein in case of venous mismatch (p = 0.012). In cases of tension, higher volume surgeons perform more extensive dissection (p = 0.035) and end to side coupling (p = 0.029). Conclusions: This survey of AHNS members indicates patterns of microvascular techniques in routine and challenging scenarios. There exists a variation in approaches amongst surgeons based on volume and practice length. Level of Evidence: 5 Laryngoscope, 134:1265–1277, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Orbital defects have a profound impact on orbital function and symmetry of the face and are difficult to reconstruct given the complexity of this area. The paramedian forehead flap (PMFF) has not been well studied in reconstruction of orbital defects. Methods: Retrospective review of patients who underwent reconstruction of periorbital defects with PMFF between 2016 and 2021. Variables were ocular adnexal asymmetry, functional outcomes, and orbital complications. Results: Eighteen patients met inclusion criteria. Mean defect size was 11.1 ± 7.5 cm. The most common subsite involved was medial canthus in 88.9% of patients. There was no statistically significant difference between mean medial canthus to midline ratio and mean medial brow to midline ratio when compared to the assumed normal of 1. The medial canthus to pupil ratio and medial canthus to lateral canthus ratio had a statistically significant mean difference from 1.0 (p = 0.003 for both). In 22.2% of patients, the orbit was functional with impairment; the remaining had no impairment. Surgical sequelae occurred in 12/18 (66.7%) of patients, most commonly epiphora in 9/18 (50%) of patients, and ectropion in 5/18 (27.7%). Conclusion: The PMFF is feasible for medial periorbital reconstruction with acceptable functional and symmetrical outcomes and low morbidity. Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:2584–2589, 2023 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Analyze the cause and significance of a shift in the timing of free flap failures in head and neck reconstruction.Study Design: Retrospective multi-institutional review of prospectively collected databases at tertiary care centers.Methods: Included consecutive patients undergoing free flap reconstructions of head and neck defects between 2007 and 2017. Selected variables: demographics, defect location, donor site, free flap failure cause, social and radiation therapy history.Results: Overall free flap failure rate was 4.6% (n = 133). Distribution of donor tissue by flap failure: radial forearm (32%, n = 43), osteocutaneous radial forearm (6%, n = 8), anterior lateral thigh (23%, n = 31), fibula (23%, n = 30), rectus abdominis (4%, n = 5), latissimus (11%, n = 14), scapula (1.5%, n = 2). Forty percent of flap failures occurred in the initial 72 hours following reconstruction (n = 53). The mean postoperative day for flap failure attributed to venous congestion was 4.7 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.6-6.7) versus 6.8 days (CI 5.3-8.3) for arterial insufficiency and 16.6 days (CI 11.7-21.5) for infection (P < .001). The majority of flap failures were attributed to compromise of the arterial or venous system (84%, n = 112). Factors found to affect the timing of free flap failure included surgical indication (P = .032), defect location (P = .006), cause of the flap failure (P < .001), and use of an osteocutaneous flap (P = .002).Conclusion: This study is the largest to date on late free flap failures with findings suggesting a paradigm shift in the timing of flap failures. Surgical indication, defect site, cause of flap failure, and use of osteocutaneous free flap were found to impact timing of free flap failures.Level Of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:347-353, 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess risk factors for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and complications after microvascular reconstruction of cranio-orbitofacial resection with orbital exenteration (CFOE).Study Design: Retrospective case series.Methods: Seventy consecutive patients at a tertiary hospital underwent 76 procedures with microvascular reconstruction of CFOE defects. Patients were stratified by extent of skull base exposure and presence or absence of dural resection. Patients with exposure of the orbital apex and roof alone were classified as minimal skull base exposure (MS) (n = 32). Those with skull base exposure beyond the orbital apex and roof were classified as significant skull base exposure (SS) (n = 38) and were subdivided into those with dural exposure (SSe) (n = 15) and those with dural resection (SSr) (n = 23). The main outcome measure was incidence of postoperative CSF leak according to univariate and multivariate analysis of risk factors, including previous radiation, surgery, and location of defect.Results: Intraoperative leaks occurred in five and four patients in the MS and SSe groups, respectively, with no postoperative leaks. In the SSr group, five patients developed a postoperative CSF leak and three required operative management. Multivariate analysis revealed middle fossa exposure to be the only significant predictor of CSF leak (P = 0.03). The overall complication rate was 31.6%. Major complications were greater in the SS group compared to the MS group (P = 0.05).Conclusion: In this series, middle fossa resection increased the risk of postoperative CSF leak after microvascular reconstruction of CFOE defects, and complication rates were greater with more complex defects.Level Of Evidence: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:835-841, 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the use of piriform aperture as secondary target for the surgical management of nasal obstruction. The study performs a curvilinear access incision, uses ultrasonic bone aspirator (UBA) to remove the desired amount of bone in the piriform aperture widening the bony nasal valve, and closes the incision. Results show that the technique has significantly improve the nasal obstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Hypothesis To evaluate the potential for injectable, permanent bone augmentation by assessing the biocompatability and bioactivity of subperiosteal hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) deposition in a rat model. Study Design Randomized controlled animal model. Methods Fourteen adult Sprague Dawley rats were injected in the parietal skull with 0.2 ml of hydroxylapatite (10 animals) or 0.2 ml of a carrier gel control (4 animals), using a subperiosteal injection technique on the right and a subcutaneous injection technique on the left. At 1, 3, and 6 months, three rats (1 negative control, 2 variables) were sacrificed and the calvaria were harvested. At 12 months, the remaining five rats were sacrificed. After each harvest, the specimens were processed and then examined under both light and polarized microscopy for new bone growth at the injection sites. Results The inflammatory response was limited with both hydroxylapatite and carrier injections. Injectables were still present 12 months after the injection. New bone formation was only observed when the injection was located deep to a disrupted periosteum The odds of new bone formation was 48.949 times higher (95% confidence intervals CI [2.637, 3759.961]; P = 0.002) with subperiosteal hydroxylapatite injections compared to all other combinations of injection plane and injectable. Conclusions This preliminary report of subperiosteal hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) injection in a rat model has verified the biocompatibility of injectable hydroxylapatite at the bony interface and suggests the potential for new bone formation. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 124:1550-1553, 2014 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Hypothesis: Microvascular free tissue transfer has become a mainstay of reconstruction after resections for head and neck cancer. With current techniques, free flap failure is typically low; however, failure rates have been reported as high as 10%. Most thrombotic failures occur within the first few days postoperatively and tend to involve the venous anastomoses. We evaluated the efficacy of recombinant human tissue factor pathway inhibitor (rhTFPI), an anticoagulant that directly inhibits the extrinsic coagulation pathway, using a rat model of microvenous thrombosis. Study Design: Prospective, randomized. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to either rhTFPI or saline groups. We performed a venous tuck procedure in the common femoral vein. Prior to closure, the anastamosis was irrigated with either rhTPFI (20 μg/mL) or normal saline. Survival of the anastomosis was measured via clinical assessment at regular postoperative intervals. After a postoperative period of 48 hours, sites were intraoperatively assessed and the vessels harvested. Results: There was a significant increase in vessel patency in rats treated topically with rhTFPI compared to controls receiving saline. There was no increase in bleeding complications in the treated group versus controls. Conclusions: Our data suggests that the use of topical rhTPFI increases venous anastomotic patency rates in vivo. The topical means of administration is attractive, as there seems to be a low percentage of systemic complications as is often seen with anticoagulation therapies. Future studies will investigate the potential efficacy in patients undergoing microvascular free tissue transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the feasibility of recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring and stimulation during endoscopic neck surgery in an animal model. Study Design: Prospective, nonrandomized experimental investigation in a porcine model. Methods: Bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring and stimulation was accomplished during endoscopic neck surgery in five domestic pigs. Each pig was intubated with an electromyography endotracheal tube. Recurrent laryngeal nerve function was monitored throughout the endoscopic neck surgery with a nerve integrity monitor system. An endoscopic surgical pocket was created in the neck using blunt dissection followed by low-pressure carbon dioxide insufflation. Under direct endoscopic visualization, the trachea, thyroid gland, and associated vasculature were identified. The recurrent laryngeal nerve was identified on each side of the animal and was successfully stimulated with a monopolar stimulator probe. Results: Ten of ten recurrent laryngeal nerves were successfully monitored and stimulated. No significant complications were encountered during the procedures. Conclusions: Recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring and stimulation may be successfully accomplished during endoscopic neck surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Surgeons experience a risk for physical strain and injury secondary to physical demands in the workplace. To minimize injury and maximize career longevity, physicians should be aware of ergonomics pitfalls and postural correction methods. This study investigates ergonomic trends in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (FPRS) clinic by quantifying surgeons' and trainees' cervicothoracic spine posture., Methods: Participants completed a 22-item questionnaire to evaluate current ergonomic practices. A lightweight device was calibrated and attached to the mid-scapular region of participants, providing real-time posture feedback. The percentage of time in upright posture was recorded during clinical and operative workdays. Upright posture was defined as neutral spine positioning with acceptable mild to moderate deviations., Results: Two FPRS attending surgeons, 1 FPRS fellow, and 11 otolaryngology residents participated over 12 months. Discomfort was most commonly reported in the neck, shoulders, and upper back during clinic. Symptoms were self-treated by changing body position, wearing specialized footwear, adjusting height of the chair or examination table, or ignoring discomfort. Eighty-two percent were unaware of ergonomic guidelines or appropriate considerations. Time spent in upright posture was significantly higher in clinic (84.9%) than in the OR (53.5%) (p < 0.001). Upright posture declined after reaching 6 work hours (p = 0.029); no such patterns were observed in the OR (p = 0.946)., Conclusion: Although time spent in upright posture was objectively poorer in the OR, these data suggest ergonomics are an important consideration in the outpatient setting, with surgeons experiencing discomfort during and after clinic. Further investigation is warranted to identify actionable changes and promote healthy ergonomics., Level of Evidence: N/A Laryngoscope, 2024., (© 2024 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)