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There are few data focusing on postoperative course after major head and neck cancer surgery in the elderly compared with the younger population. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of age on postoperative outcomes. At hospital admission, we prospectively collected data from 261 patients separated into two groups with regard to their age (those >or= 70 years and those < 70 years). Twenty-nine of them were over 70 years old. Median length of stay was similar in both populations (22 vs. 21 days, p=0.66). Incidence of severe postoperative complications was similar: surgical site infection (6/29 vs. 89/232, p=0.77), pneumonia (4/29 vs. 29/232, p=0.13) and infection caused by multi-resistant pathogens (1/29 vs. 14/232, p=0.08). There was no significant increase in postoperative deaths (4/29 vs. 6/232, p=0.12). The impact of age on postoperative deaths was assessed after adjustment for potential risk factors. In a logistic regression model, postoperative death risk remained insignificantly increased in the elderly (adjusted Odds Ratio=3.3 [0.7-14.9], p=0.22). In our experience, the postoperative course in elderly patients is not significantly different from that than in younger patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pyriform sinus carcinomas (SCC) present specific functional and oncological issues. The recent advent of trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS), as a conservative procedure, has opened up new perspectives., Objectives: To present the oncological and functional outcomes of TORS for pyriform sinus SCC., Materials and Methods: We included, retrospectively, all TORS procedures for pyriform sinus SCC performed between 2009 and 2017 in eight French tertiary referral centers. We excluded lesions involving the pyriform sinus that had developed from the oropharynx, larynx, or other anatomic sub-sites of the hypopharynx., Results: We included 57 TORS procedures. Median hospital stay was 10 days. A preventive tracheotomy was performed in seven cases (12%), and all were successfully decannulated. Oral re-feeding was possible for 93%, after a median of 5 days. The main surgical complications were hemorrhages (three cases), all successfully handled, although 2 patients with heavy comorbidities died from blood loss in the days after. Adjuvant therapy was proposed in 31 cases (54%), including two cases of salvage surgery (total pharyngolaryngectomy). After a median follow-up of 23 months, overall and disease-free survival were, respectively, 84% and 74% at 24 months, and 66% and 50% at 48 months. At the end of follow-up, organ preservation rate was 96%. None of the surviving patients needed a tracheotomy and oral diet was possible for 96%., Conclusion: The functional and oncological outcomes of TORS for pyriform sinus cancer are encouraging, and this procedure can be considered safe for selected early or moderately advanced cases as a conservative treatment., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Few studies reported both functional and sensitive long-term evaluations after tongue reconstruction. The aim of this study was to assess functional outcomes and sensitive recovery after tongue reconstruction with fasciocutaneous free flap (FCFF) or musculocutaneous pedicled flap (MCPF) without nerve anastomosis. We enrolled 30 patients having no recurrence from a consecutive series of 79 tongue reconstructions as part of a cancer treatment. All patients were submitted to functional and sensitive tests. The functional study included intelligibility, tongue motility, food, and swallowing scores. Flap sensibility was evaluated too. Male-to-female sex ratio was 6.5 with a mean age of 52 years old. The lesions were mainly advanced (T3-T4 73%). Mobile tongue and base of tongue resection was carried out in 43% of cases, and resection was limited to the oral tongue for 53%. Twenty-one FCFF and nine MCPF were performed. The mean follow-up was 2 years and 11 months. Swallowing (slightly impaired 63%), food (normal 40%), and intelligibility (excellent 77%) assessments were satisfactory. Spontaneous sensory recovery was regularly observed (mean response 62%). The two groups FCFF and MCPF were similar regarding population and tumors characteristics. Functional results were higher in case of FCFF (food score p=0.05; intelligibility p=0.04). No difference was observed on sensitive recovery. This study emphasizes good functional results either for swallowing or intelligibility, with higher scores for the FCFF, strengthening the opinion that FCFF is the best choice for tongue reconstruction whenever possible., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)