Search

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) accounts for the majority of thyroid malignancies; risk of PTC recurrence over a 30-year period is approximately 30%, of which 70% occur as nodal metastases. Patients with nodal disease who are treated with therapeutic dissection are at higher risk for recurrence, but optimal nodal yield has not been defined. We aim to determine variables predictive of nodal recurrence of PTC within the first 5 years of surgery, with a focus on lymph node ratio (LNR), to inform clinical decision-making.Retrospective chart review identified 41 patients with nodal recurrence of PTC and 284 without nodal recurrence following thyroid surgery from 2000 to 2015. Cohorts were compared with regards to clinical history, surgical findings, and tumor characteristics.The fraction of the patients who underwent therapeutic central or lateral lymph node dissection was significantly higher in the nodal recurrence cohort. Maximum tumor size, presence of extrathyroidal extension, largest lymph node focus, LNR, postoperative thyroglobulin level, and administration of postoperative radioactive iodine were significantly increased in the PTC nodal recurrence group. LNR greater than 0.3 held the highest level of significance as a binary cutoff and captured the larger proportion of patients in the nodal recurrence cohort (68.3%).This study demonstrates characteristics to help assess risk of nodal recurrence of PTC and suggests LNR of lower than 0.3 is optimal to reduce risk of recurrence. The next steps include cohort studies to validate findings and weight variable analysis to optimize the extent of surgical therapeutic dissection.4 Laryngoscope, 132:1883-1887, 2022.

This study aimed to elucidate the role of elective neck dissection (END) in improving the outcome of T3cN0M0 glottic squamous cell cancer (GSCC).Retrospective population-based database analysis.Patients with T3cN0M0 GSCC in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER) were extracted and stratified into END and non-END cohorts. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to eliminate the baseline variations. The Kaplan-Meier method was performed to access the association between END and survival.We retrospectively analyzed 1,589 T3cN0M0 GSCC patients in the SEER database from 2004 to 2015, and found that only 22% to 58% T3cN0M0 GSCC were performed with END. After PSM, END cohort had better overall survival (OS) (median survival time: 93 vs. 55 months, respectively; P = .0047) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29-0.77, P = .003) than non-END cohort. In addition, Subgroup analysis also indicated END cohort had better OS or CSS than non-END cohort.This study demonstrated that in patients with T3cN0M0 GSCC, END significantly associated with better survival outcomes compared with non-END.3 Laryngoscope, 132:1807-1816, 2022.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS This study aimed to examine the prognostic value of elective neck dissection (END) in T1-2 clinical negative cervical lymph node (cN0 ) oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) patients. STUDY DESIGN An observational retrospective study. METHODS This retrospective study included 845 patients diagnosed with T1-2 cN0 OPC during 2010-2015 from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were used to evaluate the prognostic roles of END. Furthermore, propensity score matching was used to balance the covariates between the END and observation (OBS) groups, and subgroup analyses were conducted in the matched cohorts. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). RESULTS Our study showed that END was an independent prognostic factor associated with a better 3-year OS compared with OBS in human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive cohort (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.464; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.235-0.916; P = .027). However, we found no prognostic value of END in HPV-negative cohort (adjusted HR, 0.837; 95% CI, 0.535-1.310; P = .435). In the subgroup analyses, we found that younger patients (≤65 years old) and patients with nontonsillar tumors in HPV-positive cohort were more likely to benefit from END, while patients with tonsillar tumors in HPV-negative cohort may benefit from END. CONCLUSIONS We found that patients with HPV-positive T1-2 cN0 OPC could benefit from END in terms of OS, especially younger patients and those with nontonsillar tumors. Patients with HPV-negative T1-2 cN0 OPC could not benefit from END in terms of OS, while those with tonsillar tumors may benefit from END. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Laryngoscope, 2021.

OBJECTIVE We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that scrutinized the oncological benefits and postsurgical complications of total thyroidectomy (TT) plus prophylactic central neck dissection (pCND) versus TT alone among clinically node-negative (cN0) papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients. METHODS We screened five databases from inception to September 4, 2021 and evaluated the risk of bias of the eligible studies. We pooled dichotomous outcomes using the risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS Overall, we included 5 RCTs with low risk of bias comprising 795 patients (TT plus pCND = 410 and TT alone = 385). With regard to efficacy endpoint, the rate of structural loco-regional recurrence did not significantly differ between both groups (n = 4 RCTs, RR = 0.49, 95% CI [0.19, 1.27], P = .14). With regard to safety endpoints, the rates of hypoparathyroidism (n = 5 RCTs, RR = 1.48, 95% CI [0.73, 2.97], P = .27), recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (n = 5 RCTs, RR = 1.34, 95% CI [0.59, 3.03], P = .48), and bleeding (n = 3 RCTs, RR = 1.75, 95% CI [0.42, 7.26], P = .44) did not significantly differ between both groups. CONCLUSION For cN0 PTC patients, there was no significant difference between TT plus pCND and TT alone with regard to the rate of structural loco-regional recurrence or frequency of postsurgical complications. Adaptation of pCND in cN0 PTC patients should be contemplated by taking into consideration the clinical oncological benefits and rate of postsurgical adverse events. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Objective To compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) and elective neck dissection (END) in the surgical management of cT1-2N0 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). Methods English full-text articles were searched in PubMed and Embase on May 9, 2021. Articles had to compare SNB with END in cT1-T2N0 OCSCC patients; report hazard ratios (HRs), Kaplan-Meier curves, or P-values with total number of events for survival outcomes; be from a clinical trial, cohort, or case-control study. Two reviewers reviewed articles and a third settled disagreements. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool and revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials were used. The generic inverse variance method with a random-effect model was used for meta-analysis. Results Ten studies, five retrospective, three prospective, and two randomized controlled trials, were included (total number of patients [n] = 10,498, END n = 9102, SNB n = 1396). No significant differences were found in OS (HR = 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65-1.31) or DFS (HR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.41-1.20). Heterogeneity was not detected in pooled OS analysis (P = .18; I2 = 30%), but was in pooled DFS analysis (P = .003; I2 = 66%). Conclusions No statistically significant differences in OS or DFS were observed between SNB and END in cT1-2N0 OCSCC, suggesting that SNB might be an alternative to END in the management of early-stage, clinically node-negative OCSCC. Laryngoscope, 2021.

OBJECTIVE The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition introduced distinct clinical and pathological staging paradigms for human papilloma virus positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Treatment planning for OPSCC often utilizes positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to assess clinical stage. We hypothesize that PET/CT will accurately predict final pathologic AJCC 8th edition staging in patients with HPV+ OPSCC. METHODS All patients with primary HPV+ OPSCC with preoperative PET/CT who underwent transoral robotic surgery and neck dissection between 2011 and 2017 were identified. Data were collected via chart review. Two neuroradiologists performed blinded re-evaluation of all scans. Primary tumor size and cervical nodal disease characteristics were recorded and TNM staging was extrapolated. Cohen's kappa statistic was used to assess interrater reliability. Test for symmetry was performed to analyze discordance between radiologic and pathologic staging. RESULTS Forty-nine patients met inclusion criteria. Interrater reliability was substantial between radiologists for nodal (N) and overall staging (OS) (κ = 0.715 and 0.715). Radiologist A review resulted in identical OS for 67% of patients, overstaging for 31%, and understaging for 2%. Radiologist B review resulted in 61% identical OS, 39% overstaging, and 0% understaging. In misclassified cases, the test of symmetry shows strong bias toward overstaging N stage and OS (P

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS The literature on outcomes of end-to-side (ETS) anastomoses for microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck is limited. This series reviews ETS in free tissue transfer (FTT) across multiple institutions to better understand their usage and associated outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review of 2482 consecutive patients across three tertiary institutions. METHODS Adult patients (> 18) who received a FTT from 2006 to 2019 were included. RESULTS Two hundred and twenty-one FTT were identified as requiring at least one ETS anastomosis. These ETS cases had a failure rate of 11.2% in comparison to 3.8% in a cohort of end-to-end (ETE) cases (P

Objectives/hypothesis Our study aimed to review the impact of preoperative radiotherapy (RT) and other factors on the lymph node count of neck dissection (ND) specimens from patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). A retrospective study was conducted on all patients with head and neck cancers who had undergone NDs in Singapore General Hospital between 1992 and 2013. Study design Retrospective study. Methods Patients were categorized into two groups: patients treated with RT with or without chemotherapy before ND and patients who had undergone ND surgery without previous history of RT. The primary endpoint for this study would be the lymph node count from ND. Results The study cohort consists of 1,024 NDs on 829 patients. There were 597 (58.3%) radical/modified radical NDs involving levels I-V. Within this group, 75 (12.6%) NDs had preoperative RT. Preoperative RT and age were found to significantly reduce nodal yield in both univariate and multivariate analysis in the radical/modified radical ND subgroup. In our multivariate analysis, preoperative RT was shown to decrease the nodal yield by 7.464 (P = .0002, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -11.35 to -3.58). Advanced age independently decreases nodal yield, even after accounting for the effect of RT (P = .0002, 95% CI: -0.27 to -0.08). In addition, preoperative RT has a more pronounced effect in reducing lymph node count in the older age group. Conclusions Preoperative RT and advanced age are independent and synergistic factors that reduce nodal count from NDs in patients with head and neck cancers. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 130: 1947-1953, 2020.

OBJECTIVE To comprehensively examine the prognostic significance of extranodal extension (ENE) in human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-positive OPSCC). METHODS Retrospective cohort of cases diagnosed with HPV-positive OPSCC from 2010 to 2015 in the National Cancer Database. Inclusion of all OPSCC HPV-positive cases with appropriate International Classification of Diseases-0-3 codes that received surgery with a neck dissection. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted. Hazard ratios (HR) for the independent effects of ENE and N stage on overall survival were estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS Cases that were ENE-negative had the highest 5-year survival (92.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 90.5%-94.7%). ENE-positive cases had the lowest 5-year survival (84.0%; 95% CI: 80.7%-87.4%). After adjusting for confounding variables, ENE-positivity was associated with almost twice the hazard of death (HR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.35-2.67) compared to ENE-negative cases. Nodal (N) category 1, ENE-positive status was associated with an increased risk of death (HR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.26-2.80) compared with N1, ENE-negative status. Compared to N1/ENE-negative cases, N2/ENE-positive cases had the poorest survival (HR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.94-4.43). Both microscopic and macroscopic ENE were associated with worse outcomes compared to node-positive/ENE-negative status. CONCLUSION The implementation of the American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition staging system provides a much-improved framework to develop and discuss treatment plans for HPV-positive OPSCC. We feel that careful consideration should be given to the importance of ENE in patients with HPV-positive OPSCC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 130:939-945, 2020.

Objectives The primary objective was to determine the rate of occult cervical nodal metastasis in patients undergoing elective neck dissection (END) during salvage laryngectomy. The secondary objective was to compare survival and postoperative complication rates between patients undergoing END versus observation. Methods A medical librarian performed a comprehensive search for END outcomes in laryngeal cancer patients undergoing salvage laryngectomy after primary chemoradiation therapy. Seventeen retrospective studies and 1 prospective study met inclusion criteria, with a total of 1,141 patients (799 END, 350 observed). Results The rate of nodal positivity was 11% among patients who underwent END during their salvage laryngectomy. Three studies and 155 patients were included in a 5-year overall survival (OS) analysis with no significant difference in OS (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82-2.22). After inclusion of six studies and 494 patients (249 END, 245 observed), the risk of fistula formation was not statistically different (95% CI: 0.61-2.56). Due to significant heterogeneity between studies and inadequate data, most patients could not be included in the meta-analysis of outcomes. Conclusion Salvage laryngectomy patients undergoing END have an occult nodal positivity rate of 11%. Meta-analysis showed no statistically significant differences in 5-year OS between patients undergoing END versus observation. Laryngoscope, 130:899-906, 2020.

OBJECTIVES Analyze risk factors affecting length of stay (LOS) for patients presenting with deep neck space infections including care by medical versus surgical team. METHODS This is a retrospective chart review from January 2005 through May 2018 at the University of Kentucky analyzing factors related to deep neck space abscesses. Patients included adults >18 years old admitted for deep neck space infections undergoing surgical intervention. This study compared effects of treatment on a medical versus surgical service on LOS while accounting for patient confounders. Independent variables included age, gender, tobacco use, medical comorbidities, Charlson comorbidity index, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification, presence of drain, readmissions, and repeat surgical interventions. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. RESULTS One hundred sixty-three patients were included in the analysis. LOS was significantly longer for those on medicine services (P

Objectives/hypothesis The role of elective neck dissection (END) in patients with clinically N0 (cN0), high-grade parotid carcinoma is unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the association between END and survival in patients with cN0, high-grade parotid carcinoma. Study design Retrospective, multicenter cohort study. Methods A review of hospital-based cases from the National Cancer Data Base was performed. Participants included patients diagnosed with cN0, high-grade parotid cancer between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2013. The primary exposure was receipt of neck dissection. Secondary exposures included receipt of adjuvant radiation and/or chemotherapy. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed. Unadjusted and adjusted survival estimates were determined. Results Overall, 1,547 patients were included, with a median follow-up time of 48 months. END did not have a statistically significant effect on 3-year survival (3-year: 69.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 67.2 to 72.6). Survival at 3-years among those not receiving END was 66.1% (95% CI: 62.7 to 69.5). Parotidectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy had the strongest effect on mortality. There was no difference in 3-year survival among patients who underwent parotidectomy and adjuvant radiation stratified by receipt of END nor did END have a statistically significant effect on survival in mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, high-risk histology, high T stage, or academic center treatment subgroups. Conclusions END did not have a statistically significant effect on survival among cN0 patients with high-grade parotid cancer when taking into account receipt of adjuvant therapy and confounding. The role of END on survival and locoregional control remains to be further elucidated in prospective studies. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 130:1487-1495, 2020.

OBJECTIVES To determine the influence of nodal yield during neck dissection on survival in surgically managed human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal cancer. METHODS The National Cancer Database was used to identify patients with HPV-associated tumor T1 to T2 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent upfront surgery with or without adjuvant therapy. Patients were stratified by lymph node yield (

Objectives/hypothesis To describe outcomes of a single institution experience with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Study design Retrospective case series. Methods Chart review was performed for patients who presented with clinically node negative cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck between December 2007 and May 2018. Patients who met high-risk criteria underwent SLNB and excision, with or without adjuvant therapy. Patients who underwent prior neck dissection were excluded. The main outcomes were SLNB result, lymph node spread, recurrence-free survival, disease-specific survival, and overall survival. Results Eighty-three patients underwent successful SLNB, and one patient underwent selective neck dissection for intraoperatively identified occult lymph node metastasis. Five patients (6%) had a sentinel node positive for tumor, of whom 4/5 received further treatment (neck dissection, radiation, and/or systemic therapy) with no further recurrence at the time of last follow-up. SLNB had a negative predictive value of 95% to 100%. Recurrent tumor at presentation, tumor arising from an area of chronic inflammation, and immunosuppression were significantly associated with increased risk of subsequent recurrence, with a mean follow-up of 19.9 months. Conclusions SLNB can be used to identify regional lymph node metastases in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with a high negative predictive value (95%-100%). Factors associated with recurrence were tumor being locally recurrent at presentation, arising from an area of chronic inflammation, and immunosuppression. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 130:108-114, 2020.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the patterns, risk factors, and salvage outcomes for locoregional recurrences (LRR) after treatment with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+ OPSCC). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis of HPV+ OPSCC patients completing primary TORS, neck dissection, and NCCN-guideline-compliant adjuvant therapy at a single institution from 2007 to 2017. METHODS Features associated with LRR, detailed patterns of LRR, and outcomes of salvage therapy were analyzed. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated for subgroups of patients receiving distinct adjuvant treatments. RESULTS Of 541 patients who completed guideline-indicated therapy, the estimated 5-year LRR rate was 4.5%. There were no identifiable clinical or pathologic features associated with LRR. Compared to patients not receiving adjuvant therapy, those who received indicated adjuvant radiation alone had a lower risk of LRR (HR 0.28, 95% CI [0.09-0.83], P = .023), but there was no difference in DFS (P = .21) and OS (P = .86) between adjuvant therapy groups. The 5-year OS for patients who developed LRR was 67.1% vs. 93.9% for those without LRR (P

OBJECTIVES Early-stage glottic cancer (cT1-T2 cN0) may be treated by primary surgery or radiation. Elective treatment of the neck in clinically N0 disease is usually not performed due to low rates of regional lymph node metastasis. This study examines the role of elective neck dissection (END) and rate of occult nodal metastasis in cT1-T2 cN0 glottic cancer treated with primary surgery. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS The National Cancer Database was used to identify patients treated for early-stage glottic cancer. Demographic variables, disease characteristics, and overall survival were compared between the subgroups of patients who did and did not receive END. Factors predictive of occult lymph node metastasis were also identified using a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS Thirty-eight percent of the 991 patients in this cohort underwent END. Younger age, treatment at an academic facility, advanced T-stage, and higher tumor grade were associated with receiving END. Sixteen percent of the 372 patients undergoing END had occult nodal metastasis. Higher tumor histopathologic grade was associated with occult metastasis (P = .004). While undergoing END did not affect significantly survival, those with occult metastasis had poorer survival (P

OBJECTIVE Evaluate patterns and predictors of spread to the neck in pediatric metastatic differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). METHODS Patients

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To analyze stapler benefits in salvage total laryngectomy in terms of surgical time, hospitalization length, oral feeding time, and occurrence of pharyngocutaneous fistula, and to evaluate risk factors for its onset. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis. METHODS One hundred fourteen patients affected by endolaryngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent salvage total laryngectomy following primary treatment failure were reviewed. We divided patients into two groups based on type of pharyngeal suture performed: mechanical suture with stapler (group A) and manual suture (group B). These two groups were compared for surgical time, start of oral feeding, hospitalization length, surgical margins and pharyngocutaneous fistula incidence considering its relationship with diabetes mellitus, nutritional status, primary treatment, and neck dissection. RESULTS In group A and group B, oral feeding restarting time was 15 ± 9.33 versus 20.03 ± 13.81 days, hospitalization was 17.63 ± 10.08 versus 23.72 ± 14.29 days, and surgery lasted 268.39 ± 76.93 versus 294.26 ± 140.58 minutes, respectively (P

Objectives/hypothesis Investigate the relationship between facility volume and type on overall survival (OS) in patients with major salivary gland cancer undergoing surgical treatment. Study design Retrospective review of the National Cancer Database (NCDB) 2004-2015. Methods The NCDB was queried for patients with surgically treated major salivary gland cancer. The mean number of cases treated at each institution was calculated. High-volume facilities (HVFs) were defined as the top 10% of centers. Univariate and multivariate propensity score-matched analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of facility volume and type on OS. Results A total of 8,658 patients were analyzed. Distribution among facilities was highly skewed, with a median value of 1.38 cases/year (range, 0.11-23.25). On univariate analysis, treatment at HVFs was not associated with improved OS. However, there were significantly more patients with adverse clinical features treated at HVFs. Treatment at HVFs was associated with increased rates of concomitant neck dissections and lower rates of positive margins. In propensity-score matched cohorts, OS was not significantly improved in patients treated at HVFs (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.979; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.879-1.091) or academic/research institutions (HR: 0.914; 95% CI: 0.821-1.018). Conclusions Regionalization of care is occurring in patients with major salivary gland malignancies. Patients treated at HVFs had greater rates of adverse clinical features and more commonly underwent neck dissections, although adjuvant radiotherapy rates were similar between facility types. There was no apparent survival benefit to patients treated at HVFs or academic/research institutions, although there were lower rates of positive margins at HVF. Level of evidence NA Laryngoscope, 129:2321-2327, 2019.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the frequency and outcomes of elective neck dissection (END) for adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the head and neck. METHODS The National Cancer Database was queried for a cohort study of patients with ACC of the major salivary glands, nasal cavity/nasopharynx, hard/soft palate, tongue, floor of mouth, larynx, and oral cavity who underwent primary surgical resection from 2004 to 2014. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of END and occult nodal metastasis. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and modeled with Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS Among 2,807 patients with ACC treated surgically, 636 (22.7%) underwent END. Patients with ACC of the salivary glands and tongue most frequently underwent END; patients with hard/soft palate (odds ratio [OR] 0.06, P < 0.001) and nasal cavity/nasopharynx (OR 0.05, P < 0.001) ACC rarely underwent END compared to patients with major salivary gland cancer. Increasing tumor (T) stage (T4 vs. T1, OR 3.02, P < 0.001) was associated with END. Patients with advanced T3 to T4 ACC of the major salivary glands demonstrated extended OS associated with END (5-year OS 78.1% vs. 70.4%, P = 0.041) on Kaplan-Meier analysis and with END with adjuvant radiation therapy (hazard ratio 0.55, P = 0.027) using Cox proportional hazards regression. Elective neck dissection for T4 ACC of the salivary glands (21.3%) and tongue (25.5%) most consistently revealed occult nodal metastasis. CONCLUSION Elective neck dissection for ACC of the major salivary glands or tongue is most likely to reveal occult nodal metastasis. Elective neck dissection is associated with extended OS for advanced-stage ACC of the major salivary glands. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 129:2094-2104, 2019.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the significance of increasing depth of invasion (DOI) as the sole risk factor for recurrence in patients with low-risk early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 560 patients with OCSCC treated at our institution between 2003 and 2013. Patients were included if they had low-risk early-stage OCSCC treated with surgical resection ± neck dissection and no adjuvant therapy. Low risk was defined as absence of positive or close margins, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and positive lymph nodes. Patients with tumor (T)3-T4 disease were excluded. Pathology specimens were independently re-reviewed by two board-certified pathologists to confirm proper measurement of DOI. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to identify factors predictive for recurrence as well as progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS A total of 126 patients with low-risk early-stage T1-2N0 OCSCC were included. Median follow-up time was 42.5 months and median DOI was 4 mm. There was no significant difference in incidence of local (P = 0.95), regional (P = 0.81), or distant recurrence (P = 0.96) among patients with DOI < 4 mm versus ≥4 mm. On multivariable analysis, DOI was significant for both PFS (P = 0.03) and OS (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION In this study, we show that in the absence of other high-risk pathologic features, DOI ≥ 4 mm does not portend for increased incidence of local, regional, or distant relapse in patients treated with surgery alone; however, increasing DOI is a marker for worse PFS and OS in patients with low-risk, early-stage OCSCC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 129:2082-2086, 2019.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Description of a novel use of a submandibular gland (SMG) flap pedicled on the facial vessels to restore facial volume after parotidectomy, and comparison of clinical outcomes with alternative modes of reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective chart review. METHODS The surgical technique for a SMG flap is described. Retrospective chart review of cases of parotidectomy at a single tertiary medical center was conducted (n = 43). Cases were grouped in three cohorts of consecutive patients depending on reconstruction technique: SMG flap (n = 13), sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) flap (n = 15), and no flap (n = 15). Cohort characteristics and complication rates are reported. RESULTS The SMG flap was more often used for a malignant pathology (92%) and in conjunction with a neck dissection (100%), compared to the SCM flap (47% and 15%) or no flap (0% and 0%), respectively. The mean House-Brackmann score in the immediate postoperative period in the SMG-flap group was slightly elevated compared to the other groups: 1.6 (standard deviation [SD] ± 0.5) versus 1.1 (SD ± 0.3) and 1.0 (SD ± 0.0). Otherwise, the complication rate was similar across groups. CONCLUSIONS The SMG flap is a safe and effective option for volume restoration after parotidectomy. It provides durable volume that will not atrophy and is already exposed in the field of dissection for patients undergoing concurrent level I neck dissection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Laryngoscope, 130:E155-E162, 2020.

OBJECTIVES Determine the ability of three staging systems to stratify the risk of nodal metastases in cases of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Examine differential staging of tumors across the three systems and the resulting implications for clinical decision making. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective chart review. METHODS This study included 118 patients who underwent excision of primary cSCC of the head and neck as well as elective neck dissection for the same tumor between 2006 and 2017. Tumors were staged using the 2010 7th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC 7) staging system, the 2016 8th edition AJCC staging system (AJCC 8), and the Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) alternative tumor staging system published in 2013. RESULTS There were 28 patients (23.7%) with positive nodal metastases at the time of tumor excision. Almost all tumors staged as tumor (T)2 using AJCC 7 were upstaged to T3 or T4 using the new AJCC 8, and these two groups accounted for the majority of the nodal metastases. Similarly, the BWH-staged T3 group contained the highest number of tumors with nodal metastases. None of the three staging systems significantly stratified tumors in a manner that predicted the presence of nodal metastases. CONCLUSION Individuals with cSCC tumors staged T3 or higher in the AJCC 8 and BWH staging systems should undergo neck dissection, whereas those with lower staging should be discussed with the patient on a case-by-case basis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To assess the ability of specific positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features to detect extracapsular extension (ECE) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study in a tertiary certified university cancer institute. METHODS We performed a review of patients with advanced HNSCC at Bern University Hospital between 2014 and 2018. Patients with pretherapeutic PET/CT and/or MRI who underwent neck dissection were included, with 212 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria. Blinded evaluation of specific PET/CT and MRI features with respect to presence of ECE was performed. Histopathological examination of neck dissection specimens was used as the gold standard to determine ECE status. RESULTS Out of the 212 included patients, 184 had PET/CT, 186 MRI, and 158 both modalities. Overall clinical stage IV (odds ratio [OR]: 2.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.25-11.74), ill-defined margins in both PET/CT and MRI (OR: 3.48, 95% CI: 1.21-9.98 and OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 0.94-4.89, respectively), and a maximum standardized uptake value ≥ 10 (OR: 5.44, 95% CI: 1.21-9.98) were all significant independent predictors of ECE. When combined, these four features led to a cumulative score able to predict ECE status with an accuracy of 91.43%. CONCLUSIONS The current findings indicate specific features in PET/CT and MRI are potential predictors of ECE status and may help in pretherapeutic stratification in HNSCC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 2020.

Objective The role of elective neck dissection (END) in patients with stage I (T1N0) and II (T2N0) squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity remains a controversial topic. We investigate the need for END by establishing a true incidence of occult nodal disease as a function of T stage DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus. Review methods Studies were selected using a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model was employed to generate an odds ratio (OR) comparing the incidence of occult metastasis between T1 and T2 tumors, as well as regional recurrence rates between patients receiving END versus observation. Results Thirty-nine publications comprising five randomized controlled trials and 34 retrospective studies were selected for inclusion, yielding over 4,300 patients for analysis. The overall incidence of occult nodal metastasis, weighted by study size, was found to be 23%. Patients with T2 tumors have a significantly higher odds of having occult nodal disease (OR: 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.0-3.4) over patients with T1 tumors. We also demonstrate that for patients who are observed, the odds of recurrence are significantly higher (OR: 4.18, 95% CI: 2.78-6.28) compared to those who undergo END, although statistically significant interstudy heterogeneity was observed. Conclusions END should be reserved for stage II tumors given the significantly higher rate of occult metastasis. Observation may be more appropriate for stage I cancers. Laryngoscope, 129:E284-E298, 2019.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect on survival of periauricular region cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC) metastasizing to parotid region and cervical lymph nodes. METHODS From May 1995 to October 2013, consecutive patients with cSCC undergoing parotidectomy/neck dissection ≥ 18 years without distant metastasis were included. Demographic, clinical, and pathologic data were analyzed. Uni- and multivariate analyses of disease-specific survival and overall survival were performed. Statistical significance was set at P

Objective To compare survival effects of comprehensive neck dissection (CND) and selective neck dissection (SND) for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) with only regional failure. Methods A total of 294 recurrent T0N1-3M0 NPC patients who underwent neck dissection in Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China, between January 1984 and February 2014, were enrolled in the survival and interaction analyses. Using propensity scores to adjust for potential prognostic factors, an additional well-balanced cohort of 210 patients was constructed by matching each patient who received SND with one patient who underwent CND (1:1); the differences were then compared between SND and CND in terms of overall survival (OS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), regional recurrence-free survival (RRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). Results Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed that SND was not inferior to CND (P > 0.05) but demonstrated that extracapsular spread (ECS) (hazard ratio [HR] 3.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.30-5.29, P 0.05). Furthermore, no survival differences were found between SND and CND in the case-matched cohort in terms of OS, LRFS, RRFS, or DMFS (P = 0.550, 0.930, 0.214, and 0.146, respectively). Conclusion With a similar radical dissection extent around the tumor rather than dissection of extensive lymph region distal to the lesion, SND is not inferior to CND for patients with NPC with only cervical failure. ECS, rN stage, and positive margins were adverse independent prognostic factors for patients with NPC. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 129:387-395, 2019.

Objective The aim of this systematic review is to compare the perioperative outcomes of robotic versus conventional neck dissection in patients with head and neck malignancy. Methods An electronic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases was conducted. We included studies with direct comparisons of robotic and open neck dissections and performed dual, independent data extraction for primary outcomes of nodal yield, recurrence rate, subjective cosmetic assessment, operative time, length of stay, and rates of perioperative complications. Data were pooled using random effects meta-analysis to determine the standardized mean difference (SMD), absolute risk difference (RD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Eleven comparative studies comprising 225 robotic and 430 open neck dissections met the final selection criteria. All studies had low to moderate risk of bias. Robotic surgery improved cosmesis (SMD 1.15, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.56) but also increased operative time (SMD 1.94, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.63). Total nodal yield, pathological nodal yield, recurrence rate, rates of perioperative complications, and length of stay were not significantly different between the two groups, and the 95% CIs suggested that false negative results were unlikely. The results remained consistent after stratification by pathology and robotic technique. Conclusion Although robotic neck dissection may offer similar perioperative outcomes compared to conventional neck dissection, it requires significantly more operative time. Whereas cosmesis was found to be superior among the robotic cohort, this must be viewed cautiously given the nonvalidated measurement tool that was used and the inherent reporting bias associated with it. Laryngoscope, 129:1587-1596, 2019.

OBJECTIVES Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been shown to be an accurate technique for staging the neck in early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) and has been incorporated in treatment guidelines as an option instead of elective neck dissection (END). However, utilization of SLNB in the United States remains unclear, and existing prospective studies did not directly compare survival between SLNB and END. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with stage I to II OCSCC (cT1-2cN0cM0) who underwent staging of the neck in the National Cancer Data Base from 2012 to 2015. We compared the practice patterns and outcomes of patients who underwent SLNB versus END. RESULTS We identified 8,328 eligible patients with a median follow-up of 35.4 months. SLNB was used for 240 patients, or 2.9% of stage I to II OCSCC. Completion neck dissection was avoided in 63.8% of patients undergoing SLNB. SLNB was associated with reduced perioperative morbidity, with median length of hospital stay of 1.0 days versus 3.0 days after END (P

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS We aimed to identify the risk factors for iatrogenic unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) caused by thyroid surgery, to allow the identification of patients requiring nerve-protection procedures and monitoring technologies. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case study in a medical center. METHODS Patients who underwent thyroid surgery from April 2011 to February 2016 and who were diagnosed with UVFP by laryngoscopy and laryngeal electromyography were included. Patient demographics, types of surgery, and characteristics of the thyroid lesions were analyzed. RESULTS Sixty (2.1%) of 2,815 patients who received thyroid surgery developed UVFP. The risk of UVFP was higher in patients over 60 years old (odds ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-3.26; P = .01). Involvement of the external branch of superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) occurred in 19 (31.7%) of the 60 UVFP patients, and was more likely to occurr in patients with diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 14.19; 95% confidence interval, 3.80-52.94; P

Objectives The patterns of care for salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC) are unknown. We sought to assess predictors of receiving postoperative radiation and/or chemotherapy for patients with nonmetastatic, definitively resected ACC, as well as report unexpected nodal disease. Methods The National Cancer Data Base was queried for definitively resected nonmetastatic ACC from 2004 to 2014. Logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox proportional-hazard models were utilized. Propensity-score matched analysis was employed to reduce confounding variables. Results A total of 3,136 patients met entry criteria: 2,252 (71.8%) received postoperative radiation, with 223 (7.4%) also receiving concurrent chemotherapy. Median follow-up was 4.87 years. In clinically lymph node negative (cN0) patients, 7.4% had pathologically positive lymph nodes (pN) + after elective neck dissection. Patients who lived closer to their treatment facility and had positive margins were more likely to receive postoperative radiation. Black patients and uninsured patients were less likely to receive radiation. Older age, male sex, advancing stage, and positive surgical margins were associated with worse overall survival (OS). With limited follow-up, receipt of radiation or chemotherapy was not associated with OS. Conclusion Postoperative radiation was frequently given for resected ACC, with a minority receiving chemotherapy. Black patients and uninsured patients were less likely to receive radiation. Postoperative radiation and/or chemotherapy had no association with OS but were given in greater frequency in more advanced disease, and our series is limited by short follow-up. The disparity findings for this rare disease need to be addressed in future studies. Level of evidence 2c Laryngoscope, 129:377-386, 2019.

Objectives/hypothesis Oral cavity cancer is the most commonly occurring malignancy of the head and neck. There are limited data suggesting a change in prognosis of oral cavity cancers. We aimed to evaluate temporal trends in demographics, treatment, and prognosis of oral cavity cancer diagnosed between 1973 and 2014 inclusive. Study design Retrospective database analysis. Methods A retrospective study of 16,030 adult patients diagnosed with oral cavity cancer between 1973 and 2014 inclusive and treated surgically in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 9 registry was conducted. A supplemental analysis was conducted using data from the National Cancer Database. Multivariate Cox survival regressions and univariate Kaplan-Meier analyses were conducted. Results The prognosis of both early- and late-stage disease has significantly improved between 1973 and 2014. Among patients with early-stage disease, 3-year survival increased from 78.0% (standard error [SE] = 1.3) for those diagnosed from 1973 to 1980 to 92.2% (SE = 1.1) for those diagnosed from 2011 to 2014. Among patients with late-stage disease, 3-year survival ranged from 51.9% (SE = 1.5) for those diagnosed from 1973 to 1980 to 70.3% (SE = 1.9) for those diagnosed from 2011 to 2014. For patients with late-stage disease, this improved prognosis occurred in tandem with increasing usage of chemoradiotherapy as adjuvant therapy. There has also been increasing utilization of neck dissection for early- and late-stage disease, along with higher nodal yields from performed dissections. Conclusions The prognosis of oral cavity cancer has improved significantly from the early 1970s to recent years. In late-stage oral cancer, this change has been associated with an increased use of adjuvant therapy and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy in particular. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 128:2762-2769, 2018.

OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to analyze the results of clinical treatment of sarcomatoid carcinoma in the parotid gland by reviewing 30 years of experience. METHODS Thirty-five patients were enrolled in this study. The Kaplan-Meier methods were used to calculate the recurrence-free survival (RFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) rates. The Cox model was used to determine the independent risk factor. RESULTS Mean age at presentation was 57.8 years, and most of the patients were staged as tumor (T)3 or T4. Perineural invasion was noted in 15 (42.9%) patients. Fifteen (42.9%) patients received neck dissection due to clinically suspicious nodes. Of those, three patients had pathologically positive nodes. Recurrence was noted in 14 patients; the most common pattern of treatment failure was local recurrence, and only 40% of the patients could receive salvaged surgical treatment. Disease-specific death was noted in 10 patients. The 5-year RFS and DSS rates were 67.3% and 65.7%, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, only the factor of perineural invasion was independently correlated with death. CONCLUSION Parotid sarcomatoid carcinoma carries a poor prognosis, and perineural invasion was the most important predictive factor. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2b Laryngoscope, 129:1137-1140, 2019.

Objectives/hypothesis This study aimed to analyze the effect of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated T1-2 node-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) on nodal response, recurrent disease, and survival in patients treated according to the Rotterdam protocol. Study design Retrospective cohort study. Methods In total, 77 patients with T1-2 OPSCC with nodal disease, treated between 2000 and 2012, were included in this study. Patients were treated according to the Rotterdam protocol: 46 Gy of IMRT followed by a local boost using cyberknife or brachytherapy (22 Gy) and neck dissection. The presence of HPV was determined by p16INK4A immunostaining. Outcomes were overall survival, disease-free survival, and the extent of nodal response. Nodal stage was determined following the 7th and 8th American Joint Cancer Committee/Union for International Cancer Control classification. Results Overall, 68.4% of patients had p16-positive disease, and 35.4% of all patients achieved complete nodal response (pN0) after 46 Gy of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Based on the 7th TNM classification, nodal response (partial or complete) was significantly associated with HPV status (P = .002). Patients with p16-positive OPSCC had an odds ratio (OR) of 4.6 to achieve complete nodal response. However, smoking interacted with this effect. Applying the 8th TNM classification, complete or partial response was associated with HPV status but was not significant (OR: 1.7, P = .138). Complete nodal response led to 100% overall survival in p16-positive OPSCC patients. Conclusions HPV-related OPSCCs are associated with complete nodal response after 46 Gy of IMRT. Patients with full regional control (pN0) after IMRT and subsequent neck dissection show a significantly better overall survival, but smoking negatively interacts with this effect. Level of evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 128:2333-2340, 2018.

OBJECTIVE To assess the incidence of first bite syndrome (FBS) in transoral robotic surgical (TORS) patients undergoing transcervical arterial ligation. METHODS Retrospective case series of all patients diagnosed with FBS following prophylactic transcervical arterial ligation of branches of the external carotid system between March 2010 and December 2016 at a single academic center. RESULTS Six patients with FBS after TORS with transcervical arterial ligation were evaluated, representing 7% of all patients who underwent neck dissection with concomitant transcervical arterial ligation (6 of 83). Median presentation of FBS was 63 days, with an average duration of 66 days. Treatment ranged from observation to botulinum toxin injection. CONCLUSION Patients who undergo transcervical arterial ligation to minimize bleeding complications following TORS are at risk of developing first bite syndrome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4. Laryngoscope, 128:1589-1593, 2018.

OBJECTIVE Minimally invasive transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is less likely to necessitate gastrostomy tube (GT) following resection of head and neck lesions versus conventional open procedures. However, the incidence of and indications for GT after TORS have not been reported in detail. This study defines the incidence of intra- and postoperative gastrostomy following robotic resection of advanced head and neck disease. It seeks to clarify the relevance of GT after TORS. STUDY DESIGN Adult patients undergoing TORS and neck dissection from 2008 to 2014 were identified in the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System all-payer administrative database. METHODS Demographic data and timing of GT in relation to surgery were recorded. Emergency department (ED) visits and inpatient readmissions were compared with multivariable logistic analysis. RESULTS Of the 441 included patients, immediate, delayed, and total GT incidence within the first postoperative year was 9.5%, 11.6%, and 21.1%, respectively. Gastrostomy tube complications resulted in 4.5% of 30-day ED visits, 3.3% of 30-day readmissions, and 3.5% of 90-day readmissions. Thirty-nine percent of 90-day readmissions were linked to poor postoperative oral intake. Delayed GT status was associated with an increase in 30-day ED visits, and 30- or 90-day readmissions attributable to poor oral intake (P = 0.10, P

Objectives/Hypothesis The spectrum of differential diagnosis in cervical lymphadenopathy is extremely broad. In lymphoma and inflammatory diseases, surgical approaches are restricted to diagnostic lymph extirpation, whereas metastatic outgrowth into regional lymph nodes usually requires neck dissection. Lymph node surgery has to manage the balancing act between sufficient radicality and preservation of functional structures. The current study, therefore, aimed to identify parameters to differentiate between lymph nodes of lymphatic and metastatic origin. Study Design Single-center, retrospective cohort study. Methods Clinical and sonographic parameters from all patients who underwent diagnostic cervical lymphadenectomy from 2010 to 2015 (N = 262) were included in this retrospective analysis. Parameters with significant differences between the two subgroups were utilized to create a clinical algorithm to distinguish between cervical lymphadenopathy of lymphatic and metastatic genesis. Results Statistically significant differences between the two subgroups could be shown for clinical (gender, age, nicotine/alcohol abuse, B symptoms, history of cutaneous melanoma, or lymphoma) and ultrasonographic parameters (string-of-beads confirmation, bilaterality, homogenous echostructure, localization in level I, long-to-short axis ratio, and hilar vascularity). The proposed algorithm yielded a sensitivity of 92.4% for metastatic disease. Conclusions The implemented algorithm based on ultrasonographic and clinical criteria contributes to one-step surgical approaches that guarantee a sufficient radicality with a minimum of functional loss. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 2017

Objectives Preoperative fine needle aspiration (FNA) of parotid lesions often is used in the initial evaluation of parotid masses, but its role in guiding surgical decision making remains unclear, in part due to varying diagnostic accuracy reported. We sought to evaluate the role of preoperative FNA in detection of malignancy and impact on surgical management. Study design Retrospective study. Methods The medical records of patients who underwent parotidectomy at a single tertiary medical center were reviewed from 2000 to 2015. Patients who had a preoperative FNA comprised the study cohort. Results A total of 1,074 consecutive patients underwent parotidectomy during the study period; of those, 477 had a preoperative FNA. FNA was nondiagnostic in 26 cases. There were 29 false positives (6.4%), 26 false negatives (5.8%), 122 true positives (27.1%), and 274 true negatives (60.8%). The sensitivity and specificity of FNA were 82.4% and 90.4%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 80.8% and a negative predictive value of 91.3%. The overall accuracy of preoperative FNA was 87.8%. The preoperative FNA resulted in a change in the surgical plan in 85 (18.9%) cases. In 66 of these cases (78%), surgery was extended to include neck dissection at time of resection. In 10 cases, FNA led to surgical management over surveillance. In 11 cases, FNA downgraded the extent of surgery planned to an excisional biopsy. Conclusion Preoperative FNA is a valuable adjunct in the surgical management of parotid lesions, with high specificity for the detection of malignant disease. Level of evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 128:398-402, 2018.

Objective To assess the impact of a microvascular head and neck (H&N) fellowship on senior residents' surgical experience. Study Design Retrospective review of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-generated operative case log reports, retrospective chart review, and electronic survey. Methods A retrospective review of one institution's residents' H&N operative case logs and free flap operative reports was performed to determine changes in key indicator cases (KICs) after the addition of a H&N fellowship. An electronic survey was distributed to senior residents at all U.S. otolaryngology residency programs to determine residents' perceptions of a H&N fellow's impact on their surgical experience. An electronic survey was distributed to senior medical students applying to surgical residencies to explore the perceived impact that a fellowship has on the desirability of a residency program. Results The average number of each postgraduate year (PGY)5's HN neck dissection, 33.2 versus 40.6; oral cavity resection, 15.3 versus 12.6; thyroid/parathyroid, 45.5 versus 45.6; and flaps/grafts, 56.7 versus 42. PGY5 participation as first assistant in free flaps dropped from 78% to 17%; however, residents still participated in some aspect of 45% of the cases. Seventy percent of senior residents reported a positive perception of the H&N fellow on their H&N operative experience. Eighty-nine percent of senior medical student respondents reported a nonnegative perception of a fellowship in their applied field. Conclusion The addition of a H&N fellowship did not decrease senior residents' H&N KIC, and most senior residents at programs with fellowships report that the fellow has a positive impact on their H&N operative experience. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 2017

Objectives/hypothesis Anatomical variations of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), such as extralaryngeal branching, are a well-known risk factor for RLN injury during thyroid surgery. This study aimed to analyze the surgical anatomy and to investigate the existence of posterior branch motor fibers of extralaryngeal RLNs. Study design Prospective consecutive observational study. Methods This was a prospective cohort study of 366 patients between January 2014 and February 2016. Operative data included the type of operation, incidence of nerve bifurcation, the distances among anatomical landmarks. The motor fibers were evaluated using neurostimulation with laryngeal palpation. Results A total of 667 RLNs at risk were analyzed in this study, and of these 103 (14.5%) nerves were bifurcated or trifurcated before the laryngeal entry point (LEP). More extralaryngeal branched RLNs were observed on the right side than on the left (17.5% vs. 13.3%, P = .294). The mean distance of the LEP point of division was longer on the left side (16.2 ± 6.7 mm) than on the right (14.7 ± 5.9 mm, P = .132). All branched RLNs had a palpable laryngeal twitch when stimulating anterior branches. When stimulating posterior branches, 28.2%(29/103) of branched RLNs showed palpable laryngeal twitch. Overall incidence of posterior motor branch in total RLNs was 4.3% (29/667). Conclusions The motor fibers of the RLN are all located in the anterior branch, whereas some posterior branches have motor function. Identification of all of the branches of the RLN may be mandatory to decrease the risk of postoperative nerve injury. Level of evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 127:2678-2685, 2017.

OBJECTIVE To review the evidence for level V dissection in the management of previously untreated mucosal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck presenting with nodal metastasis when level V is clinically uninvolved. DATA SOURCE The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were used to conduct a systematic review of the current literature, including all English language articles published after 1990. A literature search was performed on November 29, 2015, of Medline, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and the Cochrane Library. REVIEW METHODS The search yielded a total of 270 papers. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, leaving 20 eligible papers. Overall prevalence was calculated using random effect meta-analysis. RESULTS The overall prevalence of level V occult disease in the node (N)-positive neck, irrespective of subsite, was 2.56% (95% confidence interval 1.29-3.84) (2,368 patients and 2,533 necks). The prevalence of occult level V metastasis was up to 7.7% for oral cavity and 8.3% for oropharyngeal tumors. Five studies reported regional recurrence rates over variable time periods. There is exceedingly limited data on outcomes, such as spinal accessory nerve function, quality of life, and perioperative complications. CONCLUSION Mucosal head and neck SCC presenting with nodal metastasis but with level V clinically uninvolved has a low prevalence of occult level V disease. Routine dissection of level V does not appear to be warranted; however, a definitive conclusion is unable to be drawn due to limited data on morbidity and oncological outcomes. Laryngoscope, 127:2074-2080, 2017.

Objectives/Hypothesis Unlike lymphadenectomy at other sites, there is no discrete lymph node count defining an adequate neck dissection. The purpose of this study was to determine the minimum lymph node yield (LNY) of an elective level I–III neck dissection required to reliably capture any positive nodes present in these nodal basins. Study Design Retrospective single-institution analysis. Methods All patients with the diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who underwent elective level I–III neck dissection between 2004 and 2015 at our institution were analyzed. Preoperatively, patients had no clinical or radiographic evidence of lymphadenopathy. Patients with unknown number of lymph nodes on pathology report were excluded. Age, gender, race, history of radiation, tumor subsite, stage, surgeon, LNY, and number of positive nodes were recorded; bilateral neck dissections were reported separately. Results One hundred eighteen level I–III neck dissections met criteria and were included in the study. Mean LNY was 21.15, and metastatic disease was present in 24.5% of cases, with 8.4% of cases being N2. The highest portion of positive lymph nodes was present in the group with 18 to 24 lymph nodes (36%), which was significantly higher than the group with

Objective To characterize nodal disease of patients presenting with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) Study Design Retrospective chart review. Methods PTC patients who underwent thyroidectomy and/or neck dissection (revision/primary) from 2004 to 2009 at a tertiary-care hospital were reviewed. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan and ultrasonography were utilized to identify macroscopic, clinically apparent nodal metastasis (cN+). Demographic data, type of surgery, nodal disease, and primary tumor information were recorded. Results Of 416 patients reviewed, 35% had cN+ on initial presentation (IP); of these, 88% and 50% had central (CND) and lateral nodal disease (LND), respectively. The presence of ectopic nodal (END) metastases (nodal disease outside typical CND or LND locations) was absent on IP but occurred in 9% of patients with nodal recurrence. END was typically found in the retropharyngeal area but also was noted in the sublingual region, subcutaneous location, axilla, and chest wall. Extrathyroidal extension (ETE) was found in 8.9% without nodal disease, 33.1% with nodal disease, and 57.1% with END (P < 0.0001). Primary tumor size greater than 4 cm (P = 0.05) was associated with nodal disease. Conclusion This report represents a large series describing characteristics of the primary PTC tumor and associated nodal disease not only in the central and lateral neck but also in the ectopic locations. Our results suggest that a significant proportion of patients will have nodal disease in the central compartment on IP, especially younger patients. ETE and tumor size are associated with macroscopic nodal disease (including END). Nine percent of the patients with nodal recurrence had ectopic nodes occurring in various locations, most commonly in the retropharynx. CT scan can assist with identification and surgical planning of recurrent nodal disease. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1959–1964, 2017

OBJECTIVE Report a unique case of absent posterior belly of digastric muscle, with a literature review and discussion of its clinical importance. METHODS Present a case report and review the current literature including PUBMED search terms; "absent posterior digastric", "digastric muscle", "posterior belly". RESULTS While there were multiple reports of accessory anterior and posterior bellies and absence of anterior belly, there is a paucity of literature on absence of posterior belly of digastric muscle. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first report of an absent posterior belly of the digastric muscle. The posterior belly of the digastric muscle is an important landmark in neck dissection, and its absence makes knowledge of other anatomic landmarks critically important. Laryngoscope, 131:1501-1502, 2021.