Search

Review of the scientific literature dedicated to clinical data and diagnosis modalities for aural tuberculosis published since the start of the 21st century.Search of the Medline, Cochrane and Embase databases for the period 2000-2020. Selection of articles in English, French and Spanish devoted to clinical cases and series documenting clinical data and diagnosis for aural tuberculosis of articles by two authors. Analysis performed according to SWiM guidelines. Extraction of data on pre-established files documenting clinical and diagnostic data.In total, 173 articles: 163 case reports (228 patients) and 10 cohorts (177 patients) from 49 countries were analyzed. Female/male sex ratio was 1.05, with ages ranging from less than 1 month to 87 years. Tuberculosis involved another site in 35.1% of cases. Aural involvement was bilateral in 19.7% of cases. Clinical presentation corresponded to otitis media (prior antibiotic treatment and auricular surgery in 41.4% and 10.1% of cases, respectively) without any pathognomonic symptoms or signs. Associated severe locoregional complications were seen in 32% of cases, with 23.2% and 13% incidence of peripheral facial palsy and severe intracranial complications, respectively. Time to diagnosis ranged from less than 1 month to 384 months, and was longer than 12 months in 26.5% of case reports, without significant correlation (P=0.29) with severe revelatory locoregional complications. Incidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection ranged from 33.4% of documented cases in auricular secretions to 64.6% in polyps, granulomas, and/or biopsies. In the case reports, diagnosis with certainty was done in 58.3% of cases, while it was based on involvement of another site and on indirect criteria or positive clinical progression after treatment in the other 10.1% and 31.6%, respectively.Aural tuberculous must always be considered in case of unfavorable progression of otitis. Definitive diagnosis is based on multiple auricular sample sites, polymerase chain reaction, and γ interferon blood assay.

To evaluate positive predictive values (PPVs) of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (UFNAB) in patients with isolated parotid swelling.Observational study following the STARD guideline, based on a cohort of 212 patients from 18 to 93years of age, with isolated parotid swelling (malignant: 16.9%; benign: 83.1%), consecutively operated on between 2015 and 2020, after work-up including MRI and UFNAB in an otorhinolaryngology department of a university hospital. The main endpoint was PPV for diagnosis of benign tumor, malignant tumor and the most frequent etiology. Secondary endpoints were correlations between PPVs and clinical factors for malignancy, and the impact on PPV of various situations: dynamic analysis on MRI; diagnostic disagreement between MRI and UFNAB; and UFNAB PPV according to MRI diagnosis.PPVs for MRI and UFNAB were respectively 45.4% and 88.8% for malignant tumor, 89.6% and 46.9% for benign tumor, and 88.1% and 85.2% for pleomorphic adenoma (the most frequent etiology). Tumor fixation and history of head and neck radiation therapy PPVs were the only one higher than the MRI one for malignant tumor. MRI PPV did not differ between groups with or without dynamic analysis. PPV for malignant tumor, benign tumor and pleomorphic adenoma on MRI and UFNAB was respectively 42.8% and 33.3%, 42.8% and 100%, and 36.3% and 50% in case of diagnostic discordance. When MRI suggested malignant tumor, UFNAB PPV was 51.8% for malignant tumor, 67.7% for benign tumor, and 37.5% for pleomorphic adenoma; when MRI suggested benign tumor, it was 32.2% for malignant tumor, 91.5% for benign tumor, and 88.5% for pleomorphic adenoma; and, when MRI suggested pleomorphic adenoma, it was 23.5% for malignant tumor, 93.9% for benign tumor, and 92% for pleomorphic adenoma.Systematic association of UFNAB to MRI did not fundamentally improve diagnostic accuracy. UFNAB appeared most valuable in case of history of radiation therapy, in case of tumor fixation, and when MRI diagnosis was uncertain and/or suggested malignant tumor and/or the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was low. The contribution of UFNAB when MRI suggested benign tumor or especially pleomorphic adenoma was more limited.

Based on a review of the medical literature, the authors document the key technical points, variants, technical errors to avoid and main functional results of lateral pharyngotomy for resection of cancers originating from the lateral oro and/or hypopharynx.

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy in terms of neck failure of an initial neck dissection before definitive chemoradiotherapy in N2-3 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas, as well as the dosimetric impact and the acute and delayed morbidity of this approach.All patients consecutively treated between 2009 and 2018 with definitive chemoradiotherapy using intensity-modulated conformal radiotherapy (IMRT) for a histologically proven N2-3 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas were retrospectively included. The therapeutic approach consisted of induction chemotherapy, followed by cisplatine-based chemoradiotherapy preceded or not by neck dissection. Neck dissection was discussed on a case-by-case basis in a dedicated multidisciplinary tumour board for patients with a dissociated response to induction chemotherapy, defined as a better response on the primary than on the node. Chemoradiotherapy without neck dissection was systematically performed in case of a major lymph node response to induction chemotherapy (decrease in size of 90% or more). Intensity-modulated radiotherapy using a simultaneous-integrated boost delivered 70Gy in 35 fractions on macroscopic tumour volumes, 63Gy on intermediate-risk levels or extra-nodal extension and 54Gy on prophylactic lymph node areas.Two groups were constituted: 47 patients without an initial neck dissection (62.7%), and 28 patients with a neck dissection prior to definitive chemoradiotherapy (37.3%). Initial patient characteristics were not statistically different between the two groups. The median follow-up was 60.1months (range: 3.2-119months). Incidence of neck failure was higher in patients without neck dissection (P=0.015). The neck failure rate at 5years was 19.8% (95% confidence interval: 7.4-30.6%; P=0.015) without neck dissection versus 0% following neck dissection. All lymph node failures occurred in the planned target volume at 70Gy. Upfront neck dissection suggested a decrease in the mean dose received by the homolateral parotid gland (P=0.01), mandible (P=0.02), and thyroid gland (P=0.02). Acute toxicity of chemoradiotherapy after neck dissection suggested a reduction in grade≥3 adverse events (P=0.04), early discontinuation of concomitant chemotherapy (P=0.009) and feeding tube-dependence (P=0.008) in univariate analysis. During follow-up, there was no difference between the two groups in terms of xerostomia, dysgeusia, dysphagia or gastrostomy dependence in univariate analysis.Neck dissection prior to definitive chemoradiotherapy in N2-3 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma was associated with high neck control without additional mid and long-term morbidity.

Objectives To evaluate characteristics, suggested modifications and reasons for rejection in scientific articles submitted for publication in the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases. Materials and methods A prospective study analyzed the flaws noted by reviewers in 52 scientific articles submitted to the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases between August 31, 2014 and February 28, 2015. Results Fifteen flaws concerning content and 7 concerning form were identified. In more than 25% of submissions, major flaws were noted: purely descriptive paper; lack of contribution to existing state of knowledge; failure to define a clear study objective and/or analyze the impact of major variables; poorly structured Materials and methods section, lacking description of study population, objective and/or variables; lack of or inappropriate statistical analysis; Introduction verbose and/or misrepresenting the literature; excessively heterogeneous and/or poorly described study population; imprecise discussion, straying from the point, overstating the significance of results and/or introducing new results not mentioned in the Results section; description of the study population placed in the Results section instead of under Materials and methods; serious mistakes of syntax, spelling and/or tense; and failure to follow the Instructions to Authors. After review, 21.1% of articles were published, 65.3% rejected and 13.4% non-resubmitted within 3 months of review. On univariate analysis, the only variable increasing the percentage of articles accepted was the topic not being devoted to head and neck surgery (P = 0.03). Conclusion These results document the excessive flaw rate still to be found in manuscripts and demonstrate the continuing need for authors to master and implement the rules of scientific medical writing.

Based on a review of the indexed scientific medical literature, the authors document the key technical points, the errors to avoid, the limitations, indications and main oncologic and functional results when performing transoral lateral oropharyngectomy in cancer originating from the tonsillar region.

Summary Objective The authors present the guidelines of the French Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SFORL) on patient information ahead of thyroid surgery. Methods A multidisciplinary medical team was tasked with a scientific literature review on this topic. The texts retrieved were analyzed by an independent committee. A joint meeting drew up the final guidelines. The strength of the recommendations (grade A, B or C) was based on levels of evidence. Results It is recommended that the results of preoperative exploration and the indications for surgery should be explained to the patient. Patients should be informed as to the type of surgery, surgical objectives, risks and consequences. It is mandatory to obtain the patient's written consent before surgery. Conclusion Appropriate medical information is a critical step in patient management.

To study the effect of the introduction of a substitution by intravenous Immunoglobulins (Ig IV) at patients with immunoglobulins G (IgG) subclasses deficiency and nasal polyposis.Prospective study concerning five patients with IgG subclasses deficiency and nasal polyposis treated by Ig IV. Rhinologic, otologic and pulmonary symptoms, exacerbations of nasal polyposis, chronic otitis and asthma as well as the number of antibiotics and corticoids treatments were counted during the Ig IV substitution.To study the association between IgIV substitution and the number of exacerbations of nasal polyposis, chronic otitis, asthma and the number of antibiotics and corticoids treatments in patients with IgG subclasses deficiency and nasal polyposis.Five patients with a IgG subclass deficiency and nasal polyposis were substituted. The number of antibiotics and corticoids cures increased at one patient and remained stable at four others. The number of sinus, ear and lung infections as well as the global rhinologic score of symptoms and the endoscopic stage of the nasal polyposis remained stable. In the absence of efficiency of the treatment, this one was interrupted at the end of 6 months for patients n° 1 and n° 3, 24 months for patient n° 4 and 42 months for patient n° 5.The current study failed to highlight clinical improvement in patients wih IgG subclasses deficiency and nasal polyposis treated by Ig IV. A previous study had not allowed to find a link between IgG subclasses deficiency and severity of nasal polyposis, what seems to be confirmed by the absence of improvement brought during the substitution of this deficit in the current study.

To analyse the therapeutic decision considered by radiation oncologists put in a position of being diagnosed with an advanced stage cancer of the larynx accessible either to a total laryngectomy or to an organ preservation protocol.Prospective analysis based on an anonymous survey filled by 104 radiation oncologists.A total of 30.7% of radiation oncologists surveyed did not consider any trade in their cure rate to preserve their larynx. The median percentage of cure that they were willing to trade was 10% (2-100%); and 0.9% of them were willing to trade 100% of their chance for cure in order to "avoid" total laryngectomy. A total of 16.3% of radiation oncologists would like to receive more information before making their decision. The additional information most frequently requested concerned the precise stage of the tumour and the potential remedial treatment in case of failure of the laryngeal preservation protocol. None of the analysed demographic variables influenced the choice to trade or not survival chance to preserve the larynx, the percentage of chance that radiation oncologists would consider exchanging, and/or the wish to receive additional information.This prospective study highlights that larynx preservation protocol is not the main therapeutic goal shared by all radiation oncologists put in a position of being diagnosed with an advanced stage cancer of the larynx. Total laryngectomy should remain a treatment option that as organ preservation protocols to be proposed and discussed.

The aim of this article is to provide some practical guidelines for the delineation of organs at risk in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in head and neck cancer, drawn from anatomic, radiology, physiopathology date which will take into account the daily imperatives of radiation oncologists. Standardizing the delineation of organs at risk by consensus, might help for an objective comparison of toxicities induced by radiotherapy.

From June 1982 to June 1992, 144 ethmoido-sphenoido-orbital tumors have been referred to the neurosurgical department of Ste Anne Hospital. One hundred five of them were malignant lesions, among which 83 were included into our therapeutic protocol (1) neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (CDDP + 5-FU), (2) combined surgical procedure (subfrontal and transfacial), (3) postoperative radiotherapy. Fifty nine percent of the patients had no response to chemotherapy; 19% had a partial response (reduction of the tumoral volume50% and100%), 22% had a complete response. One patient had an immediate and transient postoperative rhinorrhea responsible for meningitis (acinetobacter) that was cured after a 3-day treatment. Four patients had postoperative meningitis without any cerebrospinal fluid leakage; they were also cured. Five patients had a local suppuration that was treated by subcutaneous drainage (n = 1) or the removal of the cranial basis graft (n = 4). Oncologic results are presented for only adenocarcinomas (n = 63) because they represent the only population of this series large enough to assure significant statistical figures. The global actuarial survival rate was 53% at 3 years and 42.5% at 5 years. The 5-year actuarial survival rate was 80% for T1 tumors, 60% for T2, 40% for T3, and 25% for T4. Patients with an intracranial extension had a 3-year survival rate of 19%; none survived after 4-year follow-up. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy seemed to influence the survival: 100% survival rate at 5 and 10 years for the complete responders. We discuss the opportunity of intraorbital exenteration, the indications, and the limits of combined surgery. We emphasize the importance of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and of combined surgical procedures, even when the patients are complete responders to chemotherapy: complete responders who had only a transfacial approach have a 5-year actuarial survival rate of 80% (instead of 100% when a combined procedure was performed). Those who were not operated primarily recurred within 3 years and then had to be operated. We propose to follow such a combined surgery for all large ethmoidal cancers (T3 and T4) and for small tumors (T1 and T2) developed superiorly and posteriorly. Anterior T1 and T2 tumors should be operated through a single transfacial route.

This report provides an overview of the relationship between olfaction and surgery. Surgery can be considered as treatment for some olfactory dysfunctions. Moreover, olfactory dysfunction can be analysed as a complication of some surgical procedures. An impaired sense of smell is a common problem affecting approximately 65% of patients with chronic sinusitis. Much of the literature about the effect of surgery on the olfactory system is based on subjective reports of olfactory function, which do not accurately assess objective smell dysfunction. A small number of prospective studies have been published. All studies looking at the sense of smell have found overall post-operative improvement compared with pre-operative symptoms. The range of improvement compared with pre-operative scores ranged from 13 to 91%, with a median of 31%. Olfaction dysfunction can be a complication of various surgical procedures such as laryngectomy, septoplasty, rhinoplasty, ethmoidectomy, and some neurosurgical procedures.

The authors studied a cohort of 154 patients with unilateral vocal cord paresis following thyroidectomy, analyzing the pathogenesis, symptomatology, spontaneous evolution, and management of this complication.This retrospective study distinguished between vocal cord paresis due to recurrent laryngeal nerve injury or due to injury of the cricoarytenoid articulation. We assessed the influence multiple variables on therapeutic management. The results and complications of currently-employed surgical techniques to remedy unilateral vocal cord paresis were defined.Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve was the cause of vocal cord paresis in 98% of cases; injury to the cricoarytenoid articulation accounted for only 2% of cases. When the recurrent laryngeal nerve had not been actually transected, spontaneous recovery of vocal cord function occurred in 36% of cases. No spontaneous recovery was noted when the nerve had been divided. The interval to recovery of cord function ranged from 2 to 15 months (median: 4 months). Spontaneous recovery of vocal cord function had occurred in 90% of these patients by the 9th postoperative month. Three factors significantly influenced the decision to perform a median transposition of the injured vocal cord: known transection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, the interval to consultation with an ENT specialist, and the severity of dysphonia. Medial transposition of the injured vocal cord resulted in an immediate improvement in the quality of voice and speech with no major complications.Unilateral vocal cord paresis occurring after thyroidectomy is not always symptomatic and is not uniformly due to injury of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Management does not always require surgical reintervention. The practical and medico-legal consequences of these injuries are discussed.

Objective:To propose an alternative site of thyroid drain placement.Background:During thyroid surgery, post-operative drains are often placed. It is common practice to bring out the drain lateral to the wound, often creating an additional, unsightly scar.Conclusion:We have found excellent cosmesis is achieved by bringing out the drain in the midline in a sub-mental skin crease, with the scar hidden in the chin shadow. In our experience, such drain placement is a safe, straightforward method with an excellent cosmetic result.

A prospective analysis of patient memorization and perception of the preoperative information provided on the surgical risks related to parotidectomy for benign tumor.A prospective study conducted in an academic tertiary care referral center. An inception cohort of 51 patients with a benign tumor of the parotid gland consecutively informed by the same surgeon over the period from 2003 to 2006. Analysis of the consequences of the preoperative information on the surgery-related risks, in terms of patient perception of the information and the degree of memorization.After being informed on the risks related to surgery, 15.6% of patients declined surgery and 9.1% elected to wait 6 months on average before undergoing surgery. Among the patients who had a parotidectomy performed, 83.3% had a positive opinion and 33.3% had a negative opinion regarding the preoperative information delivered regarding the surgical related risks; 26.8% of patients simultaneously expressed a positive and a negative opinion. None of the patients remembered more than four out of the five main surgical risks; 64.3% of the patients remembered only one or two surgery-related risks, and 7.1% of the patients did not remember a single surgery-related risk. In addition, 83.3% of patients remembered the risk of facial nerve paralysis, 40.4% the risk of death, and 23.8% the risk of Frey's syndrome, while 14.2 and 2.3% of patients remembered the common risks related to surgery and the risk of neuroma, respectively. In univariate analysis, no significant statistical relation was noted between the variables under analysis and either patient memorization or perception of the various surgery-related risks related to parotidectomy.Patient information regarding the surgical risks resulted in substantial stress for the patient and modified the patient-surgeon relation. This information caused a certain number of patients to decide not to follow the surgeon's advice.

A prospective analysis of pain intensity and related factors observed when removing a Blake suction drain after head and neck surgery.An inception cohort of 100 patients managed at a single institution (university teaching and tertiary referral center), by 10 surgeons, during the months of March-July 2004. Two different scales were used to evaluate pain (see and ). The variables under analysis were: age, gender, comorbidity, overall pain and psychological status, anti-pain treatment, type of disease (benign vs malignant), type of surgery performed, location of the drain, number of drains removed and delay from surgery.No complications were noted at the time of drain removal. The volume drained varied from 10 to 450 cc (mean value 90 cc). At the time of drain removal no pain was noted in 50% to 60% of patients according to the scale used. Minimal pain and strong pain were noted in 45% - 36% and 5% - 4% of patients, respectively. Among the variables under analysis, the age of the patient was the only variable significantly related to the intensity of pain noted at the time of removal of the drain whatewer scale was used for analysis. Pain was statistically more pronounced as age declined (p=0.011 and p=0.04 according to the scales used).At our department, due to its very good drainage ability, its facility of use and the very low intensity of pain noted at the time of removal, the Blake drain has replaced the time honoured Redon-Jost drain conventionally used after head and neck surgery.

The study goals were to determine the patient demographics, identify predisposing factors, and determine efficacy of treatment for nonotologic osteomyelitis of the middle skull base.Symptoms and treatment of five patients (sex ratio: 3/1; mean age: 57,1 ans) with osteomyelitis of the middle skull base treated from 1991 to 2005 are analyzed. All patients with a biopsy-proven diagnosis of osteomyelitis of the skull base were retrospectively evaluated.Four patients presented with asthenia, weight loss, headache, and fever. No patient presented with neurologic deficits associated with a destructive lesion of the osseous skull base. Three patients had an underlying immunocompromising condition (diabetes mellitus, steroid and immunosuppressor use). CT scan and MRI demonstrated central skull base abnormality, mainly at the level of the clivus. Systemic antibacterial/antifungal therapy, aggressive debridement of involved bone, and medical optimization remain important in the treatment of this group of patients.The interpretation of the results is performed after an analysis of the literature.

The aim of this review article was to provide an update on current techniques for evaluation of dysphonia in routine clinical practice.Recent medical and other scientific literature was reviewed and pertinent current theories concerning the physiology of laryngeal function described.Perceptual voice quality evaluation by a professional jury of listeners is still considered to be the most reliable and complete means of evaluating pathologic voice, even though it is difficult to perform in routine and the results lack reproducibility. The objective evaluation of the vocal fundamental frequency and its variations and the spectral characteristics of voice has the advantage of being simple to perform, reproducible and quantifiable. However, automatic measurements need to be analyzed with precaution for severe dysphonia, the computer algorithms being designed for voices retaining a certain periodicity. Aerodynamic measurements are quantifiable and reproducible and provide information as to the quality of laryngeal function as a transducer of aerodynamic energy into acoustic energy. Videostroboscopy and electroglottography provide information as to the quality of the laryngeal vibrations, the source of sound production.All of these types of analysis are complementary, informing as to different aspects of vocal quality and laryngeal function. No one measurement alone can diagnose or characterize dysphonia.

A prospective non-randomised evaluation of the octyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Dermabond) for skin closure in head and neck surgery.An inception cohort of 52 patients managed by six otorhinolaryngologists head and neck surgeons at a single institution (university teaching and tertiary referral center) during the months of May-July 2004. The length of the skin incision varied from 3 to 30 cm (mean: 7 cm). Morbidity evaluation, longitudinal analysis of the evolution of the scar, and analysis of the degree of satisfaction.Postoperative death was not encountered. The overall morbidity rate was 3.8% (2/52). There was no instances of wound dehiscence's. A subcutaneous abscess was noted in one patient. From an aesthetic point of view, the scar appearance was considered to be slightly retracted during the first postoperative month and to be very good 2 to 4 months from initial surgery. Only one patient developed a minimal cheloid scar. Among the 47 patients who expressed an opinion postoperatively regarding the use of the octyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Dermabond) for skin closure, the degree of satisfaction was very high due to the ability to take an early shower (40 patients) followed by the lack of skin sutures (5 patients) and the lack of any allergic skin reaction (2 patients).At our department, the octyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Dermabond) for skin closure at the time of head and neck surgery is becoming more and more utilized due to the completion of a solid and aesthetic suture, the ability to take an early shower and the high degree of satisfaction expressed by the patients.

The aim of our prospective study was to evaluate the vocal handicap in relation with the quality of life in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP), before and after thyroplasty with Montgomery implant (type I).Ten patients had to file the VHI questioner before and three months after thyroplasty. The 30 items of the Voice Handicap Index scale are sub-divided in 3 categories referring to "Functional", "Physical" and "Emotional" dimensions.Before thyroplasty, the global score and the 3 sub-scales rating are high reflecting severe impairment in speech communication (VHI total = 65,9/120, F = 25.7/40, E = 19.9/40, P = 20.8/40). Three months after thyroplasty, a significant improvement is found predominantly in the field of functional and emotional evaluation, corresponding to an improved quality of social life (VHI total = 20,9/120, F = 6.3/40, E = 3.6/40, P = 10.6/40).These results show the interest in using the autoevaluation VHI scale as a complementary evaluation associated to perceptual, acoustic and aerodynamic evaluation to objectify the functional improvement in voice quality after thyroplasty.

Analysis of the consequence of the preoperative information delivered orally to patients requiring surgery for benign pathology of the thyroid gland from various perspective (head and neck surgeon, physician, judge, lawyer).Prospective study conducted in an academic tertiary care referral center. Inception cohort of 123 patients with benign pathology of the thyroid gland consecutively informed orally and by the same surgeon during the years 2003-2004. Analysis of the consequences of the preoperative information, degree of memorization regarding the surgical related risks as well as the patient's opinion regarding this information.Due to the information regarding the risks related to surgery 14.6% of patients refused to undergo surgery. None of the patients remembered more than 4 out of the 6 main surgical risks. 68.8% of patients remembered only one or two surgical related risks. 12.2% of patients did not remember a single surgical related risk, 85.5% of patients remembered the risk of a unilateral laryngeal nerve paralysis, 41.1% the risk of death related to the completion of a general anesthesia and 21.1% the risk of a bilateral laryngeal nerve paralysis. Less than 11% of patients remembered the other risks (general risks related to any open field surgical approach, hypocalcemia and loss of breast feeding) Among the patients who had an opinion postoperatively, 87.6% had a positive opinion and 41.9% a negative opinion regarding the preoperative information related to the surgical related risks. Also, 28.4% of patients expressed simultaneously a positive and a negative opinion.Oral information of the patient regarding the surgical risks resulted in an important stress for the patient and modified the relation patient-surgeon. Due to the information, a non-neglectable group of patients elicited not to follow the advice of the surgeon. Various measures are discussed since the information on the surgical related risks is a must from a legal point of view but is also highly appreciated and requested by most of the patients.

Topical applications of mitomycin C to the anterior glottis may prevent anterior glottic synechia (prevention group) or restenosis (treatment group).In the prevention group, six patients with glottic carcinoma involving the anterior commissure were treated by transoral laser surgery. Repeated procedures were performed in one patient. For the six patients in the treatment group, the anterior glottic synechia was secondary to frontolateral laryngectomy (three patients), transoral laser therapy for laryngeal papillomatosis (two patients) or bilateral glottic carcinoma (one patient). Mitomycin C (0.4 mg/ml) was used as a topical application on the anterior commissure for a duration of 4 minutes. Outcome was assessed clinically at three months using a visual scale: no synechia (success), micro-synechia (partial failure), and synechia (failure).In the prevention group, there were six successes and one partial failure. In the treatment group, there were two successes, three partial failures, and one failure. No side effects were noted.Topical application of mitomycin C was effective to prevent anterior glottic synechia after transoral laser surgery for glottic carcinoma involving the anterior commissure. It is an alternative to endolaryngeal keel in patients with sequellar synechia. These preliminary results should be further evaluated in a larger series.

To evaluate the long-term results of exclusive chemotherapy for T1-T3N0M0 glottic squamous cell carcinoma complete clinical responders after induction chemotherapy.Between 1985 and 2000, 69 patients with glottic squamous cell carcinoma complete clinical responders after induction chemotherapy were managed with exclusive chemotherapy at our department. Chemotherapy associated platinum and fluorouracil. This retrospective analysis evaluated actuarial survival, treatment morbidity, oncologic events and laryngeal preservation. Various independent factors were tested for potential correlation with survival and local recurrence.The 5-year Kaplan-Meier actuarial survival, local control, lymph node control estimate were 83,6%, 64,8%, 98,6% respectively. Chemotherapy never resulted in death. The 10-year actuarial metachronous second primary tumors estimate was 32%. The overall laryngeal preservation rate was 98,6%.Altogether our data and the review of the literature suggest that in patients achieving a complete clinical response after and induction based chemotherapy regimen, the completion of an exclusive chemotherapy regimen appears to be a valid alternative to the conventional use of radiotherapy or chemo-radiation protocols.

Based on an inception cohort of 63 patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis consecutively treated with thyroplasty and Montgomery's implant under local anesthesia during the years 1997-2002, we recorded i) morbidity and mortality, ii) evolution of dysphonia and swallowing impairment and iii) a prospective analysis of selected speech and voice parameters in an attempt to determine their evolution during the first 12 postoperative months and to search for potential statistical relationships with the following variables (age, gender, side of the paralysis, etiology of the paralysis, time between onset of paralysis and thyroplasty, position of the paralyzed true vocal fold, nerve involved, associated pneumonectomy, prior intracordal injection of autologous fat and surgeon).The overall complication rate was 8%. Minor complications occurred in 6.5% of the patients and included 4 cases of laryngeal edema successfully treated with oral steroids. Major complications occurred in 1.5% of the patients. Intralaryngeal hematoma requiring temporary tracheotomy was the major complication. Swallowing was improved in 93.5% of the patients. Immediate improvement of speech and voice was noted in all. Secondary degradation of speech and voice occurred in one patient. At revision thyroplasty lateral displacement of the implant was noted and successfully repositioned. At one month post-operatively, the values of maximum phonation time, speech rate, group phrasing standard deviation of the fundamental frequency, jitter and shimmer were statistically improved while the fundamental frequency did not vary significantly. At 12 months post-operatively the noise to harmonic ratio was improved while the other parameters remained stable. No significant statistical relationship was found between the post-operative speech and voice parameters and the variables under analysis.Based on the current series and a review of the medical literature, thyroplasty with Montgomery's implant under local anesthesia appears to be an easy, effective and safe procedure that might be used in all patients with unilateral laryngeal nerve paralysis.

Head and neck cancer is believed to arise after accumulation of genetic alterations resulting at least partially from chronic exposure of the upper aerodigestive tract to tobacco carcinogens. Accumulation of somatic genetic events in genes implicated in cell growth and differentiation lead to cell transformation and to the acquisition of cancer phenotype. The most frequent alterations in head and neck cancer results from chromosomal instability with amplification and deletion of recurrent chromosome arms. Among the genes that drives head and neck carcinogenesis, TP53 mutations, p16 deletion or hypermethylation, amplification of cyclinD1 and overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor are of the most importance and will be discuss in this review. Correlation between genetic alterations and clinical parameters will be underlined. Indeed, the identification of molecular alterations linked to specific tumor parameters may be of help in the management of head and neck cancer patients or useful in the development of new therapeutic strategies. Finally, studies have shown that in some part, constitutional genetic background could also interfere with the development of head and neck cancer through the existence of polymorphisms in carcinogens metabolizing enzymes and/or DNA repair enzymes. Individuals with low carcinogens elimination or DNA repair capacities could therefore be at risk of head and neck cancer. In this review both aspects of head and neck carcinogenesis will be discuss and relation between fundamental research and clinical practice will be mentioned.

The relationship between adenocarcinomas of the ethmoid (ADKE) and wood-dust exposure has been well established. Sino-nasal cancer in wood-workers has been added to the list of occupational disorders in France, as prescribed disease number 47-Bq.Our data set consisted of 207 cases with sino-nasal cancer (from January 1985 to January 2001). Among these cases, 67.1% were adenocarcinoma. A wood dust exposure has been reported in 96.4% cases. The mean duration of wood dust exposure was 30 years. The mean latency between the end of the exposure and the diagnostic was 10.6 years.Our epidemiological data confirmed those from the biomedical literature. The occupations at greatest risk are furniture workers, sawmill workers, carpentry workers, and other wood product workers. Two components of exposure - duration and average level - contributed independently to the overall elevated risk. The risk is greater among men who were employed in jobs with the highest wood dust exposure and increases with the duration of exposure.The preinvasive stages of ADKE (mucostasis/cuboïd metaplasia/dysplasia) are still an unverified hypothesis. ADKE were observed in workers who use "hard" woods. The chemical nature of the carcinogenic factor(s) in wood dust is not known. The factors responsible for induction of ADKE in hard wood-workers probably exist in the wood-dust itself. Tannins were suggested as possible contributing agents to induction of ADKE. In addition to wood dust, exposures may include formaldehyde. Given these facts, it should be possible to define preventive measures, so that incidence of ADKE in professional wood and leather workers should decrease.

To evaluate the oncologic results of glottic carcinoma in situ (CIS) treated with transoral carbon dioxide laser microsurgery.A retrospective review of 12 patients with glottic CIS previously untreated, treated with carbon dioxide laser transoral microsurgery between January 1990 and December 1999 was conducted.Initial and ultimate local control rates were 75%, and 100%, respectively. Three local failures occurred: two glottic CIS were treated by carbon dioxide laser transoral microsurgery, one squamous cell glottic carcinoma was treated by supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy. The ultimate rate of laryngeal preservation rate was 100%.Based on the material of this study, recommended treatment for glottic CIS should be carbon dioxide laser transoral microsurgery. Difficulties in endoscopic exposure of the larynx is a contraindication. Further studies are necessary to confirm these preliminary results.

Sir, My co-authors and I thank Dr Soleimani1 for his comments on our article.2 We share the same opinion regarding the possible role of an ischemia of the iris root.3, 4 The mydriasis induced by topical atropine 1% is indeed one of the possible causes of iris ischemia in the UZS. Its implication was actually suspected for many cases of UZS, including the first description of this syndrome.5, 6, 7 But these cases are anecdotal compared to the number of patients treated with atropine eye drops for anterior uveitis and who never developed any definite mydriasis. Thus, we believe that topical atropine eye drops are not sufficient enough to cause UZS. They only serve as a ‘revealer'. But it requires a prior impairment of the iris root and/or of the ciliary body due to a surgery procedure, a pathology, or some other circumstances. It is this prior impairment of the ciliary body that we attribute to cidofovir.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Supracricoid horizontal partial laryngectomy (SCPL) is increasingly used to treat endolaryngeal carcinoma. However, few radiologic reports of these procedures exist. Our purpose was to evaluate the normal CT appearance of the neolarynx after surgery. METHODS: SCPL includes cricohyoidopexy (CHP), cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP), and tracheocricohyoidoepiglottopexy (TCHEP). We examined CT scans obtained from 18 patients without local superficial recurrence who underwent SCPL: 10, CHEP; seven, CHP; and one, TCHEP. Three reference sections were used to analyze the main surgical reconstruction: an upper section through the hyoid bone, a lower section through the cricoid cartilage, and a middle section in between. The distance between the hyoid bone and cricoid cartilage was measured. RESULTS: The epiglottis and valleculae were visible in the upper section in seven of 10 patients who underwent CHEP; this finding allowed distinction between CHEP and CHP. The arytenoids were depicted in 13 of 18 cases and reflected neolaryngeal shortening. The lower section showed the empty cricoid lumen lined by a thin mucosa; the anterior arch of the cricoid was amputated at TCHEP. The middle section showed the neovestibule, the lateral boundaries of which were the hypertrophic neoaryepiglottic folds; the anterior limit was the epiglottis for CHEP or the base of the tongue for CHP. The average distance between the hyoid bone and cricoid cartilage was 11 mm. CONCLUSION: Normal CT anatomy of the larynx after SCPL is defined. Three key sections may accurately distinguish the various types of SCPL. CT is a valuable tool for depicting tumor recurrence, especially when the tumor is submucosal.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinomas are frequently associated with head and neck cancers. This retrospective study was conducted to compare the long-term outcome of the patients with a double cancer and of the patients with a solitary esophageal cancer after curative management.From 1989 to 1999, 114 patients with an esophageal carcinoma were included in the study. Among them, 52 had an associated head and neck cancer (metachronous: n = 17 and synchronous: n = 35). Curative treatment was achieved in all patients. The patients were divided in "solitary" and "associated" group.Age, sex distribution, tumor location and histological findings were similar in the two groups. The esophageal resection was an esopharyngolaryngectomy (n = 13), a subtotal esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis (n = 92) and a Lewis-Santy esophagectomy with thoracic anastomosis (n = 9). Operative mortality (8 versus 7.7%), anastomotic leaks rate (14.5 versus 21%) and pneumonia rate (21 versus 9.6%) were not significantly different in the two groups. The mean hospital stay was 27 days. The mean follow-up was 85 +/- 50 months. Five-year survival rates were not significantly different in the two groups (p = 0.6411). In univariate survival analysis the only significant predictive factors were the depth of esophageal tumor invasion (p = 0.0002) and node involvement (p = 0.0373). The presence of head and neck cancer did not affect survival after esophagectomy.With an aggressive therapeutic plan, the survival of patients with an esophageal cancer associated to head and neck cancer was similar to the survival of patients with an isolated esophageal carcinoma. Long term esophageal survey seems to be useful to detect more superficial esophageal carcinomas in patients with head and neck cancer.

The consequences of the modification of the glottis and the shortening of the vocal tract after supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) were investigated prospectively on ten patients. An acoustic analysis of the transfer function of the vocal tract was performed by measuring the formant frequencies of the [a] and [i] vowels. The articulation compensatory mechanisms of the vocal tract were observed with cinefluoroscopy in order to evaluate the phonation and articulation constraints.Ten male patients were recorded before surgery and at six, 12 and 18 months after surgery. The results were compared with those of 10 male normal speakers having the same range of age. For the acoustic measures, we tracked the three first formant frequencies of the cardinal vowels [a] and [i], before and after surgery. Articulation investigation was performed with cinefluoroscopy for the vowels [a] and [i] uttered by two of the 10 patients.For the [a] vowel, the acoustic analysis showed higher values for all three formants, related to the shortening of the vocal tract after surgery. For the [i] vowel, the lowering of the second formant frequencies after surgery was related to an articulatory compensation. Cinefluoroscopy confirmed the shortening of the vocal tract, the tongue-root retraction for voicing and the anterior position of the tip of the tongue for the [i] vowel.The consequences of the shortening of the vocal tract after SCPL with CHEP can be evaluated, non invasively, by means of acoustic analysis. The understanding of the articulation compensatory mechanisms resulting from voicing constraints should help voice rehabilitation and improve oral communication in such patients.

To compare anesthesic techniques used between 1992 and 1997 at Laënnec Hospital for replacement by tracheo-esophageal Provox prosthesis: local and general anesthesia. Theoretical financial cost for replacement was estimated according to anaesthetic techniques.Provox in situ lifetime was calculated in 58 patients who underwent 115 and 49 replacements under general and local anaesthesia respectively. Age, sex, surgical and radiotherapy backgrounds, complications and anaesthetic techniques were studied as potential factors correlated with Provox in situ lifetime. Theoretical financial cost for replacement was estimated according to anaesthetic techniques.In 1992, 12% of Provox prosthesis were inserted under local anaesthesia and 54% in 1997. Provox in situ lifetime was either not influenced by anaesthetic techniques or other factors under analysis. The theoretical financial cost was estimated at 14, 341 FFrs and 6,048 FFrs for replacement under general and local anaesthesia respectively.Due to increased control of health care costs, we advocated local anaesthesia for Provox prosthesis replacement if control endoscopy is not required.

Association of a squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and a pulmonary cancer is frequent: prevalence is about 5 to 10 percent. The purpose of this study was to present the survival analysis of 50 patients, previously treated for a squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and then treated for a pulmonary cancer between 1979 and 1996. Four patients were excluded from the analysis. Five pulmonary cancers were synchronous with the head and neck cancer, 41 were metachronous. Metachronous pulmonary cancer was asymptomatic in 87 percent and the mean interval between the two cancers was 53 months. Surgery was performed for every pulmonary cancer. Operative mortality was 11 percent. The overall 5-year survival rate was 25%. Survival rates were linked with the T and N stages of the pulmonary cancer: 46% for T1, 13% for T2 and 0% for T3 and T4, 67% for N0 ans 0% for N1-3. Indications for surgical treatment of synchronous and metachronous pulmonary cancers are discussed.

The authors report their experience with the subfronto-orbito-nasal approach (SFON) for the treatment of 30 patients suffering from ethmoidal cancers over the past 3 years. The advantages and pitfalls of this technique are described and compared with other classic approaches.Among 156 patients suffering from ethmoidal cancers and treated between January 1984 and January 1998, 30 patients were operated on using the SFON approach during the past 3 years. There were 27 males and 3 females, ranging in age from 15 to 77 years. Histologic composition of the lesions was as follows: 15 adenocarcinomas, 6 esthesioneuroblastomas, 3 melanomas, 2 epidermoid carcinomas, 1 nondifferentiated carcinoma, 1 neuroendocrine carcinoma, 1 villous carcinoma, and 1 cystic adenoid carcinoma (cylindroma). According to the authors' classification, 7% were T1, 6% T2, 22% T3, 38.5% T4a, and 26.5% T4b. All patients were operated on through a SFON approach, followed by removal of the tumor and reconstruction of the skull base with a pericranial flap.Since the mean follow-up was of short duration (12 months, ranging from 3 to 29 months), significant carcinologic results could not be obtained. However, a detailed analysis of the surgical procedure was performed. No patient died or had major complications related to the SFON approach. One cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula and four oculomotricity dysfunctions were observed. Definitive anosmia was reported in all cases.The advantages of the procedure include a wide exposure of the anterior skull base through a limited approach, the possibility of modifying the approach according to the size and location of the lesion, total resection of tumors, simplified skull base reconstruction technique, and reduction of postoperative confusion and hospital stay.

Idiopathic subglottic stenosis is a rare condition. The records of five patients with idiopathic subglottic stenosis treated between 1989 and 1998 were reviewed. All were female and had similar clinical and histopathologic features. Endoscopic dilatation or/and radial CO2 laser and dilatation were successful in maintaining the airway of all five patients without tracheotomy. The pathogenesis of idiopathic subglottic stenosis is strictly speculative, for this reason we advocate a conservative approach.