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BACKGROUND Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is an effective and safe option for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients with isolated retrolingual obstruction, as well as part of multilevel surgical approach in case of multilevel obstruction. Stenosis after TORS in OSAS patients is rarely described and no literature review has investigated this dramatic untoward event. CASE REPORT We report on a case of severe recalcitrant oropharyngeal stenosis after multilevel surgery with transoral robotic tongue base resection in an OSAS patient, leading to tracheotomy and gastrostomy dependence. Following the failure of numerous conservative therapeutic attempts, oropharyngeal patency was restored after extensive scar tissue removal through an open-neck approach, followed by a pharyngeal reconstruction with radial forearm free flap (RFFF). CONCLUSIONS Recalcitrant oropharyngeal stenosis is a dramatic complication that must be considered in OSAS patients submitted to TORS in a multilevel strategy and that is rarely described in the literature. A thorough review of the existing literature is presented to assess which factors are involved and the therapeutic strategies invoked in this scenario. The adoption of resection tools suited for robot-assisted surgery and the staging of TORS in case of multilevel surgery could decrease the risk of extensive scar formation. To date there is still no broad consensus on which therapeutic choice is the best for recalcitrant oropharyngeal stenosis. When minimally invasive treatments fail, a wide scar resection with a RFFF oropharyngeal reconstruction could be considered as a valuable option to restore the upper aerodigestive tract patency.

Funder: Ministero della Salute; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100003196, BACKGROUND: Inflammatory blood markers have been associated with oncological outcomes in several cancers, but evidence for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is scanty. Therefore, this study aims at investigating the association between five different inflammatory blood markers and several oncological outcomes. METHODS: This multi-centre retrospective analysis included 925 consecutive patients with primary HPV-negative HNSCC (median age: 68 years) diagnosed between April 2004 and June 2018, whose pre-treatment blood parameters were available. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), systemic inflammatory marker (SIM), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were calculated; their associations with local, regional, and distant failure, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) was calculated. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 53 months. All five indexes were significantly associated with OS; the highest accuracy in predicting patients' survival was found for SIM (10-year OS = 53.2% for SIM

Background Jejunal free flap (JFF) reconstruction is a popular treatment option for advanced hypopharyngeal cancer. Several factors including ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) can cause mucosal damage and progressive flap necrosis. We investigated the development and time-related progression of morphological and cellular changes in patients with JFF reconstruction including cold preservation of the graft. Methods Eleven patients were enrolled. Biopsies were taken during surgery from normally perfused tissue, before loop isolation (T0), at the end of back-table surgery (T1), immediately before reperfusion (T2), 15′ after reperfusion (T3), and at the end of the digestive anastomoses (T4) and from the external monitor daily from the 1st to the 5th postoperative day (M1–M5). Histomorphological and immunohistochemical parameters in the intraoperative and postoperative samples were evaluated and compared. Results Delayed flap necrosis was observed in 2 patients. The cold ischemia phase did not negatively affect mucosal regeneration after reperfusion; morphological and cellular damage parameters returned to normal by the end of surgery or along the early postoperative period. Significant enterocyte replication activity was observed at the end of revascularization, which continued in the postoperative phase, leading to recovery of the epithelial morphological integrity and disappearance of apoptotic cells. An inflammatory infiltrate persisted in the M samples, and in a significant proportion of samples, mucosal fibrosis developed by the end of the postoperative observation. Conclusion Cold perfusion and preservation of the JFF can effectively limit the negative effects of IRI and to prevent short- and medium-term complications that can compromise the final outcome.

Purpose A collision tumor consists of 2 different histologically distinct and topographically independent tumors merging in the same mass. In the head and neck region they are rare, with only 4 cases reported in the larynx. Case report A 60-year-old heavy smoker complained of a left submandibular lesion in October 2014. The lesion was excised and showed a poorly differentiated carcinoma, suggestive for adenocarcinoma. After a positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan showed increased metabolic activity in the left laterocervical region and right vocal cord, the patient underwent endoscopic biopsy of the lesion of the left piriform sinus, which was positive for moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). He was then submitted to circular pharyngolaryngectomy, reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap, and bilateral neck dissection. The histopathologic examination showed an in situ and microinvasive SCC of the left pyriform sinus colliding with a high-grade, non-small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first case described of laryngeal collision tumor comprising a neuroendocrine component. The choice of treatment of this kind of lesion is difficult because of the presence of 2 different histologies and of the controversial prognostic correlation of non-small-cell neuroendocrine neoplasms of the head and neck region.

Lembo d’avambraccio radiale vs lembo d’avambraccio ulnare: uno studio preliminare sulla morbilità del sito donatore.L’obiettivo di questo studio era di confrontare la morbilità del sito donatore dopo chirurgia ricostruttiva con il lembo libero d’avambraccio ulnare (UFFF) e il lembo libero d’avambraccio radiale (RFFF) con metodiche soggettive. Il UFFF e il RFFF sono stati utilizzati per la ricostruzione del difetti dei tessuti molli della testa e del collo in 30 pazienti (20 M e 10 F; range d’età 28-75 anni), affetti da carcinoma squamocellulare della testa e del collo. Il questionario sulla disabilità per l’arto superiore DASH è stato usato per valutare la morbilità del sito donatore. L’analisi del punteggio DASH dei pazienti ha dimostrato una mediana del punteggio totale DASH di 9,17. Non sono state osservate differenze significative per i valori mediani dei gruppi RFFF e UFFF (7,14 vs 10, rispettivamente) e per i valori ottenuti dai maschi e dalle femmine (5 vs 13,3, rispettivamente). Il UFFF può essere considerato una valida alternativa al RFFF per la ricostruzione dei difetti dei tessuti molli del distretto testa-collo; è affidabile, semplice da trapiantare e non causa maggiori morbilità del sito donatore come dimostrato dal questionario DASH.The objective of this study was to compare donor site morbidity after reconstructive surgery with Ulnar Forearm Free Flap (UFFF) and Radial Forearm Free Flap (RFFF) with subjective methods. The UFFF and the RFFF were applied for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the head and neck region in 30 patients (20 M and 10 F; age range 28-75 years) affected by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire was used to assess morbidity of the donor site. Analysis of the patients’ DASH scores showed an overall median DASH total score of 9.17. No significant differences were observed for median values of the RFFF and UFFF groups (7.14 vs 10 respectively) or for the values in males and females (5 vs 13.3 respectively). The UFFF can be considered a valid alternative to the RFFF for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the head and neck area; it is safe, easy to harvest and is not associated with major morbidities of the donor site as demonstrated by the DASH questionnaire.

Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) is a recently described low-grade salivary gland malignancy with histologic, immunohistochemical and molecular similarities to secretory carcinoma of the breast, including a specific t(12;15)(p13;q25) resulting in an ETV6-NTRK3 gene fusion. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging frequently document a macrocystic structure. The main differential diagnosis of secretory carcinoma is with low grade acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC). The two can be differentiated with immunohistochemical stains for S100, mammaglobin, carbonic anhydrase VI and DOG-1; the identification of the specific translocation can help to characterize non-typical cases. We report a unique case of synchronous MASC and AciCC presenting in a parotid gland and discuss the implications of the correct identification of the two tumors.

Telomeres are transcribed into noncoding telomeric repeat-containing RNAs (TERRA), which are essential for telomere maintenance. Deregulation of TERRA transcription impairs telomere metabolism and a role in tumorigenesis has been proposed. Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most frequent cancers worldwide, with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) being the predominant type. Since HNSCC patients are characterized by altered telomere maintenance, a dysfunction in telomere transcription can be hypothesized. In this prospective study, we compared TERRA levels in the tumor and matched normal tissue from 23 HNSCC patients. We then classified patients in two categories according to the level of TERRA expression in the tumor compared to the normal tissue: (1) lower expression in the tumor, (2) higher or similar expression in tumor. A significant proportion of patients in the first group died of the disease within less than 34 months postsurgery, while the majority of patients in the second group were alive and disease-free. Our results highlight a striking correlation between TERRA expression and tumor aggressiveness in HNSCC suggesting that TERRA levels may be proposed as a novel molecular prognostic marker for HNSCC.

The supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) is a thin and pliable pedicled flap that is easy and quick to harvest. Thanks to its particular features and high reliability, it is best indicated for the elderly or most fragile patients. SCAIF is very versatile, as it can be used for reconstruction of oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, facial and cervical skin and tracheostomal defects. We began using this flap in four Italian tertiary referral centres, with several indications, both as first treatment and as salvage surgery. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the easy reproducibility of the flap among four different centres. A series of 28 patients underwent head and neck reconstructions with SCAIF with no recorded complications during flap harvesting. After the very first cases, harvesting time was approximately 45 minutes; 24 patients had successful flap integration at the recipient site, while the remaining 4 suffered from partial flap necrosis, two of whom needed revision surgery. Other minor complications were reported at the recipient site, always at the most distal and most delicate portion of the flap. Donor site was always closed primarily, with only three cases of partial suture dehiscence. We only selected the most fragile patients for SCAIF reconstruction, such as the elderly or those with one or more comorbidities; for this reason, we reported some serious systemic complications and one intraoperative death. SCAIF is an easy reproducible flap, with multiple possible indications. Its use as an alternative to free flaps in the head and neck region is nowadays under discussion. Its use should be encouraged among head and neck surgeons thanks to its various advantages.Il lembo peduncolato sovraclaveare (SCAIF) nella ricostruzione del distretto testa-collo: esperienza multicentrica italiana.Il lembo peduncolato sovraclaveare è un lembo sottile e malleabile, facile e veloce da scolpire. Grazie alle sue peculiari caratteristiche e alla sua alta affidabilità trova un’ottima possibilità di utilizzo nei pazienti più anziani o più compromessi. Si tratta di un lembo molto versatile, che può essere utilizzato per ricostruzioni del cavo orale, dell’orofaringe, dell’ipofaringe, della cute della regione della faccia e del collo e dei difetti del tracheostoma. Abbiamo iniziato ad utilizzare il lembo sovraclaveare in quattro centri italiani di riferimento, con diverse indicazioni, sia come prima scelta ricostruttiva, sia come terapia di salvataggio. Con il presente studio ci si propone di dimostrare la agevole riproducibilità del lembo nei quattro diversi centri. 28 pazienti sono stati trattati con ricostruzione del distretto testa-collo mediante lembo peduncolato sovraclaveare, senza evidenza di complicanze durante l’allestimento del lembo. Dopo i primissimi casi, il tempo di allestimento si è stabilizzato attorno ai 45 minuti. In 24 casi si è verificata un’ottima integrazione del lembo nel sito ricevente, mentre i restanti 4 pazienti hanno sofferto una parziale necrosi del lembo, e 2 di essi hanno necessitato di una revisione chirurgica. Altre complicanze minori sono state riscontrate a carico del sito ricevente, sempre a livello della porzione distale e più delicata del lembo. Il sito donatore è sempre stato chiuso mediante sutura diretta, con solo tre casi di parziale deiscenza della ferita. Sono stati selezionati per ricostruzione mediante lembo peduncolato sovraclaveare solo i pazienti più delicati, ovvero i più anziani o coloro che soffrivano di una o più comorbidità; per questo motivo abbiamo riportato alcune complicanze sistemiche severe e persino un caso di morte intraoperatoria. Il lembo peduncolato sovraclaveare è un lembo riproducibile, con multiple possibili indicazioni. Nonostante il suo utilizzo in alternativa ai lembi liberi nelle ricostruzioni del distretto testa-collo rimanga dibattuto, il lembo peduncolato sovraclaveare dispone di numerosi vantaggi e pertanto il suo impiego andrebbe incoraggiato tra i chirurghi che si occupano di chirurgia ricostruttiva.

Aim Electrochemotherapy is an effective local treatment for cutaneous tumours and metastases. In this prospective trial, six European institutions investigated electrochemotherapy in recurrent, mucosal head and neck tumours. Patient and methods Forty-three patients with recurrent mucosal head and neck tumours and no further curative or reasonably effective palliative treatment options were enrolled and treated with electrochemotherapy. Patients were treated in general anaesthesia using intravenous or local injection of bleomycin followed by delivery of electric pulses to the tumour area. Primary end-point was local tumour response. Secondary end-points were safety and toxicity, overall and progression free survival, and quality-of-life. Results Thirty-seven patients were evaluable for tumour response, pain score, side-effects and quality of life questionnaires. Six patients were not evaluable due to lost follow-up, disease progression or death before evaluation. Intention to treat analysis revealed an objective response of 56% (complete response 8 (19%), partial response 16 (37%), stable disease 10 (23%), progressive disease 3 (7%), and not evaluable 6 (14%)). Three patients (7%) remained in complete response at 30, 34, and 84 months post-treatment. The treatment procedure was generally well tolerated. Swelling of the mucosa was observed in the first days after treatment. Pain and use of pain medication rose temporarily; fatigue and dysphagia were also noted in the quality of life assessment. Conclusion Electrochemotherapy can be applied to mucosal head and neck recurrent tumours accessible to the procedure with promising objective response, survival and toxicity profile. Attention should be paid to post-treatment swelling and planning of pain medication. These favourable results indicate that electrochemotherapy could play a role in patients with recurrent head and neck cancer.

Electrochemotherapy is an effective and safe method for local treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous tumours, where electric pulses cause increased permeability of cell membranes in the tumour mass, enabling dramatically enhanced effectiveness of bleomycin and other hydrophilic drugs. Here, we report results of a European multi-institutional prospective study of the effectiveness of electrochemotherapy in the treatment of skin cancer of the head and neck (HN) area, where standard treatments had either failed or were not deemed suitable or declined by the patient. A total of 105 patients affected by primary or recurrent skin cancer of the HN area were enrolled; of these, 99 were eligible for evaluation of tumour response. By far, the majority (82%) were treated only once, and 18% of patients had a second treatment. The objective response was highest for basal cell carcinoma (97%) and for other histologies was 74%. Small, primary, and treatment-naive carcinomas responded significantly better (p Electrochemotherapy is an effective and safe method for local treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous tumours, where electric pulses cause increased permeability of cell membranes in the tumour mass, enabling dramatically enhanced effectiveness of bleomycin and other hydrophilic drugs. Here, we report results of a European multi-institutional prospective study of the effectiveness of electrochemotherapy in the treatment of skin cancer of the head and neck (HN) area, where standard treatments had either failed or were not deemed suitable or declined by the patient. A total of 105 patients affected by primary or recurrent skin cancer of the HN area were enrolled; of these, 99 were eligible for evaluation of tumour response. By far, the majority (82%) were treated only once, and 18% of patients had a second treatment. The objective response was highest for basal cell carcinoma (97%) and for other histologies was 74%. Small, primary, and treatment-naive carcinomas responded significantly better (p < 0.05), as investigated by univariate analysis. Electrochemotherapy was well tolerated and led to a significant improvement of quality of life, estimated by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaires. At 1-year follow-up, the percentages of overall and disease-free survival were 76% and 89%, respectively. Electrochemotherapy is an effective option for skin cancers of the HN area and can be considered a feasible alternative to standard treatments when such an alternative is appropriate. The precise role for electrochemotherapy in the treatment algorithm for non-melanoma skin cancer of the HN region requires data from future randomised controlled studies. (ISRCTN registry N. 30427).

Reconstruction after circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy is a challenging problem. Reconstruction methods should ensure an appropriate mucosa lining of the digestive tract, preferably already tubulized, and peristalsis. Despite the high reported success rates, the jejunum flap is still occasionally lost due to thrombosis of the pedicle and/or fistula formation. Five cases of circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy in which failure of the jejunum loop was managed with a second free or pedicle flap are presented. A second free jejunum was reliable in selected patients, depending on time of detection of flap necrosis, on bacterial control of the wound and on the vascular or general conditions. For this reason, careful monitoring of the flap and clinical signs of necrosis in the first 5 post-operative days is crucial to prevent the formation of fistulas and infection and to increase the possibility of using this kind of salvage surgery. Pedicle flaps should be used only in the event of severe complications because of their high risk of post-operative salivary fistulas.

Over the last 20 years, free flaps have represented the gold standard for moderate to large head and neck reconstruction. However, regional flaps continue to evolve and still play an important role in a reconstructive surgeon's armamentarium, especially for the more delicate patients who would certainly benefit from simpler surgical procedures. The supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) is a pedicled flap that has recently gained great popularity for reconstruction of most head and neck sites, because of its unusual versatility and wide arc of rotation. SCAIF is a fasciocutaneous flap that is very reliable and both easy and quick to harvest. It is pedicled on the supraclavicular artery, which is a branch of the transverse cervical artery. Between October 2012 and July 2015, at Ospedale San Raffaele (Milan, Italy) and Policlinico San Matteo (Pavia, Italy), we used the SCAIF procedure on 14 patients with cervical and facial skin, oral cavity, oropharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal defects after oncologic surgery or as revision surgery after free-flap failure. The presence of the supraclavicular artery was demonstrated preoperatively by computed tomography angiography. Harvesting time never exceeded 50 min. Functional outcomes were excellent, and the donor site was always closed. We reported only one case of tip desquamation, which was treated conservatively, and two cases of partial flap necrosis, which required revision surgery. In our opinion, SCAIF should be considered to be a valid alternative to free-flap reconstruction, especially for facial and cervical skin, floor-of-mouth, and hypopharyngeal defects; oropharyngeal defects may be harder to reconstruct.

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of CO2 laser cordectomy in the treatment of early glottic cancer and to determine the impact of margin status on disease-free survival and of the operation on voice quality. This is a retrospective review of 169 patients. Quantitative and qualitative variables were statistically compared. The impact on overall and disease-free survivals of different variables was calculated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Ten-year overall and disease free-survivals were 75 % and 60 %, respectively. Age and clinical stage showed a significant negative impact on overall survival, while margin status both on overall and disease-free survivals. The degree of dysphonia was directly related to the extension of the resection. This series confirms the good oncologic and functional outcomes of laser surgery for Tis, T1 and selected T2 glottic tumors. Patients with positive margins should undergo a further treatment or a very close follow-up.

The purpose of this study was to assess the value of narrow band imaging (NBI) endoscopy in the diagnosis of pharyngolaryngeal lesions and to demonstrate the validity of a new NBI-based classification of their vascular pattern.From 2009 to 2011, 248 patients with pharyngolaryngeal lesions underwent NBI-endoscopic evaluation. NBI findings were classified into 5 types according to the Ni classification and were compared with histopathological reports. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated.Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV were 97.4%, 84.6%, 92.7%, 91.6%, and 95.1%, respectively. Ninety-eight percent of histologically malignant lesions corresponded to type V endoscopic pattern, whereas 84.8% of the non-neoplastic lesions corresponded to a type I to IV pattern.The NBI ability to detect changes in the mucosal microvasculature can be useful for distinguishing nonmalignant from malignant lesions. An internationally accepted NBI-endoscopic classification may contribute to the further definition of the diagnostic validity of this technique.

Background and Objectives: Oropharyngeal carcinoma tends to be aggressive and deeply infiltrative of nearby sites, with an high incidence of lymphnode metastases. The last treatment decision generally depends on the stage of the lesion and the patient's general status. Oropharyngeal tumor is generally treated by integrated treatments. Methods: We retrospectively studied 115 patients with locally advanced oropharyngeal tumors treated in our institution with combined therapies compare the results in two differents groups of patients (surgery plus radiotherapy and chemotherapy plus radiotherapy). Results: The 3-year overall survival rate in patients who underwent surgery plus radiotherapy was 82% and in those who underwent chemotherapy plus radiotherapy was 49%. Conclusion: The results suggest that surgery followed by radiotherapy seems to be the best treatment in the case of locally advanced oropharyngeal tumor.

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) holds promise as a minimally invasive palliative tool for selected patients with peristomal tumors. We present the favorable short-term outcome of three patients (two with head and neck cancer, one with gastric cancer) successfully palliated by ECT. Treatment effectiveness and clinical benefit for patients with unresectable stoma recurrence need to be confirmed in future multicenter studies.

Aims and background Electrochemotherapy is a tumor ablation modality providing delivery into the cell interior of impermeant or poorly permeant chemotherapeutic drugs such as cisplatin and bleomycin. A locally applied electrical field enhances the membrane permeability allowing intracellular accumulation of the chemotherapeutic agent. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ECT for the treatment of a group of patients affected by recurrent of extended primary head and neck cancer and not suitable for standard therapeutic options. Methods and study design From April 2009 to January 2011, we treated with electrochemotherapy a total of 15 patients with head and neck cancers, 13 with squamous cell carcinoma, 1 with basaloid carcinoma and 1 with Merkel cell carcinoma. Electrical pulses were delivered to 33 lesions (3 primaries, 30 recurrences) after an intravenous bolus injection of a dose of 15,000 IU/m2 of bleomycin. In 3 cases, the lesion treated was a pathologic lymph node. Results Of the 31 lesions assessable for the study, 19 (61.5%) showed a complete response, 10 (32.5%) a partial response, 1 (3%) stable disease and 1 (3%) progression of the disease. The objective response 2 months after the procedure was 94%. All the lesions that underwent complete regression were less than 3 cm in their maximum diameter. The 2 assessable cases of pathologic lymph nodes showed a partial or no response. After a follow-up of 2 to 20 months, 29% of the patients were alive and free of disease, 50% were alive with disease, 14% died for disease and 7% died for other causes. Conclusions Our study confirms the effectiveness of electrochemotherapy in the treatment or local control of recurrent or extended primary head and neck cancer in patients not suitable for standard therapeutic options.

Aims: To assess the feasibility of a flexible thulium laser coupled with a novel robotic introducer for head and neck cancers. Methods: In a prospective nonrandomized clinical trial, 58 patients were evaluated. When indicated, transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with laser was performed using an Intuitive da Vinci S System with the Intuitive Surgical® Endo Wrist Introducer, 5Fr to hold and position thulium surgical laser fibers. Results: Six patients underwent TORS with laser for early supraglottic and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. All approaches were successfully completed without the need for microscopic/open conversion or positive margins to the final pathological study. No intraoperative adverse events occurred and recovery was relatively quick, with no evidence of disease recurrence at the time of reporting, the short observation time notwithstanding. Conclusions: In our preliminary experience, TORS with laser showed feasible and promising results. Further studies are mandatory to demonstrate thulium laser benefits in surgical and oncological practice.

Background The aim of the present study was to evaluate the survival, efficacy and safety of a modified RADPLAT-like protocol using carboplatin instead of cisplatin. Methods Fifty-six patients with primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma received 4 cycles of intra-arterial carboplatin (350 mg/m2 per cycle every 2 weeks), with concurrent three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy. Results Two major and 4 minor complications were observed. Forty-five of the 56 patients (80%) completed the protocol, while 11 (20%) patients had to discontinue the intra-arterial infusions due to the occurrence of severe haematological toxicity, but were able to complete radiotherapy. Forty-four (98%) of the 45 patients who completed the protocol and 10 (91%) of the 11 who did not, were free of disease at the end of the treatment, for a comprehensive 96% of CR overall. After a median 23.55 months (range: 2 to 58 months) of follow-up, 40 patients (71%) are alive and disease-free, 1 (2%) is alive but affected by disease and 15 (27%) have died of the disease or other causes. Conclusion Intra-arterial carboplatin administration with concurrent three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy seems to be a promising alternative to RADPLAT in the treatment of advanced head and neck tumours. Haematological and non-haematological toxicities are virtually similar, but carboplatin has the advantage in that it is not nephrotoxic and can be used at very high doses without any significant increase in the extent of side effects.

A retrospective report was conducted on clinical and instrumental data of 3 patients treated for esophageal perforation after anterior cervical spine surgery.To define indications and evaluate the safety and effectiveness of surgical repair of esophageal perforations by means of sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle flap in the setting of anterior spinal surgery.Esophageal perforation is an occasional or underreported complication in anterior cervical spine surgery. To prevent its potentially devastating and even life-threatening sequelae, prompt diagnosis and treatment are required. No treatment protocol has yet been standardized. In addition to conservative measures, several surgical approaches have been presented, ranging from primary repair to reconstruction with local, regional, or distant flaps.Primary spinal pathology and intervention, esophageal fistulae morphology, diagnostic work-up, clinical course, and surgical techniques for their repair are illustrated in each case. Follow-up data have been gathered by in-person visits.Mean time from discovery of perforation to definitive surgical treatment institution was 44.3 days (range: 34 to 61 d). SCM muscle flap way used as reinforcement and protection of a primary esophageal suture in 2 cases and as a patch to the perforation in 1 case. All the fistulae healed without further complications. Mean time to oral feeding resumption was 17.6 days (range: 10 to 27 d) and mean hospitalization time was 19 days (range: 11 to 28 d). All the patients presented with a free oral diet at the last follow-up check.Esophageal perforation treatment has to be multidisciplinary and tailored on each individual case. SCM muscle flap, used as reinforcement of a primary suture or as a patch to the lesion, has proved to be effective as definitive treatment for persisting or recurring esophageal fistulae after anterior cervical spine surgery. In this setting, conservative treatments may be inadequate or may actually perpetuate the condition.

Speech restoration after circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy with free jejunal repair for advanced tumors of the hypopharyngo-esophageal tract remains a difficult problem to solve. We report here the results of secondary voice restoration in six patients who received a Provox 2 type prosthesis and intensive speech therapy after circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy with free jejunum repair. No patient had operative or post-operative complications due to insertion of the prosthesis. No patient had to have the prosthesis removed during the follow-up (8 to 14 months). Analysis of some acoustic parameters of voice (fundamental frequency, waveform perturbations) and qualitative characteristics of speech (intelligibility, pleasantness and acceptability) demonstrated that all the patients were able to produce satisfactory speech after tracheojejunum puncture and speech therapy and were satisfied with their own ability to communicate. Our results are reassuring and we therefore advise that in patients undergoing free jejunum flap reconstruction of the hypopharyngo-esophageal tract voice restoration should be attempted by placing a voice prosthesis through a secondary tracheo-esophageal puncture and providing intensive speech training.

Background Surgical treatment of hypopharyngeal cancers with extension to the retrocricoid region generally requires a circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy followed by a reconstruction of the removed segment of the upper digestive tract. Historically, many techniques have been used in order to achieve a safe and functional reconstruction. Jejunum interposition is generally considered the best reconstructive technique. Methods This study examines the details of the surgical technique, the complications, the oncological and the functional results in a series of 29 consecutive patients submitted to circumferential pharyngoesophageal resection for advanced hypopharyngeal cancer followed by reconstruction with a free flap of jejunum. Results Three of the transplants failed because of venous thrombosis. The overall success rate was 90%. There were no general complications. A good swallowing has been preserved in all our patients. All our patients where a phonatory prosthesis was positioned (20/29) were able to achieve speech following speech therapy and all were satisfied with their own capacity to communicate. Conclusions The prognosis of hypopharyngeal tumours (18–40% at 5 years) remains poor, but jejunum autografts are being shown to be an excellent choice for the reconstruction of the cervical hypopharyngo-oesophagus offering the patient fast rehabilitation and a reasonable quality of survival. Our experience confirm that this kind of reconstruction is safe with a good results in improving oncologic controls and restoring a good quality of life.