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Background: A pathological communication between the trachea and oesophagus – a tracheoesophageal fistula – may be congenital or acquired, benign or malignant, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach. Conservative attempts at closure of this abnormal connection are ineffective; the interposition of healthy vascular tissue offers the least chance of recurrence. Methods: Outcomes of an islanded fasciocutaneous internal mammary artery perforator flap applied for tracheoesophageal fistula management were assessed in four radiated patients with laryngeal carcinoma using retrospective records. Results: Four male patients, with an average age of 60.75 years, underwent tracheoesophageal fistula closure between September 2017 and February 2021. A left-sided second internal mammary artery perforator flap was used in all cases, with an average dimension of 10.5 × 4.5 cm. There were no complications of tracheoesophageal leak, flap issues or donor site morbidity on follow up. Conclusion: Recent advances in angiosomal territory mapping and microvascular dissection techniques, combined with an understanding of tracheoesophageal fistula pathology, have changed management perspectives in these difficult-to-treat patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyse the risk factors and healing factors of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) in patients with laryngeal cancer after total laryngectomy, and to explore the relevant epidemiology. A retrospective analysis was conducted on laryngeal cancer patients who underwent total laryngectomy in our hospital from January 2010 to December 2022. The 349 patients included in the study were divided into a PCF group of 79 and a non‐PCF group of 270. Perform one‐way analysis of variance and multivariate logistic analysis on various data of patients included in the statistics, and analyse the risk factors and healing factors of PCF. Smoking, history of radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer, history of chemotherapy for laryngeal cancer, tumour location (larynx, pharynx, oesophagus), preoperative albumin, postoperative proteinaemia, <99 haemoglobin, postoperative haemoglobin, postoperative C‐reactive protein (CRP) level are the risk factors for PCF. Also, radiation therapy and postoperative proteinaemia were the main reasons for preventing PCF healing. Smoking history, laryngeal cancer, radiation therapy, albumin, haemoglobin and CRP are risk factors for postoperative PCF after total laryngectomy, while radiation therapy and postoperative hypoalbuminaemia are key factors affecting PCF healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study sought to retrospectively examine the clinical outcomes of patients treated for supraglottic laryngeal cancer at a single center over a decade, assess the efficacy of surgical interventions, and evaluate survival rates in comparison to current literature. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 84 patients diagnosed with supraglottic laryngeal cancer who underwent surgical treatment between January 2008 and December 2018. Nonlaryngeal head and neck malignancies and inaccessible patient records were excluded. The study evaluated factors including tumor location, tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, surgical approach, complications, histopathological findings, and adjuvant therapy. Statistical analysis involved descriptive methods, frequencies, and ratios, with outcomes compared to existing literature. Results: The cohort primarily consisted of male patients (91.7%) with an average age of 58.04 years. Squamous cell carcinoma was the predominant histopathological type (98.8%), exhibiting various degrees of differentiation. Most patients presented with advanced-stage disease (III or IV), with 53.6% undergoing total laryngectomy. Neck dissection was performed in 95.2% of cases, and 69% received postoperative radiotherapy. The 5-year overall survival rate was 72.2%, with a recurrence rate of 7.1%. Conclusion: This study reveals that supraglottic laryngeal cancer, predominantly affecting older males, is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages. Surgical intervention resulted in a 5-year survival rate consistent with existing literature. Despite the limitation of its retrospective design and the small, single-center sample, the findings support current treatment modalities while underscoring the importance of early detection and further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) is an oncologically sound alternative to total laryngectomy that results in long-term alterations in vocal function. Little is known about long-term improvements in dysphonia and the mechanism of vocal recovery is unclear due to the lack of a standardized rating tool: The Pattern, Degree, and Vibration (PDV) Scale. Methods: Data from 24 individuals were compared over 3 post-operative timepoints after SCPL: 3 to 11, 12 to 35, and over 35 months. Voice outcomes were assessed using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the GRBAS scale. Laryngeal exams were deidentified and rated using a novel rating scheme developed using literature review and consensus panel discussions. Results: There were significant improvements in VHI scores, Grade, and Strain over time. There was an increase in the Degree of Closure and a decline in Mucosal Vibration across timepoints. Pattern of Movement (P) was associated with dysphonia Grade. Better Degree of Closure (D) was associated with lower VHI scores and better Grade and Roughness. Mucosal Vibration (V) was associated with reduced Breathiness and Strain but variable Roughness. Age, T-stage, radiation treatment, surgery type, and time to feeding-tube removal were also associated with voicing characteristics. Conclusions: There is evidence of improvement in several voice parameters over time after the first post-operative year. Various subcomponents of the new PDV rating scale were associated with voice outcomes. Its utility for research and clinical practice merits further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current treatment options for T1b glottic carcinoma often lead to poor treatment outcomes or voice quality. This study evaluates the therapeutic efficacy of horizontal middle partial laryngectomy with cricothyroidopexy (HMPL-CTP) for stage T1b glottic carcinoma. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 73 patients with T1b glottic carcinoma. The patients were categorized into three groups: Group A (n = 22) underwent transoral laser microsurgery (TLMS), Group B (n = 21) received frontolateral vertical partial laryngectomy (FVPL), and Group C (n = 30) underwent HMPL-CTP. The study analyzed the 5-year overall survival rate (OS), recurrence rate, phonatory status, and incidence of laryngeal stenosis. Voice quality scores varied significantly in the three groups, while the 5-year OS were similar. The local recurrence rate is higher in Group A than in the other two groups. The laryngeal stenosis rate in Group B is higher than in Groups A and C. Adhesions in the anterior commissure were observed in 18 cases in Group A and nine cases in Group C. HMPL-CTP demonstrates efficacy as a treatment for stage T1b glottic carcinoma, offering favorable preservation of laryngeal function and minimal complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sarcopenia is characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function and is common in head and neck oncology. This retrospective study aimed to quantify preoperative muscle mass and quality using CT-based indices and to assess their impact on postoperative outcomes and survival in patients who underwent total laryngectomy for cancer. Based on pre-established cut-off values, 44% of the patients in this series had preoperative skeletal muscle mass depletion. No association was found between CT-based skeletal muscle mass depletion alone and postoperative outcomes or overall survival after total laryngectomy. Purpose: To assess the role of preoperative CT-based skeletal muscle mass depletion on postoperative clinical outcomes and survival in patients who underwent total laryngectomy for cancer. Methods: Patients operated on between January 2011 and March 2020 were retrospectively included. Skeletal muscle area and intra- and inter-muscular fat accumulation were measured at the third lumbar vertebral level on preoperative CT scans. Skeletal muscle mass depletion was defined based on pre-established cut-off values. Their association with postoperative morbidity, length of stay (LOS), costs, and survival was assessed. Results: A total of 84 patients were included, of which 37 (44%) had preoperative skeletal muscle mass depletion. The rate of postoperative fistula (23% vs. 35%, p = 0.348), cutaneous cervical dehiscence (17% vs. 11%, p = 0.629), superficial incisional surgical site infections (SSI) (12% vs. 10%, p = 1.000), and unplanned reoperation (38% vs. 37%, p = 1.000) were comparable between the two patient groups. No difference in median LOS was observed (41 vs. 33 days, p = 0.295), nor in treatment costs (119,976 vs. 109,402 CHF, p = 0.585). The median overall survival was comparable between the two groups (3.43 vs. 4.95 years, p = 0.09). Conclusions: Skeletal muscle mass depletion alone had no significant impact on postoperative clinical outcomes or survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For recurrent laryngeal cancer, the feasibility of salvage transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) remains controversial. This study compared the efficacy of TLM and open partial laryngectomy (OPL) for treatment of early local recurrence of glottic squamous cell cancer (GSCC) and confirm the effectiveness of salvage TLM as a treatment option. Methods: This retrospective study involved 55 patients with early local recurrent GSCC treated with TLM, and the oncologic outcomes, functional outcomes, hospitalization time and complications were compared with a group of 40 recurrent GSCC patients matched for clinical variables of TLM group, treated by OPL by the same team of surgeons. Results: The 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival rates were 65.8% and 91.5%, respectively, for 55 patients with rTis–rT2 stage treated by TLM and 77.1% and 94.7%, respectively, for 40 patients with rTis–rT2 stage treated by OPL (OPL group). In the TLM and OPL groups, the local control rates after 5 years were 77.5% and 79.3%, respectively, and the laryngeal preservation rates were 94.4% and 83.6%, respectively (p > 0.05). Compared with the OPL group, the complication rate (1.82%) and hospitalization duration (5.42 ± 2.26 days) were significantly lower in the TLM group (p < 0.05). Compared with the OPL group, postsurgical health-related quality of life and quality of voice were significantly better in the TLM group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Salvage TLM can be used as an effective treatment option for suitable patients after a full, comprehensive, and careful assessment of the characteristics of early locally recurrent glottic carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The results of this large series highlight the good onco-functional results of selected pT4a laryngeal tumors treated with open partial horizontal laryngectomies (OPHL). The best cases to be treated with OPHLs are the low-volume pT4a laryngeal tumors, with minimal or absent cartilage destruction. The level of standardization of these procedures' indications should allow consideration of open partial horizontal laryngectomy as a valid therapeutic option in case of a patient's absolute refusal of total laryngectomy or non-surgical protocols with concomitant chemo-radiotherapy. Based also on the obtained results in the treatment of selected pT4a, such a surgical strategy should no longer be considered anecdotal. Extending the limit of resection and including a large part of the cricoid cartilage and one crico-arytenoid unit (type III OPHL + CAU) expanded the indications of type II OPHL + ARY, allowing for a safer resection of advanced and challenging laryngeal tumors. A large multi-institutional case series of laryngeal cancer (LC) T4a was carried out, including 134 cases treated with open partial horizontal laryngectomies (OPHL) +/− post-operative radiation therapy (PORT). The goal was to understand better whether OPHL can be included among the viable options in selected pT4a LC patients who refuse a standard approach, represented by total laryngectomy (TL) + PORT. All 134 patients underwent OPHL type I (supraglottic), II (supracricoid), or III (supratracheal), according to the European Laryngological Society Classification. Comparing clinical and pathological stages showed pT up-staging in 105 cases (78.4%) and pN up-staging in 19 patients (11.4%). Five-year data on overall survival, disease-specific survival, disease-free survival, freedom from laryngectomy, and laryngo-esophageal dysfunction-free survival (rate of patients surviving without a local recurrence or requiring total laryngectomy and without a feeding tube or a tracheostomy) were, respectively, 82.1%, 89.8%, 75.7%, 89.7%, and 78.3%. Overall, complications were observed in 22 cases (16.4%). Sequelae were observed in 28 patients (20.9%). No patients died during the postoperative period. This large series highlights the good onco-functional results of low-volume pT4a laryngeal tumors, with minimal or absent cartilage destruction, treated with OPHLs. The level of standardization of the indication for OPHL should allow consideration of OPHL as a valid therapeutic option in cases where the patient refuses total laryngectomy or non-surgical protocols with concomitant chemo-radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Numerous factors are considered to impact on the rate of complications during salvage total laryngectomy procedures. Neck dissection could be one of these factors. This study analysed the pattern of lymph node metastasis and rate of occult neck disease during salvage total laryngectomy as well as the impact of neck dissection on survival and complication rates. Method: This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained laryngectomy database in two large tertiary teaching hospitals. Results: The rate of occult neck disease was 11.1 per cent. Most cases with occult neck disease had rT4 disease. Patients with complications, advanced tumour stage and positive margins had a significant decrease in overall survival. Patients receiving elective neck dissection did not have any survival benefit. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography showed a very high specificity and negative predictive value. Conclusion: According to the low risk of occult neck disease when using contemporary imaging techniques as well as the lack of impact on survival, conservative management of the neck should be considered for crT1-T3 recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers are aggressive and usually diagnosed at advanced stage with esophagus invasion. Total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy with gastric pull-up reconstruction has been a common surgery for these cancers but long-term outcomes are still questionable. This study aimed to investigate short-term and long-term outcomes of patients who underwent this surgery. Methods: Patients with hypopharyngeal or laryngeal cancer invading cervical esophagus who underwent total pharyngolaryngoesphagectomy with gastric pull-up between 2012 and 2016 was included and followed up until 2021. Short-term outcomes were complications and long-term outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: Fifty patients were included with a mean age of 60.3 years and 94% were male. Pyriform fossa was the most common primary site of tumor (50%), followed by posterior hypopharyngeal wall (18%) and postcricoid region (18%). Mean operating time, postoperative oral intake and hospital stay was 363.1 ± 43.6 minutes, 8.8 ± 3.6 days and 14.2 ± 3.0 days respectively. Complications occurred in 15 patients (30%) without any in-hospital death. During the follow-up period, 17 patients had recurrence and 35 patients died. Median (95% confidence interval [CI]) OS and DFS time were 30 (21-37) and 30 (19-36) months. Five-year OS and DFS probability (95% CI) were 22.6% (12.8-39.7) and 22.7% (12.9-39.8). Conclusions: Total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy with gastric pull-up is feasible and safe. However, even with curative surgery and multimodal treatment, advanced pharyngeal or laryngeal cancer with cervical esophagus invasion still has poor survival outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We compare long-term voice outcomes in patients treated with European Laryngeal Society (ELS) classification Type I, Type II, or Type V cordectomy. The aim is to understand the impact of Type V cordectomy on voice outcomes in relation to Type I and Type II cordectomy. Methods: A retrospective review of patients treated with Type I, Type II, or Type V cordectomy by a single surgeon over a 20-year period was performed. Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) scores, Cepstral Spectral Index of Dysphonia (CSID) measures from CAPE-V sentences, and two-rater GRBAS scores were analyzed. Results: Sixty-two patients were identified with a mean follow-up of 52 months. Of these, there were 43 Type I and 19 Type II cordectomies, including 8 in each group with Type V resections. Significant differences in all parameters were noted between the Type I (VHI 5.7, CSID 20.6, Grade 1.3) and the Type II cohorts (VHI 12.6, CSID 36.3, Grade 1.8) who did not undergo Type V cordectomy. Patients undergoing Type V cordectomy demonstrated voice outcomes (VHI 9.4, CSID 35.6, Grade 1.7) which fell between those of Type I and Type II cordectomies. Conclusions: Better long-term subjective, objective, and computer-analyzed voice outcomes are noted for patients undergoing Type I rather than Type II cordectomy. When Type V cordectomy is performed, voice outcomes are comparable to those of both Type I and Type II cordectomy, a surprising finding given the expectation of worsened dysphonia in longer resections. Further work is needed to explain this finding and define voice outcomes after Type V cordectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laryngeal cancer accounts for 1% of all cancers in men and 0.3% of all cancers in women. Pharyngolaryngectomy (TPL) and total laryngectomy (TL) are central surgical techniques in the management of advanced laryngeal malignancies but are associated with significant morbidity. In addition, optimal reconstruction following TPL remains an area of active research. Methods: Here, we compared speech and swallowing outcomes following circumferential and partial pharyngeal resection alongside total laryngectomy in patients with laryngeal and hypolaryngeal tumors. We performed a systemic analysis of patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment modality, and pharyngeal reconstruction technique following TPL and TL, leveraging data collected over a 20-year period at a large tertiary referral center. Results: Analyzing 155 patients the results show circumferential pharyngeal defects and prior radiotherapy have a significant impact on surgical complications. Conclusion: Pharyngeal resection carries a substantial risk of incurring impaired speech and swallowing in patients. Moreover, our results support poorer functional outcomes with more radical pharyngeal resections and show a clear trend toward worse swallowing outcomes in salvage surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW), a reported biomarker for morbidity and mortality in chronic disease and following certain surgeries, has not been well-studied in head and neck cancer patients. The aim of the study was to examine the association of RDW with postoperative complications and survival among patients who underwent primary or salvage laryngectomy. Methods: We analyzed a retrospective case series study of patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx treated with total laryngectomy. Survival outcomes were examined using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: One hundred seventy-seven patients were included in the final analysis. The most common tumor subsite was the supraglottis (60%). On bivariate analysis, patients with RDW ≥14.5 had higher prevalence of non-surgical, systemic complications, including deep venous thrombosis, pneumonia, cardiovascular events, and difficulty weaning from mechanical ventilation. However, there was no significant difference in laryngectomy-specific post-operative complications, including pharyngocutaneous fistula, wound infection, stoma complications, and chyle leak. RDW was not found to be associated with survival outcomes following laryngectomy. Conclusions: Among laryngectomy patients, RDW ≥14.5 is associated with higher prevalence of systemic morbidity, but not with specific local surgical complications or decreased survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemoradiation therapy is standard practice for hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancer, but its impact on skin health can cause complications if salvage surgery is required. To develop simple objective indices for the early detection of complications following head-and-neck salvage surgery. Preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 3, 5 and 7, we measured skin hardness (N), interstitial liquid content (П) and intracellular liquid content (W) as biophysical properties in patients who underwent post-CRT salvage therapy and those who underwent total organ resection without CRT as controls. We then analyzed these data in relation to occurrence of complications. In 11 patients undergoing salvage surgery and 23 controls, complications tended to be higher (p =.54) in the salvage group. N values were significantly higher in the salvage and complication groups on days 5 and 7, П values were higher in the complication group on day 7, and W values were lower in the complication group on day 3 and in the salvage group preoperatively and on days 1 and 5. N, П and W are useful measurements for the early identification of patients likely to develop complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate, through multivariate analysis, the configuration of nutritional predictors that impact the development pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after total laryngectomy.Methods: A retrospective cohort study carried out on 203 consecutive patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent total laryngectomy with neck dissection between June 2015 and June 2020. Patients with risk factors for PCF formation, other than malnutrition, were excluded to eliminate the potential impact of that risk factors on PCF formation and to make the study group homogenous. Five parameters were evaluated including preoperative serum prealbumin, albumin and transferrin levels, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST).Results: Univariate analysis revealed that preoperative prealbumin, albumin and transferrin levels significantly correlated with PCF development. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative prealbumin level was the best independent nutritional predictor of PCF (P value <0.001, odd ratio 11.951 [95% CI 3.686-38.749]) followed by preoperative albumin (P value 0.006, odd ratio 3.985 [95% CI 1.485- 10.694]).Conclusion: Preoperative prealbumin level is considered the best independent nutritional predictor of PCF. It should be used to evaluate the nutritional status of patients undergoing total laryngectomy and hence their need for nutritional support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to determine the incidence of laryngeal penetration and aspiration in elderly patients who underwent supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy for laryngeal cancer. Method: A retrospective analysis of dynamic videofluoroscopic swallowing studies was performed in patients who had received supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy as a treatment for laryngeal cancers. Digital analysis of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies included measurements of displacement and timing related to swallowing safety. Results: Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies from 52 patients were analysed. All participants were male and over 65 years old. Studies were performed five years after surgery. Among 52 videofluoroscopic swallowing studies, analysis showed that elevated pharyngeal constriction ratio (pharyngeal constriction ratio more than 0.0875, odds ratio = 5.2, p = 0.016), reduced pharyngoesophageal sphincter opening time (pharyngoesophageal sphincter open less than 0.6 seconds, odds ratio = 11.6, p = 0.00018) and reduced airway closure time (airway close less than 0.6 seconds, odds ratio = 10.6, p = 0.00057) were significantly associated with aspiration. Conclusion: Deteriorated pharyngeal constriction, shortened airway closure and reduced pharyngoesophageal sphincter opening time are key factors for predicting laryngeal penetration or aspiration after supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The incidence of post-operative glottic cyst (POGC) formation in patients treated with transoral laser microsurgery with potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser (TLM-KTP) photoablation of early glottic carcinoma (EGC) has not previously been described. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify all patients with early glottic cancer who underwent with single-modality TLM-KTP at our institution. Each patient received regular follow up with videostroboscopy for tumor surveillance. New glottic cysts seen on surveillance examinations were noted and their management was documented. Results: A total of 33 patients met inclusion criteria. Eight patients (24%) developed POGC's within the original geographic perimeter of the cancerous vocal fold(s): 6 in the infraglottic region and 2 near the vocal process, at an average of 8 months after their initial cancer surgery. Of these 8 POGC's, 7 were at the periphery of the original tumor distribution and 1 was in the center of it. No POGC's were associated with any change in voice. Four of the 8 POGC's were phonosurgically excised, all without evidence of malignancy on pathology. The remaining 4 were monitored: 2 were stable for an average of 49 months of follow up; the remaining 2 resolved spontaneously by 7 and 31 months after first identification. Conclusions: POGC's are a frequent sequela of TLM-KTP for EGC. While these results suggest that they are unlikely to represent submucosal recurrences, surgeons should have a low threshold to biopsy if there is clinical concern for such and should counsel patients pre-operatively about the potential for their formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: ndoscopic laryngopharyngeal surgery (ELPS) is a useful surgery for superficial cancers of the head and neck region, but it has not yet been well evaluated for synchronous multiple primary cancers (multiple primaries). The purpose of this study was to clarify the safety and usefulness of ELPS for patients with multiple superficial primary cancers in the head and neck region.Methods: rom December 2009 to December 2016, 145patients with superficial head and neck cancers underwent ELPS. The patients were divided into two groups; a group consisting of patients with a single primary cancer (single primary) and another group consisting of patients with synchronous multiple primaries, and the incidences of postoperative complications and lymph node metastasis were retrospectively compared between the two groups.Results: f the 145 patients, 107 had a single primary cancer and 38 had multiple primaries. There was no significant difference in the age, sex, or rate of intraepithelial cancer between the two groups. Postoperative complications included dysphagia in 6 (5.6%) patients with a single primary and 2 (5.3%) patients with multiple primaries. One patient with multiple primaries required gastrostomy because of aspiration pneumonia. In addition, the following complications were also observed. Laryngeal paralysis occurred in 2 (1.9%) patients with a single primary, and 1 (2.6%) patient with multiple primaries; tracheostomy because of postoperative bleeding in 1 (0.9%) patient with a single primary; infection occurred in 2 (5.3%) patients with multiple primaries. Postoperative lymph node metastasis was found in 7 (6.5%) patients with a single primary and 6 (15.8%) patients with multiple primaries. Lymphatic invasion of the primary cancer was noted in 3 (2.8%) patients with a single primary and 5 (13.2%) patients with multiple primaries, being significantly higher in the latter group.Conclusion: ELPS is also a safe surgery for patients with multiple primaries. However, the incidence of lymphatic invasion of the primary cancer was significantly higher in patients with multiple primaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: UK population ageing and associated cancer risk predicts an increase in the prevalence of laryngeal cancer in elderly patients. Whilst trans-oral laser microsurgery (TLM) has been demonstrated to achieve excellent control of early disease with few complications, data specifically related to its safety and efficacy in older patients is lacking. We report the largest series to date. Objectives: To assess the safety and efficacy of TLM in elderly patients with glottic pre-malignancy and early malignancy. Methods: A retrospective review and statistical analysis of the clinical records of patients aged 70 or over undergoing TLM for early and premalignant glottic disease. Results: The records of 106 patients over the age of 70 were identified. Thirteen records were excluded, 4 due to failure to meet the inclusion criteria (stage I/II disease, primary site of lesion in the glottis) and 9 due to incomplete follow up data capture. Most surgeries (>70%) were performed as a day case or overnight admission, with only 2 admissions >2 days. One patient required hospital readmission with dysphagia, resulting in an altered diet. No patients required tracheostomy or tube feeding. No treatment related deaths or intensive care admissions were observed. Ten patients had recurrent disease within 5 years; 1 received radiotherapy, 1 underwent salvage laryngectomy, the remainder had further TLM without complication. Five-year disease specific survival rates were >90%. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that TLM is safe and effective for elderly patients, with outcomes comparable to those reported in large, non-age selected cohorts. Although our patients underwent more conservative cordectomy types (I-III) than those with similar disease stages reported elsewhere, our recurrence rates were not higher. This supports the oncological effectiveness of surgery whilst reducing the risk of associated functional compromise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of local recurrence after transoral CO2 laser microsurgery for T1b–T2 glottic carcinoma is relatively low. Multiple risk factors have been described for the development of local recurrence after treatment. However, to date, there is no analysis or systematic review investigating the relationships between clinical and histopathological factors and the appearance of local recurrence after transoral CO2 laser microsurgery in T1b–T2 glottic carcinoma patients. To investigate risk factors for local recurrence after CO2 laser surgery in T1b–T2 glottic carcinoma involving bilateral vocal cords. We retrospectively studied patients undergoing CO2 laser surgery for T1b–T2 glottic carcinoma involving bilateral vocal cords. Multiple follow-up laryngoscopies and computed tomographies were performed. Main outcome measures: survival rate, local recurrence rate, and independent risk factors for recurrence. All 85 patients (83 male; age, 63.33 ± 10.59 years; 36 T1b and 49 T2 lesions; 28 cases with and 57 without anterior commissure (AC) involvement) survived; 15 exhibited postoperative local recurrence. Recurrence rates differed between the following groups: patients without (6/57) versus patients with AC involvement (9/28) (p =.007); patients with negative (11/77) versus positive resection margins (4/8) (p =.014); p53-negative (5/51) versus p53-positive patients (10/34) (p =.0132). AC involvement, positive resection margins, and p53 expression were independent risk factors for recurrence. Patients with stage T1b and T2 glottic carcinoma with AC involvement, positive resection margins, and p53 expression should be followed up at shorter intervals. This article provided valid clinical data for risk factors for local recurrence after CO2 laser surgery for T1b–T2 glottic carcinoma involving bilateral vocal cords. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice is the property of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice (Editorial Board, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Gastric pull-up is a reconstructive option for circumferential defects after resection of advanced laryngopharyngeal malignancy. Voice loss is expected and vocal rehabilitation remains a challenge. Our study objectives were to investigate the feasibility of secondary tracheoesophageal puncture following gastric pull-up and to analyze voice outcomes. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of patients with advanced laryngopharyngeal malignancies who underwent gastric pull-up and secondary tracheoesophageal puncture between 1988 and 2017 at a tertiary-care academic institution. Objective acoustic measures included fundamental frequency and vocal intensity. Perceptual analysis was performed using voice recordings ("Rainbow Passage") randomly presented in a blinded fashion to four clinicians using the validated GRBAS scale. Speech intelligibility was assessed in a blinded fashion using a validated 7-point scale. Additionally, the Voice Handicap Index-10 was administered as a validated patient self-reporting tool. Results: Ten patients (7 male, 3 female) were included, all of whom preferentially used tracheoesophageal puncture for communication. These patients had abnormal median fundamental frequency of 250 (interquartile range (IQR) 214–265) Hz and a limited median vocal intensity of 65.8 (IQR 64.1–68.3) dB. Perceptual analysis (GRBAS) revealed a median 'moderate' degree of impairment [grade 2 (IQR 2–3), roughness 2 (IQR 2–3), breathiness 3 (IQR 2–3), asthenia 2 (IQR 1–2), strain 2 (IQR 1–2)] as did median intelligibility scores [median 5 (IQR 4–7)]. Most patients self-reported an abnormal voice handicap-10 [median 26.5 (IQR 22.8–35.0)]. Conclusion: Secondary tracheoesophageal puncture is a safe and feasible option for voice rehabilitation after gastric pull-up. Although analyses demonstrated moderate subjective and objective impairment, tracheoesophageal puncture provided patients with a self-reported means of functional verbal communication and was their preferred method of communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice is the property of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice (Editorial Board, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective. To investigate whether preventive administration of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) can reduce the occurrence and development of traumatic granuloma (TG) following type IV-VI cordectomy. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the status of postoperative granulomas in 37 patients who underwent type IV-VI cordectomy due to glottic cancer and determined whether postoperative administration of a PPI had any impact on granuloma formation and development. Results. The percentage and number of patients with granuloma in the PPI treatment group (experimental group) at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th month following surgery were 81.25% (13/16), 25.00% (4/16), 18.75% (3/16), and 0.00% (0/16), respectively. The percentage and number of patients with granuloma in the no-PPI group (control group) were 95.24% (20/21), 71.43% (15/21), 52.38% (11/21), and 14.29% (3/21), respectively. The granuloma percentage of the PPI treatment group was lower than that of the control group at all postoperative time points assessed. The differences were not statistically significant at the 1st month (p = 0.175) but were statistically significant at the 2nd and 3rd months after surgery (p = 0.005 , p = 0.037). Conclusion. Preventive use of a PPI in patients after type IV-VI cordectomy can shorten the TG recovery duration and may reduce the severity of TG, but it cannot prevent TG from occurring. Our results should be confirmed by prospective randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The indications for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are expanding. Postobstructive pulmonary edema, also known as negative pressure pulmonary edema, can result in severe respiratory compromise and acute respiratory distress syndrome. We present a case of a 26-year-old female with laryngeal papillomatosis and laryngospasm after direct laryngoscopy, who developed severe NPPE refractory to mechanical ventilator support, which was successfully treated with veno-venous ECMO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies have demonstrated the utility of pharyngeal interposition graft (PIG) applying pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMCF) by comparing pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) rates. Objective: The objective of this retrospective study was to clarify the utility of PIG applying PMMCF in reducing post-operative complications due to salvage total laryngectomy (STL). Material and methods: STL was performed in 59 patients with recurrent laryngeal cancer after radiotherapy, comprising 37 non-PMMCF patients and 22 PMMCF patients. The primary endpoint was PCF rate. Comparisons were made between two groups: a group with simple closure not using PMMCF (non-PMMCF group), and the other with PMMCF used in a PIG (PMMCF group). Results: PCF occurred in 15 of the 59 subjects (25.4%), including 13 of the 37 patients in the non-PMMCF group (35.1%) and 2 of the 22 patients in the PMMCF group (9.1%). PCF rate was significantly lower in the PMMCF group than in the non-PMMCF group (p =.033). Conclusions and significance: We demonstrated that PIG applying PMMCF significantly reduced the PCF rate due to STL. In the future, surgeons need to conduct research focused on additional innovations to reduce post-operative complications as much as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neck lymph node status is the chief prognostic index in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), yet the management of a clinically negative neck in this setting is still controversial, especially in patients with laryngeal SCC (LSCC). Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of selective neck dissection (SND) to control occult disease in patients with LSCC and clinically negative (cN0) necks. Materials and methods: Medical records of 1476 patients with cN0 LSCC were analyzed. In conjunction with primary treatment, 126 (8.5%) underwent at least unilateral elective neck dissection, whereas most 1350 (91.5%) followed a wait-and-see protocol. Prognostic significance was indicated by the Kaplan–Meier survival estimates. Results: The rate of occult neck disease was 15%. Five-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 74.4% and 66.7%, respectively. Prognosis was closely related to T stage, preoperative tracheotomy, and postoperative recurrence. There was no significant correlation with age, sex, or preoperative neck dissection; but in patients with supraglottic LSCC, the relation between prognosis and preoperative neck dissection was significant, with fewer neck and local recurrences than the wait-and-see group (p <.05). Conclusions and significance: Selective neck dissection is serving as an accurate prognostic tool in patients with supraglottic laryngeal cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thyroid gland involvement and invasion during larynx and hypopharynx cancers is rare, but due to the anatomical closeness of the thyroid gland and the larynx, it could occur through local invasion. Thyroidectomy is usually performed in patients with thyroid gland involvement having larynx and hypopharyngeal cancers. A lot of controversies exist regarding the thyroid gland involvement and efficiency of a different kind of thyroidectomy intraoperatively in these types of cancers. Objectives: Thus, elucidating the exact role of thyroidectomy, its efficiency, and parameters associated with thyroid gland involvement is critical in treating the patients with the larynx and hypopharyngeal cancers. Methods: In this retrospective study, the medical records of 117 patients admitted to Loghman Hakim Hospital from 2001 to 2015 with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma, who underwent laryngectomy with or without thyroidectomy as a primary treatment of cancer, were evaluated. Several parameters, including gender, prevalence, location of the thyroid gland and lymph node involvement, the exact type of malignancy, differentiation stage of the tumor cells, the exact method of thyroidectomy, thyroid function, and its post-surgical cancer recurrence were assessed. Results: The prevalence of laryngeal cancers was significantly higher in males than females and most of the malignancies were squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The location of the malignancy was mostly at supraglottis, glottis, transglottis, and subglottis, respectively. The rate of thyroid gland involvement was approximately 11.96%. Lobectomy was performed in 57.14 %, total thyroidectomy was performed in 35.71 %, and in 7.14% of the patients, and thyroidectomy was not performed. After the initial surgery, out of 11.96% of all patients with thyroid gland involvement, 28.5% had a recurrence of the thyroid gland. Only 21% of the patients with thyroid gland involvement had hypothyroidism after the surgery. Conclusions: The rate of thyroid gland involvement in the pathology report after surgery was approximately 3.41% of the thyroid gland involvement, which is low. We concluded that thyroidectomy is a very efficient way, but it should be limited to cases of subglottic or transglobic involvement or in cases of bilateral tumors, high staging, post-cricoid involvement, and clear radiological evidence or in the event of muscle involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salvage surgery for laryngeal cancer recurring after radiotherapy is difficult and complications readily occur. Our institution has adopted the pharyngeal interposition graft (PIG) using a pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap, which has copious blood flow, for preventing post-irradiation pharyngocutaneous fistula. Aims/objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of post-operative complications of salvage total laryngectomy (STL) using the PMMC flap for post-radiotherapy recurrent laryngeal cancer at our institution. Material and methods: From among 162 patients with laryngeal cancer who had been treated at Tokyo Medical University Hospital between January 2014 and March 2018, we enrolled 11 patients who had undergone STL applying a PMMC flap. We examined patient backgrounds (age, gender, subtype, stage), initial therapy (radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy), radiation dose, irradiation area, surgery type (with/without neck dissection) and postoperative complications. Results: No severe systemic complications were encountered. Pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred as a severe local complication in one patient (8.3%) and wound infection as a mild local complication in one patient (8.3%). Conclusions: Rates of post-operative complications following STL tended to be lower at our institution than those reported for other institutions. Significance: PIG may be a useful surgical procedure in STL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic laryngo-pharyngeal surgery (ELPS), which is a transoral minimally invasive surgery using a gastrointestinal endoscope and a curved laryngopharyngeal retractor, is effective to treat primary lesions of superficial laryngopharyngeal cancers. To extend concepts of ELPS to invasive laryngopharyngeal cancers, we developed end-flexible-rigidscopic transoral surgery (E-TOS) from ELPS by changing a gastrointestinal endoscope to a flexible-tip rigid endoscope. Aims/Objectives: To retrospectively evaluate oncological outcomes and laryngopharyngeal functional preservation of E-TOS in patients with T1-selected T3 laryngopharyngeal cancers. Material and methods: In 47 patients T1-selected T3 pharyngeal and supraglottic cancers were resected by E-TOS using the flexible-tip rigid endoscope and curved instruments. Negative resection margin was histopathologically evaluated. The survival, preservation of larynx, and disease control rates were estimated using Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Curative resection was achieved in 94% of patients. No patient complained prolonged swallowing dysfunction or hoarseness after E-TOS. Postoperative bleeding, stenosis of the pharynx and esophageal entrance, and local recurrence was observed each in one patient. The 3-year overall survival, disease-specific survival, laryngeal preservation, local control, and locoregional control rates were, 86%, 93%, 100%, 98%, and 79%, respectively. Conclusion: E-TOS is an effective minimally invasive surgery for T1-selected T3 pharyngeal and supraglottic cancers with preserving laryngeal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We investigated the relationship between paravertebral muscle cross-sectional area (PVM CSA) at the third vertebra (C3) level using computerized tomography (CT) neck images and its relationship with complications after total laryngectomy. Design: Retrospective analysis of 60 advanced laryngeal cancer patients who underwent total laryngectomy was performed. The cross-sectional areas of paravertebral neck muscles using neck CT at C3 level images obtained preoperatively were analyzed. Results: A significant difference in PVM CSA between complication and no complication groups, F(1, 53 = 4.319, P = .043), was identified by ANCOVA. There were no significant differences in between-subject effects: T-stage (F = 1.652, P = .204), body mass index (F = 0.889, P = .35), albumin (F = .359, P = .552), age (F = 1.623 P = .208), and smoking (F = 4.319, P = .41). Conclusion: The PVM CSA measured at C3 level on pretreatment CT may help identify patients at higher risk of postoperative wound complications after total laryngectomy and who may particularly benefit from preoperative optimization of nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We used a questionnaire to investigate olfactory function and the present state of olfactory rehabilitation for laryngectomized patients in Japan.Methods: This study was conducted using a questionnaire survey. We mailed questionnaires to 190 members of a Japanese laryngectomized patient group (the nonprofit organization YOUSAY-KAI). The survey queried the following items: (1) basic information (age, sex, alaryngeal speech method, etc.); (2) questions about olfactory rehabilitation, such as the individual's experience of olfactory rehabilitation, the number of days from laryngectomy to the start of olfactory rehabilitation, and the location of rehabilitation (i.e., hospital or patient association); (3) free comments; and (4) the self-administered Odor Questionnaire (SAOQ).Results: We received 121/190 questionnaires by the submission deadline. Of these, 105 questionnaires were valid. All 105 responders used the Provox voice prosthesis as the alaryngeal speech method. Only 4.7% (5/105) of the patients received olfactory rehabilitation in hospitals. Many comments in the free comment column included demands for olfactory rehabilitation such as "I want to know where we can have olfactory rehabilitation" and "I want to have rehabilitation if olfaction recovers." The SAOQ score was significantly higher in the rehabilitation group (mean, 42.5%) compared to the nonrehabilitation group (mean, 22.1%) (p<0.05). There was no correlation between the SAOQ score and the number of days from laryngectomy to the start of rehabilitation (r=0.08, p=0.76)． CONCLUSION: Patient demand for olfactory rehabilitation is strong, but this therapy is not widely offered to laryngectomized patients in Japan. Notably, the SAOQ scores showed that olfactory rehabilitation may have an effect, even if it is initiated after laryngectomy. We believe that when patients choose voice prosthesis for speech, their olfaction deteriorates unless they undergo olfactory rehabilitation separately from speech rehabilitation. It is therefore necessary to administer olfactory rehabilitation for laryngectomized patients who have never received olfactory rehabilitation, as well as for patients scheduled to undergo laryngectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carotid blowout syndrome (CBS) is one of the most feared emergencies in the head and neck surgery and tends to occur in patients with head and neck cancer, wound complications, pharyngocutaneous fistulas, or after radio(chemo)therapy. CBS is always life threatening and associated with a 50% mortality/morbidity rate. Methods: Between 2007 and 2015, a total of 51 patients who developed CBS caused by the tumour masses or after radio(chemo)therapy were included. All patients underwent a standardised bleeding management. Results: In 86% of patients, CBS was associated with manifest carcinoma. Fifty three percent of patients were treated by transcervical surgery, in 36% of these cases surgery was supplemented by endovascular approaches. Severe complications such as re-bleeding or cerebral ischemia occurred infrequently. Seven patients died because of the acute bleeding. Conclusion: CBS associated with head and neck cancer carries poor mid and long-term prognoses. An interdisciplinary standardised treatment path dramatically reduced overall morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Total laryngectomy is preserved for those the most advanced larynx cancer and nonsurgical cases. However, stomal recurrence is frequently occurred and leads to high mortality. Herein, we aimed to determine the risk factors for the stomal recurrence after total laryngectomy (SRAL).Methods: Databases such as PubMed and EMBASE were comprehensively searched using the keywords "stomal recurrence" and "total laryngectomy." Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, qualified studies would be incorporated in this meta-analysis, followed by quality evaluation and data extraction. Risk ratios (RRs) were used.Results: A total of six studies were included in the meta-analysis, and the pooled RRs showed that subglottic location increased the incidence of stomal recurrence most among the four primary locations. Expectedly, advanced tumor stage before the laryngectomy was the risk factor for stomal recurrence, while lymph node metastases showed no difference in this meta-analysis. Further, preoperative tracheostomy increased two times more risk in the stomal recurrence compared with nonpreoperative surgery.Conclusions: In this study, we proved that subglottic location, advanced tumor stage, especially T4 stage, and preoperative tracheostomy were risk factors for SRAL for larynx cancer. However, many other potential risk factors, such as surgical margins, could not be determined for inadequate records. Hence, more prospective trials should be designed to determine the risk factors for SRAL for larynx cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate perioperative pain in patients undergoing major head and neck cancer surgery and identify associations between preoperative and postoperative pain characteristics. Methods: Patients undergoing head and neck surgery with regional/free tissue transfer were enrolled. Preoperative pain and validated screens for symptoms (neuropathic pain, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia) were assessed. Postoperatively, patients completed a pain diary for 4 weeks. Results: Twenty-seven patients were enrolled. Seventy-eight percent had pain prior to surgery, and for 38%, the pain had neuropathic characteristics. Thirteen patients (48%) completed at least 2 weeks of the postoperative pain diary. Patients with moderate/severe preoperative pain report significantly greater pain scores postoperatively, though daily pain decreased at a similar linear rate for all patients. Patients with more severe preoperative pain consumed greater amounts of opioids postoperatively, and this correlated with daily postoperative pain scores. Patients who screened positive for neuropathic pain also reported worse postoperative pain. Conclusion: Longitudinal perioperative pain assessment in head and neck patients undergoing surgery suggests that patients with worse preoperative pain continue to endorse worse pain postoperatively and require more narcotics. Patients with preoperative neuropathic pain also report poor pain control postoperatively, suggesting an opportunity to identify these patients and intervene with empiric neuropathic pain treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microlaryngoscopy is the preferred and most widely used technique in phonosurgery for the treatment of benign and early malignant glottic lesions. However, the procedure may be technically difficult or impossible due to alterations of the cervical spine that may not allow hyperextension of the head or may present general anesthesia contraindications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of our surgical approach for lesions of the vocal folds in patients who are not suitable for phonosurgery by microlaryngoscopy. This approach applies videolaryngoscopy during conscious sedation, which combines local anesthesia with moderate analgosedation by using midazolam and fentanyl with premedication.Methods: A total of 235 patients affected by benign diseases or suspicious cancerous lesions of the vocal folds were retrospectively evaluated.Results: The method has shown a success rate of 95.5, 89, 52.3, and 86.7% in cases of polyps of the vocal folds, Reinke's edema, cysts of the vocal folds, and suspicious lesions of the larynx, respectively. Only 3 patients (1.27%) have been reported to experience adverse events.Conclusion: The results suggest that the method is an effective and safe procedure without relevant local and/or general complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to describe the 30-day incidence of complications after total laryngectomy (TL) in a high-volume institution and their impact on the hospital length of stay (LOS) and readmission rates.Methods: A retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent TL at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center from January 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013 was conducted. The patient demographics, treatment history, LOS, and 30-day post-TL complications and readmissions were extracted from the medical record. Univariate associations were analyzed, and stepwise backward selection methods were used to fit multivariate models.Results: Two hundred forty-five patients were included. Complications occurred in 83 patients (33.9%) and included 3 deaths (1.2%). Wound complications occurred in 53 patients (21.6%), and 34 were pharyngocutaneous fistulas (PCFs; 13.9% overall). Thirty-four patients (13.9%) were readmitted within 30 days. A multivariate analysis revealed the following: wound complications were associated with former (odds ratio [OR], 5.1; P = .03) and current smokers (OR, 5.8; P = .02), PCFs were associated with prior wide-field radiation (OR, 3.1; P = .01) but not prior narrow-field (larynx-only) radiation (OR, 1.4; P = .61), LOS was associated with the type of flap (P = .002) and postoperative hematomas (P = .05), and readmissions were associated with preoperative hypoalbuminemia (P = .003) and postoperative wound complications (P < .001).Conclusions: Complications occurred in approximately one-third of TL patients and particularly in patients with poor wound-healing risk factors such as prior smoking and radiation. As expected, LOS was longer among reconstructed patients. Readmission was associated with hypoalbuminemia and postoperative wound complications. These data can inform quality improvement efforts and the counseling of high-risk patients undergoing TL. Cancer 2017;123:1760-1767. © 2016 American Cancer Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: The resection of the medial and lateral pyriform sinus was associated with post-operative voice impairment after TOVS. Scar contracture around the cricoarytenoid joint lead to arytenoid fixation toward lateral position, and this wound healing process caused insufficient glottis closure. Although oncological and functional outcomes of TOVS was satisfactory, surgeons should mention the risk of post-operative voice impairment in pre-operative counseling. Objectives: Transoral surgery is a minimally invasive treatment option for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancer. Post-operative vocal function was satisfactory in most cases, but in some cases vocal cord was fixed and occasionally voice impairment persists. Methods: Vocal function of 55 patients who underwent transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancers was evaluated by the GRBAS perceptive scale, aerodynamic tests and acoustic analyses, and the Voice Handicap Index questionnaire. The risk factors for voice impairment were identified. Results: Voice impairment (G score ≧2) was found in 16 cases (29.1%). Univariate analysis revealed that the resection of medial and lateral pyriform sinus (p =.0018) and neck dissection (p =.0421) were associated with post-operative voice impairment. Multivariate analysis revealed that the resection of medial and lateral pyriform sinus (p =.0021) was associated with post-operative voice impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary tumors of early-stage (T1-2N0M0) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) can be treated by transoral minimally invasive surgery, but the cervical lymph node lacks corresponding minimally invasive treatment. Therefore, our study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic-assisted selective neck dissection (EASND) via small lateral neck incision in treatment of early-stage HNSCC.Methods: From May 2008 to April 2012, 29 patients with early-stage HNSCC were enrolled in this retrospective study. EASND via small lateral neck incision was followed by primary tumors treated by transoral endoscopy or CO2 laser microsurgery in all patients. The clinical data and follow-up results were analyzed retrospectively.Results: Twenty-nine patients (male 22, female 7) were successfully treated by EASND and no case conversed to open surgery. EASND included eight cases of level I-III and 21 cases of level II-IV. The operative time was 68.4 ± 10.3 min, and the operative bleeding was 40.8 ± 12.4 ml. The number of lymph nodes was 19.1 ± 4.1. There were 19 cases of T1, 10 cases of T2, 22 cases of N0, 7 cases of N1, no cases with positive margin or extracapsular spread in lymph node. Temporary sensory changes in the postauricular area occurred in two cases, both recovered within 3 months after the surgery, postoperative seromas occurred in one case. No patient showed postoperative bleeding, chylous fistula, incision infection, facial nerve injury, and accessory nerve injury. All patients were satisfied with the postoperative cosmetic results. The 3-year OS was 96.5 %, while DFS, LRFS, and DMFS were 100 %.Conclusion: EASND via small lateral neck incision is a feasible and safe technique with achieved short-term oncologic outcomes in early-stage (T1-2N0M0) HNSCC patients. But the long-term results of EASND on oncologic safety and functional outcomes are required to confirm by larger, randomised studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: After horizontal supraglottic partial laryngectomy, patients have an increased risk of dysphagia as they are not able to close the laryngeal entrance during swallowing, especially if the surgical defect of the tongue base has increased. There is no investigation that studies risk factors for impaired swallow function, or that predicts postoperative swallow outcomes based on radiologically determined tumor dimensions. The present study investigated the impact of the tongue base tumor extension (determined by CT scan in patients undergoing partial laryngectomy) on the recovery rate of swallow function. Methods: The retrospective study in a tertiary hospital between 2000 and 2015 included all patients who underwent open horizontal supraglottic partial laryngectomy due to oropharyngeal cancer of the tongue base, or supraglottic laryngeal cancer with tongue base infiltration. All clinicopathological data were collected. The dimension of tongue base infiltration was measured using CT scan. Swallow function was recorded by Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing and determined by evaluating both the duration until nasogastric tube removal and changing of the cuffed tracheostomy tube for an uncuffed speech cannula. Results: The study included 26 patients (44-76 years, median 59 years). The clinical tumor (cT) classification included cT2 and cT3, while the pathologic tumor (pT) classification included pT2 and pT3 in 90% and pT1 and pT4 in 10% respectively. The duration until using the speech cannula was not associated with clinicopathological data, including the investigated radiologic tumor dimensions (biggest tumor diameter, tongue base infiltration depth, width, height, area and volume). The duration until nasogastric tube removal was significantly associated with the tongue base infiltration width (p=0.012), height (p=0.026) and area (p<0.0001). The patients were divided into two groups according to the median tongue base infiltration area estimated as 6.20cm(2). In patients <6.20cm(2), 50% of the nasogastric tubes were removed after 4 days (95% CI 0-8.6 days) and in patients ≥6.20cm(2), 50% were removed after 22 days (95% CI 6.8-37.2 days; p<0.0001). Conclusion: The postoperative swallow function after open horizontal supraglottic partial laryngectomy depends on the tumor extension of the tongue base. The tongue base infiltration area is a useful tool for surgical planning as it can be used to predict postoperative swallow function. In foreseeably permanent dysphagia, as well as permanent and necessary tracheotomy tube cuffs after organ-preserving surgery, alternative therapy methods should be particularly preferred as the primary chemoradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is the most frequent complication after total laryngectomy. However, delayed oral feeding and inserting a nasogastric tube has been considered as a safe practice among head and neck surgeons, and there is no general agreement on the initiation of the oral intake. The aim of the study is to determine the incidence of PCF after primary total laryngectomy in a large homogenous case series and to evaluate whether fistula and early oral feeding are related.Methods: Patients who underwent total laryngectomy/laryngopharyngectomy with primary closure of pharynx between 1990 and 2014 were reviewed. Patients who had a history of previous radiotherapy, chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, and patients who underwent more complex reconstruction techniques (e.g. pedicled or free flaps) for closure were excluded. In total, 602 patients underwent total laryngectomy (n=580) or total laryngectomy plus partial pharyngectomy (n=22).Results: The overall PCF rate was 12%. In 582 of the 602 patients (99.8%), a nasogastric tube was not inserted. In 95.7% of the patients (576/602), oral feeding was started within 3 days of surgery. Among the patients who developed PCF (72/602), PCF rate was not significantly higher in early oral fed patients (69/582, 11.8%) than the patients with nasogastric tube insertion (3/20, 15%) (p=0.722).Conclusion: The low PCF rate in our study indicates that early oral feeding is a safe and effective method in primary total laryngectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a devastating complication of laryngectomy. Different factors, principally previous irradiation, increases the risk for PCF formation. The current study objectives is to investigate the potential negative effect of re-irradiation on fistula development. Materilas and methods This is a single, referral, medical center retrospective, cohort study, conducted between the years 2011-2021. Electronic medical files, surgical notes, laboratory records and radiation plan (dose and time interval in case of re-irradiation) were examined. Main outcomes and measures Risk and predictors associated with PCF formation. Risk and severity of PCF in the setting of re-irradiation.Results: Overall, 27 laryngectomized patients were investigated, of whom 21 patients had single radiation (pre or post-operative radiation) and the other 6 patients had two radiation treatments (before and after laryngectomy). The fistula rate was 33.33% (7/21) in the single radiation compared (p = 0.14) to 66.66% (4/6) in the re-irradiation group of patients (including late-onset fistulas). All single radiation PCF were self-limited, whereas, 3 out of 4 fistulas in the re-irradiation group were longstanding or permanent. In the re-irradiation group of patients, a shorter time interval between the first and second radiation treatments was demonstrated among those with fistula formation compared to patients with uneventful laryngectomy (p = 0.08).Conclusion: Re-irradiation and especially a brief interval between the radiation treatments is associated with a severe PCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Radiofrequency (RF) coblation operates at low temperatures (40-70°C) and allows for ablation, hemostasis, and aspiration, in addition to the lesion excision; thermal damage to the surrounding tissues is thus minimized. Herein, we evaluated the benefit of low-temperature RF coblation treatment of the early-stage glottic cancer. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility, complications, and efficacy of low-temperature RF coblation as a treatment modality for the early-stage glottic cancer.Materials and Methods: The data obtained from a 1-year study of six T1 glottic cancer patients treated at our department are presented. Six early-stage glottic cancer (Tla = 5; Tlb = 1) patients (male; mean age 60.1 years) treated using low-temperature RF coblation were enrolled in this study.Results: The outcomes of the surgical technique were analyzed.Statistical Analysis Used: Study outcomes were analyzed (noted and/or photographed). All patients were able to eat on the next day after the surgery. No gastric tube or tracheotomy was required. No postoperative cough, discomfort or difficult breathing was noted. No complications, such as recurrence or cervical lymph node metastasis, occurred over the 6-12 months follow-up. All patients regained satisfactory voice 2 months after the surgery.Conclusions: Although the current probe design has limitations for the resection of certain tumors, low-temperature RF coblation appears to be a potentially effective method for the endoscopic resection of selected glottic cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:A case of salvage supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy after failed radiation therapy and vertical partial laryngectomy had successful oncological and functional outcomes. This is the first reported application of salvage supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy after the failure of two major treatments.Case report:A 65-year-old man was referred for salvage supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy. The right recurrent hemilarynx was successfully resected. After pexis, the right lobe of the thyroid gland was repositioned to overlap and reinforce the pexis gap and fill the devoid portion of the strap muscular closure. Multiple scattered foci (recurrent tumour–node–metastasis stage T2) were identified around the arytenoid cartilage and beneath the musculocutaneous flap. Four years after supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy, the patient's recovery was following a favourable course and he had satisfactory laryngeal function.Conclusion:Appropriate case selection and proficient surgical skills were essential for a successful outcome. Head and neck surgeons should not be afraid to adopt functional preservation open surgical procedures in well-selected and well-motivated patients. A requirement for more challenging surgical procedures and meticulous rehabilitation processes should not exclude appropriate treatments from a surgeon's repertoire. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Smoking is an important risk factor in the development of head and neck cancer. However, little is known about its effects on postoperative complications in head and neck cancer surgery. We performed a retrospective analysis on 535 consecutive laryngeal cancer patients submitted to open partial laryngectomy at the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department of Florence University to evaluate a possible correlation between smoking and surgical complications. Patients were grouped in non smokers and smokers and evaluated for airway, swallowing, local and fistula complications by multivariate analysis: 507 (95%) patients were smokers, 69% presented supraglottic, 30% glottic and 1% transglottic cancer. The most common operation was supraglottic horizontal laryngectomy in 58%, followed by supracricoid partial laryngectomy in 27% and frontolateral hemilaryngectomy in 15% of cases. The incidence of overall complications was 30%, airway complications representing the most frequent (14%), followed by swallowing (7%), local (6%) and fistula complications (3%). Smokers developed more local complications (p = 0.05, univariate, p = 0.04, multivariate analysis) and pharyngocutaneous fistula (p = 0.01, univariate, p = 0.03, multivariate analysis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Frontovertical partial laryngectomy is useful for treatment of T1 and T2 glottic squamous cell carcinoma with anterior commissure involvement. Objective: To evaluate the efficiency of frontovertical partial laryngectomy for T1 and T2 glottic carcinoma with anterior commissure involvement. Methods: This was a retrospective review of 58 cases of glottic squamous cell carcinoma with anterior commissure involvement (T1, n = 28; T2, n = 30) that were treated by frontovertical partial laryngectomy between August 2000 and August 2010. Results: Postoperative pathology reports confirmed negative tumor margins in every case. All patients were followed postoperatively, with a median follow-up interval of 55 months. Three patients had local recurrence; there were no patients who had cervical or distant metastases. The 3-year local control rate was 94% according to life tables curves. There were no reports of laryngostenosis or dysphagia in any patients, and mean Voice Handicap Index (VHI) questionnaire scores were 32.9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:The prevalence of occult neck metastasis in patients undergoing salvage total laryngectomy remains unclear, and there is controversy regarding whether elective neck dissection should routinely be performed.Method:A retrospective case note review of 32 consecutive patients undergoing salvage total laryngectomy in a tertiary centre was performed, in order to correlate pre-operative radiological staging with histopathological staging.Results:The median patient age was 61 years (range, 43–84 years). With regard to lymph node metastasis, 28 patients were pre-operatively clinically staged (following primary radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy) as node-negative, 1 patient was staged as N1, two patients as N2c and one patient as N3. Fifty-two elective and seven therapeutic neck dissections were performed. Pathological analysis up-staged two patients from clinically node-negative (following primary radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy) to pathologically node-positive (post-surgery). No clinically node-positive patients were down-staged. More than half of the patients suffered a post-operative fistula.Conclusion:Pre-operative neck staging had a negative predictive value of 96 per cent. Given the increased complications associated with neck dissection in the salvage setting, consideration should be given to conservative management of the neck in clinically node-negative patients (staged following primary radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article described a nursing experience of a female patient with laryngeal cancer. The patient exhibited negative emotional responses such as depression, sobbing and hopelessness upon receiving a confirmed diagnosis of early-stage laryngeal cancer. The disease was complicated by damage to the throat mucosa post laryngeal microsurgery. The patient was to remain silence to avoid tension and vibration to the vocal cord, resulting in communication conflicts between the patient and the family. From August 10 to September 20, 2010, the author applied attentive listening, written communication and Roy's adaptation model as a full evaluation of the patient, confirming major issues including hopelessness, body image disturbance and impaired verbal communication. During the caring process, the author assisted the patient psychologically through life review and religious tenet to rebuild her faith in life and accept the scars left from the surgery. On the physical side, the author suggested written communication during silence period in conjunction with sketchpads and hand gestures for the patient to express her needs and feelings and furthermore improve her social communication skill. These nursing interventions were implemented to ultimately aid the patient to adjust by studying coping techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:Review of the literature on the role of surgery in the management of head and neck cancer in the era of organ preservation.Method:Literature search based on the essential practice guidelines set out by the US National Comprehensive Cancer Network.Results:Despite the increasing popularity of non-surgical treatment options, the surgeon remains a key figure in the multidisciplinary head and neck cancer team, along with the radiation oncologist, the medical oncologist and the speech and swallowing therapist. Even when organ preservation is successful, early and late toxicity may cause serious complications, including laryngeal dysfunction with a ‘frozen larynx’. When organ preservation fails, salvage surgery is often associated with increased complications and reduced survival.Conclusion:There is a definite need to apply more rigorous standards to the use of organ preservation strategies, and to re-evaluate the role of surgery in head and neck cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]