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Background: The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is a tool to assess preoperative nutritional status that can be calculated simply based on height, weight, and serum albumin. This study assesses the utility of GNRI in predicting postoperative complications in patients undergoing major head and neck cancer (HNC) surgery., Methods: Retrospective review of the 2016-2020 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients were categorized into GNRI > 98 (normal nutritional status), GNRI 92-98 (moderate malnutrition status), and GNRI < 92 (severe malnutrition status). Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed., Results: Sixteen thousand seven hundred eight-nine patients undergoing HNC resection were included. On multivariable analysis, moderate and severe malnourishment based on GNRI remained significantly associated with any surgical complication, any medical complication, any complication, Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications, and 30-day mortality., Conclusions: GNRI may have utility as a potentially modifiable preoperative prognostic factor that can be optimized to improve complications and mortality following HNC resection., Level of Evidence: Level 4., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objective: Mandibular plate reconstruction (MPR) is often indicated after tumor ablation, osteoradionecrosis excision, and traumatic bone loss to restore oral functionality and facial cosmetics. There are limited analyses identifying risk factors that lead to plate infection (PIn), exposure, and removal ("plate complications")., Study Design: Retrospective cohort study., Setting: Academic tertiary medical center., Methods: Patients who underwent MPR from 2013 to 2022 were identified. Risk factors for plate complications were analyzed based on demographic, clinical, intraoperative, and postoperative factors. Multivariable analysis was conducted with logistic regression. Survival analysis was conducted with a Cox model., Results: Of the 188 patients analyzed, 48 (25.5%) had a plate complication [infection: 22 (11.7%); exposure: 23 (12.2%); removal: 35 (18.6%)]. Multivariate analysis revealed predictive associations between at least 1 plate complication and the following variables: smoking status, soft tissue defect size, number of plates, average screw length, and various postoperative complications. Other associations approached the threshold for significance. Prior and adjuvant radiation therapy, type of free flap, stock versus custom plates, and perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis regimens were not associated with plate complications. No plate complication was independently associated with lower overall survival. PIn (hazard ratio, HR: 7.99, confidence interval, CI [4.11, 15.54]) and exposure (HR: 3.56, CI [1.79, 7.08]) were independently associated with higher rates of plate removal., Conclusion: Plate complications are relatively common after MPR. Smoking history, specific disease characteristics, hardware used during surgery, and postoperative complications may help identify higher-risk patients, but additional larger-scale studies are needed to validate our findings and resolve discrepancies in the current literature., (© 2024 The Author(s). Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation.)

Background: Head and neck osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the midface requiring free flap (FF) reconstruction is uncommon. This multi-institutional study was designed to review outcomes for this rare patient population., Methods: Retrospective multi-institutional review of FF reconstruction for midface ORN (2005-2022; n = 54)., Results: The FF survival rate was 87% (n = 54). Patients were less likely to be tolerating a regular diet at 3 months postoperative if they had a preoperative history of prior head and surgery (80% vs. 95%; p = 0.02), a pathologic fracture (50% vs. 90%; p = 0.04), exposed bone intraorally (43% vs. 94%; p = 0.002), or a fistula (67% vs. 96%; p = 0.03). Mean albumin was higher in patients whose FF survived (3.6 ± 0.5 vs. 2.7 ± 1.4; p = 0.03). Patients with low prealbumin were more likely to undergo a hematoma evacuation (27% vs. 0%; p = 0.02)., Conclusion: In this series of midface ORN requiring FF reconstruction preoperative nutritional status impacted postoperative complications. Preoperative occurrence of a fistula, pathologic fracture, and intraoral bone exposure correlated with decreased tolerance of a regular diet following reconstruction., (© 2024 The Author(s). Head & Neck published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects the vascular system, subjecting patients to a hypercoagulable state. This is of particular concern for the success of microvascular free flap reconstruction. This study aims to report head and neck free flap complications in patients with COVID-19 during the perioperative period. We believe these patients are more likely to experience flap complications given the hypercoagulable state., Methods: This is a multi-institutional retrospective case series of patients infected with COVID-19 during the perioperative period for head and neck free flap reconstruction from March 2020 to January 2022., Results: Data was collected on 40 patients from 14 institutions. Twenty-one patients (52.5%) had a positive COVID-19 test within 10 days before surgery and 7 days after surgery. The remaining patients had a positive test earlier than 10 days before surgery. A positive test caused a delay in surgery for 16 patients (40.0%) with an average delay of 44.7 days (9-198 days). Two free flap complications (5.0%) occurred with no free flap deaths. Four patients (10.0%) had surgical complications and 10 patients had medical complications (25.0%). Five patients (12.5%) suffered from postoperative COVID-19 pneumonia. Three deaths were COVID-19-related and one from cancer recurrence during the study period., Conclusion: Despite the heightened risk of coagulopathy in COVID-19 patients, head and neck free flap reconstructions in patients with COVID-19 are not at higher risk for free flap complications. However, these patients are at increased risk of medical complications., Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:4521-4526, 2024., (© 2023 The Authors. The Laryngoscope published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Reconstruction of the oropharynx plays a critical role in preserving quality of life after surgical resection of oropharyngeal carcinoma. Free tissue is one of several reconstructive options, which can closely approximate native oropharyngeal anatomy and lead to favorable functional outcomes in carefully selected patients. Here, the authors provide an overview of the indications, treatment options, functional outcomes, potential complications, and future considerations for free flap reconstruction of the oropharynx., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors have nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Treatment at high-volume facilities (HVF) has been associated with improved prognosis of HNC patients undergoing curative treatment. Whether this systemic factor influences survival outcomes of patients with HNC undergoing palliative treatment is unknown., Aim: To investigate the impact of palliative treatment facility volume on overall survival (OS) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC)., Design: The 2004 to 2018 National Cancer Database was queried retrospectively for patients with HNC undergoing palliative treatment., Setting/participants: Patients were stratified based on treatment facility volume percentile. Multivariable binary logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models were implemented., Results: Of 8682 patients included, 1661 (19.1%) underwent palliative therapy at facilities with volume ≥80 th percentile. Among 972 facilities included, 643 (66.2%), 182 (18.7%), 85 (8.8%), 44 (4.5%), and 18 (1.9%) had volume <20 th , 20-40 th , 40-60 th , 60-80 th , and ≥80 th percentiles, respectively. 5-year OS rates of patients undergoing palliative therapy at facilities with volume <20 th , 20-40 th , 40-60 th , 60-80 th , and ≥80 th percentile was 11%, 13%, 11%, 14%, and 23%, respectively ( P < .001). Facility volume ≥80 th percentile was associated with higher 5-year OS on multivariable Cox regression (aHR 0.34, 95% CI 0.16-0.69, P < .001). Surgical treatment (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.07-1.68, P = .012) was associated with undergoing treatment at facilities with volume ≥80 th percentile., Conclusions: Undergoing palliative treatment at HVFs is associated with higher OS in HNC. The survival benefit derived from high facility volume should be carefully considered in the context of other patient and facility characteristics in end-of-life management, with specific emphasis on patient-directed goals of care., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) requiring free flap (FF) reconstruction is uncommon with limited reported findings., Methods: Multicenter, retrospective case series of 49 consecutive adult patients presenting with advanced MRONJ requiring FF reconstruction from 2010 to 2022. Perioperative complications and outcomes were analyzed., Results: Eighty-two percent (n = 40) of cases were of the mandible and 18% (n = 9) were of the maxilla. The mean follow-up was 15 months (±19.6). The majority of FF survived (96%, n = 47). FF reconstructions of the maxilla were more likely to require postoperative debridement (56%, 95% CI [27, 81%] vs. 15%, 95% CI [7, 25%], p = 0.008) or develop intraoral bone exposure (56%, 95% CI [27, 81%] vs. 18%, 95% CI [9, 27%], p = 0.02). Most patients (71%, n = 35) received preoperative antibiotics which was associated with a higher rate of FF survival (100% vs. 86%, 95% CI [60, 96%], p = 0.02) and fewer complications., Conclusions: Patients undergoing FF reconstruction for MRONJ do well with high rates of FF success. MRONJ of the maxilla have a higher rate of some complications. Preoperative antibiotics correlated with higher FF survival and fewer postoperative complications., (© 2024 The Authors. Head & Neck published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: To develop machine learning (ML) models predicting unplanned readmission and reoperation among patients undergoing free flap reconstruction for head and neck (HN) surgery., Methods: Data were extracted from the 2012-2019 NSQIP database. eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) was used to develop ML models predicting 30-day readmission and reoperation based on demographic and perioperative factors. Models were validated using 2019 data and evaluated., Results: Four-hundred and sixty-six (10.7%) of 4333 included patients were readmitted within 30 days of initial surgery. The ML model demonstrated 82% accuracy, 63% sensitivity, 85% specificity, and AUC of 0.78. Nine-hundred and four (18.3%) of 4931 patients underwent reoperation within 30 days of index surgery. The ML model demonstrated 62% accuracy, 51% sensitivity, 64% specificity, and AUC of 0.58., Conclusion: XGBoost was used to predict 30-day readmission and reoperation for HN free flap patients. Findings may be used to assist clinicians and patients in shared decision-making and improve data collection in future database iterations., (© 2024 The Authors. Head & Neck published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal malignancy optimizes oncologic outcomes while preserving functionality. This study identifies patterns of functional recovery after TORS with free flap reconstruction (FFR)., Methods: Retrospective cohort study at a tertiary care center of patients with primary oropharyngeal tumors treated with TORS with FFR between 2010 and 2022. Patients were categorized into: adjuvant chemoradiation or radiation, or no adjuvant therapy (NAT). Functional outcomes were measured by functional oral intake scale (FOIS)., Results: 241 patients were included. FOIS declined at first postoperative appointment (median = 7.0 to 2.0, IQR = [7.0, 7.0], [2.0, 4.0]), and progressively improved to 6.0 (5.0, 6.0) after 1 year, with NAT having the highest FOIS (7.0, p < 0.05). Predictors of poor long-term FOIS included RT and hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) involvement (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: TORS with FFR leads to good long-term function with minimal intake restrictions. Radiation therapy and CN XII involvement increase risk of worse functional outcomes., (© 2024 The Authors. Head & Neck published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Importance: Closure technique for optimization of postoperative and functional outcomes following salvage laryngectomy remains an area of debate among head and neck surgeons., Objective: To investigate the association of salvage laryngectomy closure technique with early postoperative and functional outcomes., Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study included patients from 17 academic, tertiary care centers who underwent total laryngectomy with no or limited pharyngectomy after completing a course of definitive radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy with curative intent between January 2011 and December 2016. Patients with defects not amenable to primary closure were excluded. Data were analyzed from February 14, 2021, to January 29, 2024., Exposures: Total laryngectomy with and without limited pharyngectomy, reconstructed by primary mucosal closure (PC), regional closure (RC), or free tissue transfer (FTT)., Main Outcomes and Measures: Patients were stratified on the basis of the pharyngeal closure technique. Perioperative and long-term functional outcomes were evaluated with bivariate analyses. A multivariable regression model adjusted for historical risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) was used to assess risk associated with closure technique. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs were determined., Results: The study included 309 patients (256 [82.8%] male; mean age, 64.7 [range, 58.0-72.0] years). Defects were reconstructed as follows: FTT (161 patients [52.1%]), RC (64 [20.7%]), and PC (84 [27.2%]). A PCF was noted in 36 of 161 patients in the FTT group (22.4%), 25 of 64 in the RC group (39.1%), and 29 of 84 in the PC group (34.5%). On multivariable analysis, patients undergoing PC or RC had a higher risk of PCF compared with those undergoing FTT (PC: RR, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.1-4.4]; RC: RR, 2.5 [95% CI, 1.3-4.8]). Undergoing FTT was associated with a clinically meaningful reduction in risk of PCF (RR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-0.9; number needed to treat, 7). Subgroup analysis comparing inset techniques for the RC group showed a higher risk of PCF associated with PC (RR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-3.0) and predominately pectoralis myofascial flap with onlay technique (RR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.2), but there was no association of pectoralis myocutaneous flap with cutaneous paddle interposition with PCF (RR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.5-2.8) compared with FTT with cutaneous inset. There were no clinically significant differences in functional outcomes between the groups., Conclusion and Relevance: In this study of patients with limited pharyngeal defects, interpositional fasciocutaneous closure technique was associated with reduced risk of PCF in the salvage setting, which is most commonly achieved by FTT in academic practices. Closure technique was not associated with functional outcomes at 1 and 2 years postoperatively.

Importance: The utility of preoperative circulating tumor tissue-modified viral human papillomavirus DNA (TTMV-HPV DNA) levels in predicting human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+ OPSCC) disease burden is unknown., Objective: To determine if preoperative circulating tumor HPV DNA (ctHPVDNA) is associated with disease burden in patients with HPV+ OPSCC who have undergone transoral robotic surgery (TORS)., Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study comprised patients with HPV+ OPSCC who underwent primary TORS between September 2021 and April 2023 at one tertiary academic institution. Patients with treatment-naive HPV+ OPSCC (p16-positive) and preoperative ctHPVDNA levels were included, and those who underwent neck mass excision before ctHPVDNA collection were excluded., Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcome was the association of increasing preoperative ctHPVDNA levels with tumor size and lymph node involvement in surgical pathology. The secondary outcome was the association between preoperative ctHPVDNA levels and adverse pathology, which included lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, or extranodal extension., Results: A total of 70 patients were included in the study (65 men [93%]; mean [SD] age, 61 [8] years). Baseline ctHPVDNA levels ranged from 0 fragments/milliliter of plasma (frag/mL) to 49 452 frag/mL (median [IQR], 272 [30-811] frag/mL). Overall, 58 patients (83%) had positive results for ctHPVDNA, 1 (1.4%) had indeterminate results, and 11 (15.6%) had negative results. The sensitivity of detectable ctHPVDNA for identifying patients with pathology-confirmed HPV+ OPSCC was 84%. Twenty-seven patients (39%) had pathologic tumor (pT) staging of pT0 or pT1, 34 (49%) had pT2 staging, and 9 patients (13%) had pT3 or pT4 staging. No clinically meaningful difference between detectable and undetectable preoperative ctHPVDNA cohorts was found for tumor size or adverse pathology. Although the median preoperative ctHPVDNA appeared to be higher in pT2 through pT4 stages and pN1 or pN2 stages, effect sizes were small (pT stage: η2, 0.002 [95% CI, -1.188 to 0.827]; pN stage: η2, 0.043 [95% CI, -0.188 to 2.600]). Median preoperative log(TTMV-HPV DNA) was higher in active smokers (8.79 [95% CI, 3.55-5.76]), compared with never smokers (5.92 [95% CI, -0.97 to 1.81]) and former smokers (4.99 [95% CI, 0.92-6.23]). Regression analysis did not show an association between tumor dimension or metastatic lymph node deposit size and preoperative log(TTMV-HPV DNA). After univariate analysis, no association was found between higher log(TTMV-HPV DNA) levels and adverse pathology., Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study, preoperative ctHPVDNA levels were not associated with disease burden in patients with HPV+ OPSCC who underwent TORS.

Introduction: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) can be associated with tumors involving the maxillary sinus, but outcomes after undergoing maxillectomy with free flap reconstruction remain unclear., Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records was performed to evaluate evidence of CRS in patients who underwent maxillectomy with free flap reconstruction at a single tertiary care academic institution from 2013 through 2020., Results: Eighty-four patients were assessed. Nineteen (22.6%) patients were diagnosed with CRS after surgery, 23 (27.4%) patients were treated for sinus symptoms, and 49 (58.3%) had radiographic evidence of sinus inflammation for more than 6 months. Risk factors for requiring sinus treatment included adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.002) and pre-operative use of sinus medication (p < 0.001). Radiographic evidence of sinusitis 6 months after surgery is also closely associated with sinusitis treatment (p = 0.051)., Conclusions: CRS may be underdiagnosed in patients undergoing maxillectomy with microvascular reconstruction. Further evaluation into patient sinus disease and symptoms following neoplastic surgery may lead to a higher quality of life in some long-term survivors., (© 2024 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Objective: To determine whether gender differences exist in the training history, practice patterns, and home lives of surgeons who perform microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck., Study Design: Cross-sectional survey., Setting: Medical facilities that employ surgeons who practice head and neck microvascular reconstruction in the United States., Methods: A survey was created using the Research Electronic Data Capture Framework and was distributed via email to microvascular reconstructive surgeons. Descriptive statistics were performed using Stata software., Results: No significant differences were found in training or current practice patterns between microvascular surgeons who identify as men versus those who identify as women. Women had fewer children (p = .020) and were more likely to be childless (p = .002). Whereas men were more likely to report a spouse/partner as primary caretaker, women were more likely to hire a professional caretaker or cite themselves as a primary caretaker (p < .001). Women were more likely to have finished residency (p = .015) and fellowship (p = .014) more recently and to practice in the Southeast (p = .006). Of the microvascular surgeons who reported practice setting switches, men more commonly changed positions for career advancement, whereas women were more likely to switch due to burnout (p = .002)., Conclusion: This study found no gender-based differences in training or practice patterns. However, significant differences were identified in childbearing, family structure, geographic practice location, and motives for switching practice., (© 2023 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation.)

Objectives: To describe swallowing and feeding-tube outcomes in patients with high-risk oropharyngeal cancer treated with trimodality therapy (TMT), including transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy., Methods: A chart review was conducted on patients with HPV+ OPSCC receiving TMT with TORS at an academic medical center from March 2010 to March 2021. Data collected included demographics, treatment, feeding tube placement, functional oral intake scale (FOIS) scores, and swallowing-language pathology (SLP) evaluations., Results: A total of 255 patients met selection criteria (mean age 61 years, 88% male). Following intraoperative nasogastric tube (NG) placement, 31% remained NG tube dependent after 3 weeks. A gastrostomy tube was placed in 19% of patients, and at 1 year after end-of-treatment (EOT), 3.5% overall remained tube-dependent. Mean FOIS scores were 6.9 (SD = 0.3) at pre-operative visit, 2.6 (1.8) at first post-operative visit, and 5.5 (1.5) after EOT. In the subset of patients with follow-up longer than 2 years (n = 118), the mean FOIS was 6.1 (SD = 1.3) at most recent visit. Clinical signs of aspiration/penetration were suspected on SLP evaluation in 18% of patients. These patients were subsequently evaluated with fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and/or barium swallow study, which confirmed signs of aspiration in 2.7% of patients overall. Delayed NG tube removal after 3 weeks was predictive of (1) gastrostomy tube requirement and (2) clinical signs of aspiration on an SLP visit after EOT., Conclusions: Favorable functional and feeding-tube outcomes are demonstrated in patients with HPV-associated OPSCC undergoing TMT. In this single-institution study, we found low rates of long-term feeding tube dependence and high median FOIS following treatment. Review of routine SLP visits provides a detailed and easily accessible means for assessing swallowing function in this cohort., Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:3013-3020, 2023., (© 2023 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Background: Management of the neck in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is essential to oncologic control and survival. We aim to describe patterns and rates of clinical/pathologic lymph node disease, elective neck dissection (END), and occult lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with surgically-managed LSCC., Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) diagnosed with LSCC between January 2004 and December 2016 who underwent primary surgery., Results: Seven thousand eight hundred and seventy-six patients met inclusion criteria. For cN0 patients, the rates of END and occult LNM both increased with tumor stage and were highest for supraglottic tumors. Predictors of occult LNM included supraglottic site, pathologic T3 and T4 stage, positive margins, and presence of lymphovascular invasion (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: The propensity for cervical LNM in surgically-managed LSCC varies based on primary tumor site and stage, and a variety of disease factors increase risk of occult LNM., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objective: Major salivary gland cancers (MSGCs) are often treated with primary surgery followed by adjuvant therapy for high-risk pathology. Patients with these cancers may opt out of recommended postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) for many reasons and consequently may suffer worse outcomes., Study Design: Retrospective cohort study., Setting: National Cancer Database., Methods: Patients diagnosed with MSGC from 2004 to 2016 were identified, and overall survival and risk factors for refusal of recommended PORT were analyzed based on demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors. Multivariable logistic regression and a Cox model were used to conduct the analysis., Results: 211 out of 4704 qualifying patients (4.5%) refused recommended PORT. Multivariable analysis demonstrated increased PORT refusal for age >74 years (odds ratio OR 4.34, confidence interval [CI] [2.43-7.85]), Asian race (OR 2.25, CI [1.10-4.23]), and certain facility types (comprehensive cancer center, OR 2.39, CI [1.08-6.34]; academic research program, OR 3.29, CI [1.49-8.74]; and integrated network cancer program, OR 2.75, CI [1.14-7.7]). N2 stage was associated with decreased PORT refusal (OR 0.67, CI [0.45-0.98]). The 5-year overall survival for patients who received and refused PORT were significantly different at 65.8% and 53.8%, respectively (p < .001). When controlling for several factors, PORT refusal was independently associated with significantly lower overall survival (HR 1.54, CI [1.21-1.98])., Conclusion: Patient refusal of recommended PORT in MSGC is rare, associated with various disease and socioeconomic factors, and may decrease overall survival. Our findings can assist clinicians in counseling patients and identifying those who may be more likely to opt out of recommended PORT., (© 2023 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation.)

Background: Head and neck free flap survival relies on adequate tissue perfusion from the external carotid artery (ECA), and vessel length is inversely proportional to blood flow rate. Objective: Investigate whether distance from the ECA (as a proxy for pedicle vessel length) predicts flap survival or complications. Methods: Retrospective review of free flaps performed at three academic centers from 9/2006 to 8/2021. Flaps were categorized by distance from the ECA: orbit and above (zone 1), maxilla to parotid (zone 2), and mandible and below (zone 3). Secondary analysis assessed flap outcomes stratified by average historical pedicle length. Results: A total of 2,369 flaps were identified in zones 1 ( n  = 109), 2 ( n  = 1878), and 3 ( n  = 382). Rates of flap failure (4.9%) and perioperative complications (36.3%) did not differ by zone or pedicle length. Zone 3 flaps, most commonly located in the larynx and hypopharynx, had significantly higher rates of fistula and infection. Conversely, 30-day readmission rates were significantly lower in patients with zone 2 flaps ( p  < 0.001). Rates of all other complications did not differ significantly between zones. Conclusions: Proximity to mucosal anatomic sites was a more powerful predictor of free flap viability than pedicle length or ECA proximity.

Introduction: Management of the neck in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) is essential to oncologic control and survival. The rates of lymph node metastasis (LNM) vary based on oral cavity tumor site and stage and influence treatment decisions. The aim of this paper was to describe clinical LNM for different tumor subsites and stages of surgically managed OCSCC., Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 25,846 surgically managed OCSCC patients from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) stratified by tumor subsite and clinical T-stage. For cN + patients, rates of pathologic LNM and absence of pathologic LNM were determined. For cN0 patients, outcomes included the rates of elective neck dissection (END) and occult LNM and predictors of occult LNM determined by a multivariable logistic regression model., Results: A total of 25,846 patients (59.1% male, mean age 61.9 years) met inclusion criteria with primary tumor sites including oral tongue (50.8%), floor of mouth (21.2%), lower alveolus (7.6%), buccal mucosa (6.7%), retromolar area (4.9%), upper alveolus (3.6%), hard palate (2.7%), and mucosal lip (2.5%). Among all sites, clinical N+ rates increased with T-stage (8.9% T1, 28.0% T2, 51.6% T3, 52.5% T4); these trends were preserved across subsites. Among patients with cN + disease, the overall rate of concordant positive pathologic LNM was 80.1% and the rate of discordant negative pathologic LNM was 19.6%, which varied based on tumor site and stage. In the overall cohort of cN0 patients, 59.9% received END, and the percentage of patients receiving END increased with higher tumor stage. Occult LNM among those cN0 was found in 25.1% of END cases, with the highest rates in retromolar (28.8%) and oral tongue (27.5%) tumors. Multivariable regression demonstrated significantly increased rates of occult LNM for higher T stage (T2 OR: 2.1 [1.9-2.4]; T3 OR: 3.0 [2.5-3.7]; T4 OR: 2.7 [2.2-3.2]), positive margins (OR: 1.4 [1.2-1.7]), and positive lymphovascular invasion (OR: 5.1 [4.4-5.8])., Conclusions: Management of the neck in OCSCC should be tailored based on primary tumor factors and considered for early-stage tumors., (© 2023 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Few standardized methods exist for evaluating the postoperative outcomes of osteocutaneous free flaps. We propose an anatomic-based scoring system for midface free flap reconstruction., Methods: One hundred and twelve patients across four institutions underwent osteocutaneous reconstruction of the midface. Postoperative scans were scored based on the number of independent osseous subunits reconstructed (Subunit Score), the number of different bony appositions with bony contact (Contact Score), and the number of osseous segments in anatomic position (Position Score). These were added together to create a Total Score., Results: Osteocutaneous radial forearm flaps had the lowest Subunit Score (p = 0.001). Fibula flaps had the highest Contact Score (p = 0.0008) and Position Score (p = 0.001). Virtual surgical planning was associated with an increased Subunit Score (p = 0.02) and Total Score (p = 0.04)., Conclusions: We propose a novel scoring system for osseous midface reconstruction based on postoperative imaging scans. This can help guide management decisions and create a common language to compare outcomes., (© 2022 The Authors. Head & Neck published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objective: To quantify the financial impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on an academic otolaryngology department., Methods: A year-over-year comparison was used to compare department revenue from April 2020 and April 2021 as a percentage of baseline April 2019 activity., Results: At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, total department charges decreased by 83.4%, of which outpatient clinic charges were affected to the greatest extent. One year into pandemic recovery, department charges remained down 6.7% from baseline, and outpatient clinic charges remained down 9.9%. The reduction in outpatient clinic charges was mostly driven by a decrease in in-office procedure charges., Conclusion: Given that precautions to mitigate the risk of viral transmission in the health care setting are likely to be long-lived, it is important to consider the vulnerabilities of our specialty to mitigate financial losses going forward., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2022 The Authors. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology ‐ Head and Neck Surgery.)

Objective: To assess the impact of sociodemographic factors on primary treatment choice (surgery vs radiotherapy) in patients with human papillomavirus-associated (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC)., Study Design: Retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database., Setting: Data from >1500 Commission on Cancer institutions (academic and community) via the National Cancer Database., Methods: Our sample consists of patients diagnosed with HPV+ OPSCC from 2010 to 2015. The primary outcome of interest was initial treatment modality: surgery vs radiation. We performed multivariable logistic models to assess the relationship between treatment choice and sociodemographic factors, including sex, race, treatment facility, and insurance status., Results: Of the 16,043 patients identified, 5894 (36.7%) underwent primary surgery while 10,149 (63.3%) received primary radiotherapy. Black patients were less likely than White patients to receive primary surgery (odds ratio [OR], 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66-0.96). When compared with privately insured patients, those who were uninsured or on Medicaid or Medicare were also less likely to receive primary surgery (OR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.56-0.86]; OR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.65-0.91]; OR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.75-0.96], respectively). Patients receiving treatment at an academic/research cancer program were more likely to undergo primary surgery than those treated at comprehensive community cancer programs (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.14-1.56)., Conclusion: In this large sample of patients with HPV+ OPSCC, race and insurance status affect primary treatment choice. Specifically, Black and nonprivately insured patients are less likely to receive primary surgery as compared with White or privately insured patients. Our findings illuminate potential disparities in HPV+ OPSCC treatment.

Importance: Incidence of perioperative free flap compromise is low, with successful salvage in up to 70%. When the flap is compromised a second time, the value of intervening is unknown., Objective: To assess the outcomes of a second revascularization attempt for compromised free flaps., Design, Setting, and Participants: This multicenter retrospective medical record review included patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction with free flaps at 6 US medical centers from January 1, 2000, through December 30, 2020. Patients were 18 years or older with a history of head and neck defects from cancer, osteoradionecrosis, or other wounds. Of 3510 flaps identified, 79 were successfully salvaged once, became compromised a second time, and underwent attempted salvage., Main Outcome and Measure: Flaps with a history of initial compromise and successful revascularization demonstrating second episodes of compromise followed by second salvage attempts., Results: A total of 79 patients (mean age, 64 years; 61 [77%] men) were included in the analysis. Of the 79 flaps undergoing second salvage attempts, 24 (30%) survived while 55 (70%) demonstrated necrosis. Arterial or venous thrombectomy was performed in 17 of the 24 (71%) flaps that survived and 23 of the 55 (42%) flaps demonstrating necrosis (odds ratio, 3.38; 95% CI, 1.21-9.47). When venous compromise was encountered, changing the anastomotic vein was associated with decreased survival compared with not changing the vein (29 of 55 [53%] flaps vs 10 of 24 [42%] flaps); vein revision to an alternative branch was completed in 1 of the 24 (4%) flaps that survived and 19 of the 55 (35%) flaps with necrosis (odds ratio, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.00-0.60). Factors that were not associated with flap survival following second salvage attempts included flap type, cause of flap failure, postoperative complications, patient comorbidities, and heparin administration after second salvage., Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, second salvage was successful in 30% of free flaps. Flaps that underwent arterial or venous thrombectomy demonstrated better survival, while vein revision to neighboring branch veins was associated with worse flap outcomes.

We performed a systematic review to characterize reconstructive modalities and postoperative surgical outcomes following TORS resection. A search of the PubMed, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases was conducted to identify studies describing patients undergoing reconstruction of TORS defects. Twenty-six studies met inclusion criteria, consisting of 260 patients who underwent TORS resection followed by reconstruction. Twenty-one studies reported tumor classification information, with TORS performed for 44 (23.0%) T1, 86 (45.0%) T2, 33 (17.3%) T3, and 28 (14.7%) T4 tumors. Eighteen distinct reconstructive modalities were described in the studies identified, including nine unique free flap types. The most commonly performed reconstruction was the radial forearm free flap (RFFF), accounting for 121/260 (46.5%) of reconstructions performed. Reported surgical complications included 5 pharyngocutaneous fistulae, 13 hemorrhagic complications, 24 infectious complications, and 5 free flap failures. Our findings demonstrate favorable surgical outcomes but minimal quantitative functional data to compare reconstructive options following TORS., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objective: The reconstruction of large scalp defects poses both functional and cosmetic challenges. While free tissue transfer remains the standard for defects larger than 30 cm 2 , prolonged anesthesia and postoperative complications remain significant limitations. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of O-Z flaps for the reconstruction of large scalp defects and to describe the techniques employed., Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of ten patients who underwent reconstructive surgery using an O-Z flap approach for large scalp defects between July 2017 and June 2019. The parameters included in this study were patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and postoperative management, collected for at least a year after surgery., Results: In this cohort, the mean age was 76.1 years and 90% were male. All patients were treated for neoplastic skin lesions, with 70% located on the vertex and 30% located on the temporoparietal region. The mean size of defect was 52.0 cm 2 (range: 38.6 to 63.8 cm 2 ). The maximum hospital stay was two days, and no patients were readmitted within 30 days of surgery. There were no cases of wound infection or flap necrosis. All patients reported pain control with acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Four patients received adjuvant radiation, and there was no delay to receiving treatment following surgery., Conclusions: The O-Z flap is a reliable alternative for the reconstruction of non-irradiated scalp defects in the vertex and temporoparietal regions up to 63 cm 2 . This technique provides advantages for patients, including hairline preservation, shorter hospital stays, and decreased postoperative complications., Competing Interests: Informed consent was obtained for publication of photographs., (© 2022 The Authors. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology ‐ Head and Neck Surgery published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Chinese Medical Association.)

Objectives: Increasing use of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is likely to impact outcomes for HPV+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs). We aimed to describe oncologic outcomes for a large HPV+ OPSCC cohort after TORS and develop a risk prediction model for recurrence under this treatment paradigm., Materials and Methods: 634 HPV+ OPSCC patients receiving TORS-based therapy at a single institution were reviewed retrospectively to describe survival across the entire cohort and for patients suffering recurrence. Risks for distant metastatic recurrence (DMR) and locoregional recurrence (LRR) were modeled using multivariate logistic regression analyses of case-control sub-cohorts., Results: 5-year overall and recurrence-free survival were 91.2% and 86.1%, respectively. 5-year overall survival was 52.5% following DMR and 83.3% after isolated LRR (P = .01). In case-control analyses, positive surgical margins were associated with DMR (adjusted OR 5.8, CI 2.1-16.0, P = .001), but not isolated LRR, and increased DMR risk 4.2 fold in patients with early clinical stage disease. By contrast, LRR was associated with not receiving recommended adjuvant therapy (OR 13.4, CI 6.3-28.5, P < .001)., Conclusions: This study sets a benchmark for oncologic outcomes from HPV+ OPSCC after TORS-based therapy. Under this treatment paradigm, margins are relevant for assessing lethal recurrence risk during clinical trial design and post-treatment surveillance., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Perioperative management of advanced osteoradionecrosis of the head and neck requiring free flap (FF) reconstruction varies. Our objectives included assessment of practice patterns and outcomes., Methods: Multi-institutional, retrospective review of FF reconstruction for head and neck osteoradionecrosis (n = 260)., Results: Administration of preoperative antibiotics did not correlate with reduction in postoperative complications. Preoperative alcohol use correlated with higher rates of hardware exposure (p = 0.03) and 30-day readmission (p = 0.04). Patients with FF compromise had higher TSH (p = 0.04) and lower albumin levels (p = 0.005). Prealbumin levels were lower in patients who required neck washouts (p = 0.02) or a second FF (p = 0.03). TSH levels were higher in patients undergoing postoperative debridement (p = 0.03) or local flap procedures (p = 0.04)., Conclusion: Malnutrition, hypothyroidism, and substance abuse correlated with a higher incidence of postoperative wound complications in patients undergoing FF reconstruction for advanced osteoradionecrosis. Preoperative antibiotics use did not correlate with a reduction in postoperative wound complications., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Concerns regarding iatrogenic femur fracture may deter adoption of the anterolateral thigh osteomyocutaneous (ALTO) flap as an alternative reconstructive technique for large composite defects of the head and neck. We describe the evolution of our experience with this flap and the lessons learned in femur management., Methods: Records from a prospective database (July 2009-January 2020) were reviewed to identify patients with composite osseous free tissue reconstructions. Venous thromboembolic events (VTE), femur fracture, estimated blood loss (EBL), procedure time, blood transfusions, and length of stay (days) were compared for ALTO flaps prior to and after the adoption of intramedullary fixation protocol., Results: ALTO represented 10.5% (n = 23) of total osseus (n = 219) flaps. For large composite reconstructions with either ALTO flap, double flap (n = 2), or subscapular mega flaps (n = 14), ALTO flaps were most frequently used (59%, n = 23/59). There were no differences in operative time prior to and after implementation of prophylactic fixation [median (range): 5.4 (1.7-19.2) vs. 5.8 (1.7-15.0), p = .574]. Additionally, there were no differences in VTE, femur fracture, EBL, blood transfusion, or length of stay (p > .05) with adoption of prophylactic intramedullary fixation., Conclusions: The ALTO flap represents a useful tool to consider in the armamentarium of reconstructive options for large through and through defects of the head and neck. In our experience, the ALTO flap is a reasonable alternative to subscapular or double flap reconstructions and especially in the setting of unusable fibular flaps or when bone need exceeds that available from the scapula., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objectives/hypothesis: Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is a distinct clinical entity with good prognosis, unique demographics, and a trend toward treatment deintensification. Patients with this disease may opt out of recommended postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) for a variety of reasons. The aim of this paper was to examine factors that predict patient refusal of recommended PORT in HPV-associated OPSCC, and the association of refusal with overall survival., Study Design: Retrospective population-based cohort study of patients in the National Cancer Database., Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients in the National Cancer Database diagnosed with OPSCC between January 2010 and December 2015. We primarily assessed overall survival and the odds of refusing PORT based on demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors. Analysis was conducted using multivariable logistic regression and multivariable Cox proportional hazards model., Results: A total of 4229 patients were included in the final analysis, with 156 (3.7%) patients opting out of recommended PORT. On multivariable analysis, patient refusal of PORT was independently associated with a variety of socioeconomic factors such as race, insurance status, comorbidity, treatment at a single facility, and margin status. Lastly, PORT refusal was associated with significantly lower overall survival compared to receipt of recommended PORT (hazard ratio 1.69, confidence interval 1.02-2.82)., Conclusions: Patient refusal of recommended PORT in HPV-associated OPSCC is rare and associated with variety of disease and socioeconomic factors. PORT refusal may decrease overall survival in this population. Our findings may help clinicians when counseling patients and identifying those who may be more likely to opt out of recommended adjuvant therapy., Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 132:339-348, 2022., (© 2021 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

The wealth of data in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) has allowed numerous studies investigating patient, disease, and treatment-related factors in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC); however, to date, no summation of these studies has been performed. The aim of this study was to provide a concise review of the NCDB studies on OCSCC, with the hopes of providing a framework for future, novel studies aimed at enhancing our understanding of clinical parameters related to OCSCC. Two databases were searched, and 27 studies published between 2002 and 2020 were included. The average sample size was 13,776 patients (range 356-50,896 patients). Four areas of research focus were identified: demographic and socioeconomic status, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. This review highlights the impact of age, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status on the prognosis and management of OCSCC, describes the prognostic factors, and details the modalities and indications for neck dissection and adjuvant therapy in OCSCC. In conclusion, the NCDB is a very valuable resource for clinicians and researchers involved in the management of OCSCC, offering an incomparable perspective on a large dataset of patients. Future developments regarding hospital information management, review of data accuracy and completeness, and wider accessibility will help clinicians to improve the care of patients affected by OCSCC., (Copyright © 2021 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Sex differences in surgically treated HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma are not defined due to the low number of affected women. We explored the oncologic outcomes of men and women with p16-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carinoma treated with primary surgery., Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer treated with surgery and pathology guided adjuvant therapy from 2007 to 2017. Primary end point was recurrence-free and overall survival., Results: Of 468 men (86.7%) and 72 women (13.3%), women presented more often with clinical N0 nodal disease (25% vs 12.2%). There were no differences in adverse pathologic features or T stage, although women were more likely to present with N0 disease (16.7% vs 10%), less N2 disease (6.9% vs 17.7%, p = 0.03), and more stage I disease (88.9% vs 75%). As a result, women were more likely to undergo surgery alone (30.6% vs 14.1%) while men were more likely to require adjuvant radiation therapy (47.2% vs 36.1%). Four women (5.6%) and 30 men (6.4%, p = 0.8) died during follow-up. Multivariate analysis controlling for age, sex, treatment, and pathologic stage demonstrated no differences in overall survival between men and women. There were no differences in recurrence-free or overall survival between men and women at two and five years., Conclusions: Although women undergoing transoral robotic surgery for HPV+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma may have less advanced disease, upfront surgery with pathology-guided adjuvant therapy produces similar oncologic results in men and women while accounting for disease burden., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Although advances in surgical technique and medical management have drastically improved outcomes of free flap reconstructive surgery in head and neck patients, there is no clear consensus on appropriate level of postoperative care. Methods: The literature was searched systematically for all comparative studies of intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU admissions for head and neck patients. The primary outcomes were flap failure rate, flap complications, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included cost implications, medical complications, and rates of revision surgery, readmission, and mortality. Results: Nine articles (2510 patients) were included. Patients admitted to non-ICU wards were not significantly at increased risk for free flap failure, flap-related complications, or longer LOS. Total medical complications were found to have a pooled relative risk (RR) of 0.57 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 0.83], favoring the non-ICU cohort. In particular, the non-ICU cohort was less likely to develop neuropsychiatric complications (RR 0.34 [95% CI 0.24 to 0.48]) and sepsis (RR 0.18 [95% CI 0.05 to 0.68]) with no difference in cardiovascular or pulmonary complications. Discussion: Patients admitted to non-ICU wards did not experience higher rates of adverse flap-related outcomes and had decreased risk of developing medical complications in the studies included in this meta-analysis.

Objective: To analyze the patterns, risk factors, and salvage outcomes for locoregional recurrences (LRR) after treatment with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+ OPSCC)., Study Design: Retrospective analysis of HPV+ OPSCC patients completing primary TORS, neck dissection, and NCCN-guideline-compliant adjuvant therapy at a single institution from 2007 to 2017., Methods: Features associated with LRR, detailed patterns of LRR, and outcomes of salvage therapy were analyzed. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated for subgroups of patients receiving distinct adjuvant treatments., Results: Of 541 patients who completed guideline-indicated therapy, the estimated 5-year LRR rate was 4.5%. There were no identifiable clinical or pathologic features associated with LRR. Compared to patients not receiving adjuvant therapy, those who received indicated adjuvant radiation alone had a lower risk of LRR (HR 0.28, 95% CI [0.09-0.83], P = .023), but there was no difference in DFS (P = .21) and OS (P = .86) between adjuvant therapy groups. The 5-year OS for patients who developed LRR was 67.1% vs. 93.9% for those without LRR (P < .001). Patients who initially received adjuvant chemoradiation and those suffering local, in-field, and/or retropharyngeal node recurrences had decreased disease control after salvage therapy., Conclusion: LRR rates are low for HPV+ OPSCCs completing TORS and guideline-compliant adjuvant therapy. Patients without indication for adjuvant therapy more often suffer LRR, but these recurrences are generally controllable by salvage therapy. Improved understanding of the patterns of recurrence most amenable to salvage therapy may guide treatment decisions, counseling, and adjuvant therapy de-escalation trials., Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2865-E2873, 2021., (© 2021 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Objective: Review long-term clinical and quality-of-life outcomes following free flap reconstruction for osteonecrosis., Study Design: Retrospective multi-institutional review., Setting: Tertiary care centers., Methods: Patients included those undergoing free flap reconstructions for osteonecrosis of the head and neck (N = 232). Data included demographics, defect, donor site, radiation history, perioperative management, diet status, recurrence rates, and long-term quality-of-life outcomes. Quality-of-life outcomes were measured using the University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) survey., Results: Overall flap success rate was 91% (n = 212). Relative to preoperative diet, 15% reported improved diet function at 3 months following reconstruction and 26% at 5 years. Osteonecrosis recurred in 14% of patients (32/232); median time to onset was 11 months. Cancer recurrence occurred in 13% of patients (29/232); median time to onset was 34 months. Results from the UW-QOL questionnaire were as follows: no pain (45%), minor or no change in appearance (69%), return to baseline endurance level (37%), no limitations in recreation (40%), no changes in swallowing following reconstruction (28%), minor or no limitations in mastication (29%), minor or no speech difficulties (93%), no changes in shoulder function (84%), normal taste function (19%), normal saliva production (27%), generally excellent mood (44%), and no or minimal anxiety about cancer (94%)., Conclusion: The majority of patients maintained or had advancement in diet following reconstruction, with low rates of osteonecrosis or cancer recurrence and above-average scores on UW-QOL survey suggesting good return of function and quality of life.

Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has not been studied for invasive melanomas treated with Mohs micrographic surgery using frozen-section MART-1 immunohistochemical stains (MMS-IHC). The primary objective of this study was to assess the accuracy and compliance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for SLNB in a cohort of patients who had invasive melanoma treated with MMS-IHC., Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all patients who had primary, invasive, cutaneous melanomas treated with MMS-IHC at a single academic center between March 2006 and April 2018. The primary outcomes were the rates of documenting discussion and performing SLNB in patients who were eligible based on NCCN guidelines. Secondary outcomes were the rate of identifying the sentinel lymph node and the percentage of positive lymph nodes., Results: In total, 667 primary, invasive, cutaneous melanomas (American Joint Committee on Cancer T1a-T4b) were treated with MMS-IHC. The median patient age was 69 years (range, 25-101 years). Ninety-two percent of tumors were located on specialty sites (head and/or neck, hands and/or feet, pretibial leg). Discussion of SLNB was documented for 162 of 176 (92%) SLNB-eligible patients, including 127 of 127 (100%) who had melanomas with a Breslow depth >1 mm. SLNB was performed in 109 of 176 (62%) SLNB-eligible patients, including 102 of 158 melanomas (65%) that met NCCN criteria to discuss and offer SLNB and 7 of 18 melanomas (39%) that met criteria to discuss and consider SLNB. The sentinel lymph node was successfully identified in 98 of 109 patients (90%) and was positive in 6 of those 98 patients (6%)., Conclusions: Combining SLNB and MMS-IHC allows full pathologic staging and confirmation of clear microscopic margins before reconstruction of specialty site invasive melanomas. SLNB can be performed accurately and in compliance with consensus guidelines in patients with melanoma using MMS-IHC., (© 2021 American Cancer Society.)

Background: We aim to define a set of terms for common free flap complications with evidence-based descriptions., Methods: Clinical consensus surveys were conducted among a panel of head and neck/reconstructive surgeons (N = 11). A content validity index for relevancy and clarity for each item was computed and adjusted for chance agreement (modified kappa, K). Items with K < 0.74 for relevancy (i.e., ratings of "good" or "fair") were eliminated., Results: Five out of nineteen terms scored K < 0.74. Eliminated terms included "vascular compromise"; "cellulitis"; "surgical site abscess"; "malocclusion"; and "non- or mal-union." Terms that achieved consensus were "total/partial free flap failure"; "free flap takeback"; "arterial thrombosis"; "venous thrombosis"; "revision of microvascular anastomosis"; "fistula"; "wound dehiscence"; "hematoma"; "seroma"; "partial skin graft failure"; "total skin graft failure"; "exposed hardware or bone"; and "hardware failure.", Conclusion: Standardized reporting would encourage multi-institutional research collaboration, larger scale quality improvement initiatives, the ability to set risk-adjusted benchmarks, and enhance education and communication., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Patients with oropharyngeal cancer who undergo transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and have high-risk features generally receive adjuvant chemoradiotherapy or trimodality therapy (TMT). The notion that TMT leads to high toxicity is largely based on studies that included human papilloma virus (HPV)-negative cancers and/or nonrobotic surgery; we sought to describe outcomes in HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (HPV + OPSCC) undergoing TORS-TMT., Methods: In consecutive patients with HPV + OPSCC receiving TMT at an academic center from 2010 to 2017, survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier methodology, and toxicities were ascertained via chart review., Results: In our cohort of 178 patients, 5-year survival was 93.6%. Feeding tube rates were 25.8% at therapy completion and 0.7% at 1 year. Rates of grade ≥ 3 kidney injury, anemia, and neutropenia in cisplatin-treated patients were 2.7%, 3.4%, and 11.0%, respectively., Conclusions: Patients with HPV + OPSCC who underwent TORS-TMT had excellent survival and low rates of toxicity and feeding tube dependence. These outcomes compare favorably to historical cohorts treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) continue to experience disappointing outcomes following chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and appreciable morbidity following historical surgical approaches. We aimed to investigate the oncologic outcomes and perioperative morbidity of a transoral robotic surgery (TORS) approach to surgically resectable HPV-negative OPSCC., Methods: Retrospective analysis HPV-negative OPSCC patients who underwent TORS, neck dissection and pathology-guided adjuvant therapy (2005-2017)., Results: Fifty-six patients (91.1% stage III/IV) were included. Three-year overall survival, locoregional control, and disease-free survival were 85.5%, 84.4%, and 73.6%, respectively (median follow-up 30.6 months, interquartile range 18.4-66.6). Eighteen (32.1%) patients underwent adjuvant radiotherapy and 20 (39.3%) underwent adjuvant CRT. Perioperative mortality occurred in one (1.8%) patient and hemorrhage occurred in two (3.6%) patients. Long-term gastrostomy and tracheostomy rates were 5.4% and 0.0%, respectively., Conclusion: The TORS approach for resectable HPV-negative OPSCC can achieve encouraging oncologic outcomes with infrequent morbidity., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Due to inherent impact on quality of life, metastatic head and neck cancer patients are well-suited to benefit from palliative care (PC). Our objective was to examine factors that shape PC utilization and implications for overall survival in stage IVc head and neck cancer patients., Methods: A retrospective study of patients with stage IVc head and neck cancer in the National Cancer Database from 2004 and 2015 was conducted., Results: 7794 cases met inclusion criteria, of which 19.3% received PC. PC use was associated with more recent years of diagnosis, Northeast facility geography, and non-private insurances (p < 0.05). Compared to no PC, "interventional" PC, defined as palliative surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy, and "pain management only" PC were associated with lower overall survival (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: PC use increased over time and was associated with demographic and clinical factors. There remains opportunity for improvement in optimal implementation of palliative care., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Purpose: To evaluate the role of elective neck dissection (END) and of adjuvant radiation (aRT) in polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC), previously known as polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA)., Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients in the National Cancer Database with a histology of PAC (coded as PLGA) at a head and neck site diagnosed between 2004 and 2015. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to assess overall survival in the overall population, and in sub-analyses of clinically N0 disease, positive resection margins, and late stage disease., Results: A total of 922 patients [66.8% female; mean (SD) age, 60.9 (13.9) years] met inclusion criteria. 74.7% of patients received surgery alone, and 18.0% received surgery and aRT. Only 7.6% of patients with clinically N0 disease received an END, with 10.6% of these having at least one positive node. END did not have a survival benefit compared to no END [HR 1.28 (0.61-2.68)]. Compared to surgery alone, aRT did not have significantly increased survival in the overall population or in late stage [HR 0.68 (0.39-1.19) and HR 0.46 (0.18-1.22), respectively]. On sub-analysis of patients with positive resection margins, aRT had a significant survival benefit compared to surgery alone [HR 0.37 (0.14-0.99)]., Conclusion: PAC is a rare, slow-growing malignant tumor typically treated with surgical excision, with undefined indications for END or aRT. Our findings show END to not have a benefit to overall survival. In patients with positive resection margins, there was a survival benefit for aRT., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature.)

Objectives: Primary orbital melanoma (POM) is a rare disease with limited data on survival and best treatment practices. Here we utilize the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to determine the overall survival (OS) and covariates that influence mortality., Study Design: Retrospective cohort study., Methods: All patients diagnosed with POM from 2004 to 2016 were identified in the NCDB. Patient and oncologic data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate models for the primary outcome of OS., Results: A total of 129 patients were identified. Median OS was 36.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 24.1-78.7 months) with mean 5-year survival of 42.0% (CI 33.2%-53.2%). Treatments received included surgery alone (43.4%), radiation alone (23.3%), and surgery followed by radiation (20.2%). The multivariate model demonstrated an increased risk of death associated with age over 80 years (hazard ratio [HR] 3.41, CI 1.31-8.86, P = .012), a Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score of 2 or greater (HR 5.30, CI 1.87-15.03, P = .002), and no treatment (HR 2.28, CI 1.03-5.06, P = .042). For every 1 cm increase in tumor size, there was an increased risk of death (HR 1.06, CI 1.00-1.13, P = .039). When compared to surgery alone, no other treatment modality had an effect on OS., Conclusions: This study leveraged multiyear data from the NCDB to provide prognostic and demographic information on the largest known cohort of POM cases. Increased age, increased comorbidities, not receiving treatment, and larger tumor size were associated with increased mortality. There was no clear survival advantage for specific treatments., Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:1790-1797, 2021., (© 2021 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Objectives: To determine whether up-front trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) for clinically-staged locally-advanced human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer is associated with oncologic and survival outcomes comparable to early-stage (cT1/T2) tumors., Materials and Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 628 patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer who underwent up-front TORS from 2007 to 2017. Patients were stratified into two cohorts based on early-stage (cT1/2) versus locally-advanced (cT3/4) tumor at presentation., Results: We identified 589 patients who presented with early-stage tumors, and 39 patients with locally-advanced tumors. Of these, 73% of patients required adjuvant radiation, and 33% required adjuvant chemoradiation. There was no significant difference in the administration of adjuvant radiation or chemoradiation between the two cohorts. Patients in the locally-advanced disease cohort were significantly more likely to have Stage II/III disease by clinical and pathologic criteria by American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition criteria (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in 5-year overall survival (OS) or recurrence-free survival (RFS) based on Kaplan-Meier survival estimates between the two cohorts (p = 0.75, 0.6, respectively), with estimated OS of 91% at 5 years, and estimated RFS of 86% at 5 years across the study population., Conclusions: Up-front TORS offers favorable survival outcomes for appropriately selected locally-advanced cases of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. Furthermore, up-front TORS is comparably effective in allowing avoidance of adjuvant therapy, particularly chemotherapy, in both cT1/T2 and locally-advanced HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer. In the absence of clear technical contraindication to surgery, cT3/T4 classification should not be considered an absolute contraindication to surgery., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Despite epidemiologic evidence that second primaries occur infrequently in HPV (human papillomavirus)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, recent recommendations advocate for elective contralateral palatine tonsillectomy. We aimed to study this discordance and define the necessary extent of up-front surgery in a large contemporary cohort with long-term follow-up treated with unilateral transoral robotic surgery. We hypothesized that second primaries are discovered exceedingly rarely during follow-up and that survival outcomes are not compromised with a unilateral surgical approach., Study Design: Retrospective cohort analysis., Setting: Tertiary care academic center between 2007 and 2017., Methods: Records for patients with p16-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil and workup suggestive of unilateral disease who underwent ipsilateral transoral robotic surgery were analyzed for timing and distribution of locoregional recurrence, distant metastases, and second primary occurrence as well as survival characteristics., Results: Among 295 included patients, 21 (7.1%) had a locoregional recurrence; 17 (5.8%) had a distant recurrence; and 3 (1.0%) had a second primary during a median follow-up of 48.0 months (interquartile range, 29.5-62.0). Only 1 (0.3%) had a second primary found in the contralateral tonsil. The 2- and 5-year estimates of overall survival were 95.5% (SE, 1.2%) and 90.1% (SE, 2.2%), respectively, while the 2- and 5-year estimates of disease-free survival were 90.0% (SE, 1.8%) and 84.7% (SE, 2.3%)., Conclusion: Second primary occurrence in the contralateral tonsil was infrequent, and survival outcomes were encouraging with unilateral surgery. This provides a rationale for not routinely performing elective contralateral tonsillectomy in patients whose workup suggests unilateral disease.

Objective/hypothesis: Our department sought to develop a quality improvement initiative in the interest of promoting resident involvement within the departmental safety culture. Specifically, we aimed to identify any barriers to incident reporting among residents and to create an approach to rectify this problem., Study Design: Patient Safety/Quality Improvement., Methods: This is a descriptive, qualitative study taking place at a large teaching hospital. A brief survey was administered to all Otorhinolaryngology residents and based on feedback a two-pronged approach to creating a patient safety and quality improvement curriculum was undertaken. This entailed implementation of 1) a formalized online curriculum and 2) a resident-driven forum for discussion of safety concerns termed a "Resident Safety Huddle.", Results: The survey identified three main barriers to incident reporting among residents, including increased workload, the punitive nature of the system, and fear of retribution. During the study period, the residents completed the curriculum required to obtain the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Basic Certificate of Quality and Safety and participated in 10 Resident Safety Huddles. Each huddle was dedicated to discussion of a unique safety concern and frequently led to sustainable solutions. After implementation of this curriculum, an increase in the number of safety events reported by residents was recognized., Conclusions: In building an educational foundation for incident reporting and further bolstering it with a resident-driven forum for discussion of safety concerns, we were able to achieve a recognizable and meaningful impact on our residents and the greater departmental safety culture., Level of Evidence: 4 (single descriptive or qualitative study) Laryngoscope, 131:E1811-E1815, 2021., (© 2021 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Objective: To evaluate medical student and attending surgeon experiences with a novel interactive virtual Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) medical student elective during the COVID-19 pandemic., Study Design: A virtual OHNS elective was created, with three components: (1) interactive virtual operating room (OR) experience using live-stream video-conferencing, (2) telehealth clinic, (3) virtual didactics., Setting: OHNS Department at the University of Pennsylvania (May 2020 to June 2020)., Methods: Six medical students from the University of Pennsylvania; five attending otolaryngologists. Two surveys were designed and distributed to participating medical students and attending surgeons. Surveys included 5-point Likert scale items, with 1 indicating "not at all" and 5 indicating "very much so"., Results: Response rate was 100% for both surveys. Students on average rated the educational value of the telehealth experience as 4.2 ± 1.2, and the virtual OR experience as 4.0 ± 0.6. Most students ( n  = 5, 83%) indicated that they had enough exposure to faculty they met on this rotation to ask for a letter of recommendation (LOR) for residency if needed, while attending surgeons had an average response of 3.0 ± 1.0 when asked how comfortable they would feel writing a LOR for a student they met through the rotation. A majority of students ( n  = 4, 67%) felt they connected enough with faculty during the rotation to ask for mentorship. Half the students ( n  = 5, 50%) indicated that the rotation allowed them to evaluate the department's culture either "extremely well" or "somewhat well"., Conclusions: Overall, participating students described this innovative virtual surgical rotation as an educationally and professionally valuable experience. With the continued suspension of visiting student rotations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this virtual model may have continued relevance to medical education., Competing Interests: None., (© 2021 Chinese Medical Association. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd.)

Background: Some patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) do not receive guideline-recommended postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) following primary transoral robotic surgery (TORS)., Methods: Three-hundred and sixty-four patients with treatment-naïve, HPV-associated OPSCC were recommended to receive PORT based on clinicopathological features following TORS. Patients were stratified based on if they received PORT. Oncologic outcomes were compared., Results: The 3-year locoregional failure (LRF) was 32% in patients who did not receive PORT and 4% in patients who received PORT (P < .001). Despite increased LRF, avoiding PORT was not associated with increased 3-year distant metastasis rates (8% vs 4%, P = .56) or worse 3-year survival (95% vs 98%, P = .34). Recurrences in the surgery alone cohort varied between local and regional sites and were often successfully salvaged., Conclusions: Patients with HPV-associated OPSCC who do not receive indicated PORT have an increased risk of LRF but similar survival due to high salvage rates., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objectives: Guidelines for transoral robotic surgery (TORS) have generally regarded patients with retropharyngeal carotid arteries as contraindicated for surgery due to a theoretical risk of intraoperative vascular injury and/or perioperative cerebrovascular accident. We aimed to demonstrate that careful TORS-assisted resection and free flap coverage could not only avoid intraoperative injury and provide a physical barrier for vessel coverage but also achieve adequate margin control., Study Design: Retrospective cohort analysis., Methods: Retrospective review of patients with oropharyngeal malignancies and radiologically confirmed retropharyngeal carotid arteries who underwent TORS, concurrent neck dissection, and free flap reconstruction between 2015 and 2019., Results: Twenty patients were included, 19 (95.0%) with tonsillar tumors and one (5.0%) with a tongue base tumor with significant tonsillar extension. Eighteen patients (90.0%) received a radial artery forearm flap, one (5.0%) an ulnar artery forearm flap, and one (5.0%) an anteromedial thigh flap. All 20 (100%) flaps were inset through combined transcervical and transoral approaches without mandibulotomy. There were no perioperative mortalities, carotid injuries, oropharyngeal bleeds, cervical hematomas, or cerebrovascular accidents. One patient (5.0%) had a free flap failure requiring explant. All patients underwent decannulation and resumed a full oral diet. The mean length of hospitalization was 6.8 (standard deviation 1.2) days. One (5.0%) patient had a positive margin., Conclusion: In this analysis, 20 patients with oropharyngeal malignancy and retropharyngeal carotid arteries underwent TORS, neck dissection, and microvascular reconstruction without serious complication (perioperative mortality, vascular injury, or neurologic sequalae) with an acceptable negative margin rate. These results may lead to a reconsideration of a commonly held contraindication to TORS., Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E821-E827, 2021., (© 2020 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Objective: To reproduce a published study comparing outcomes of patients who underwent microvascular reconstruction by plastic surgeons and otolaryngologists and to examine how case selection and methodology using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data set can affect results and conclusions., Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis of US national database., Setting: American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) from 2005 to 2017., Subjects and Methods: A recently published study that used the NSQIP database to compare outcomes after head and neck free tissue transfer between plastic surgeons and otolaryngologists was reproduced. Different approaches to case selection and statistical analysis were evaluated and their effects on statistical significance and study conclusions were compared., Results: When all cases of free tissue transfer, captured in NSQIP between 2005 and 2017, were compared between plastic surgery and otolaryngology, plastic surgery patients appeared to have lower rates of complications and length of stay. However, a more in-depth analysis demonstrated that these results were confounded by older and sicker otolaryngology patients. A second analysis of the same NSQIP data, limited to only head and neck oncologic reconstructions, demonstrated that otolaryngology patients had fewer complications on univariate and multivariable analysis., Conclusion: We demonstrated how case selection and analysis can significantly affect results. It is incumbent upon researchers who use NSQIP and other publicly available data sets to fully detail their methodology to allow other researchers to reproduce and evaluate their work and for the journal editorial process to carefully evaluate the methodology and conclusions of their contributing authors.