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To understand perioperative practices for transoral robotic surgery (TORS) among academic medical centers. An electronic cross-sectional survey was distributed to fellows and program directors participating in 49 American Head and Neck Society fellowships. Operative decisions, medical and swallowing management, and disposition planning were assessed. Thirty-eight responses were collected (77.6%). Twenty-three centers (60.5%) performed 25 cases annually with the remainder performing fewer. The da Vinci Si was the most commonly used platform (n = 28, 73.7%). A majority of institutions advocated tailored resection to adequate margins (n = 27, 71.1%) over fixed subunit-based resection (n = 11, 28.9%). Most surgeons (n = 29, 76.3%) performed neck dissection concurrent with TORS, and 89.5% (n = 34) routinely ligated external carotid artery branches. A minority of institutions (n = 17, 45.9%) endorsed a standardized TORS care pathway. Antibiotic choices and duration varied, the most common choice being ampicillin/sulbactam (n = 21, 55.3%), and the most common duration being 24 h or less (n = 22, 57.9%). Multimodal analgesia was used at 36 centers (94.7%), steroids at 31 centers (81.6%), and pharmacologic venous thromboembolic prophylaxis at 29 centers (76.3%). Nasogastric feeding tubes were placed during surgery at 20 institutions (54.1%). Speech-language pathologists routinely performed postoperative swallow evaluations at 29 (78.4%) sites. Practice patterns are variable among institutions performing TORS. While certain surgical and postoperative practices were quite common, many institutions reported no standard TORS care pathway. Further understanding of the impact of individual practices on outcomes is necessary to develop evidence-based perioperative protocols for TORS.

Supplemental Table 1. Criteria for Unresectable Disease Supplemental Table 2. Modified RECIST Criteria for Head and Neck Cancer. Supplemental Table 3. Summary of Serum Analyte Levels. Supplemental Figure 1. Study Schematic Supplemental Figure 2. Time to locoregional failure for all eligible and treated patients (a) and by tumor HPV status (b). Log rank test comparing time to failure for HPV+ versus HPV- p value provided. Supplemental Figure 3. Representative tissue cores with high or low expression levels of XPF or ERCC1 as assessed by AQUA. Tumors were stained for cytokeratin (CK) to create a tumor mask and with DAPI to define the nuclear compartment. Supplemental Figure 4. Representative tumor IHC molecular correlates ERCC1, XPF and MET.

List of Supplemental Materials: Supplemental Table 1. Criteria for Unresectable Disease Supplemental Table 2. Modified RECIST Criteria for Head and Neck Cancer. Supplemental Table 3. Summary of Serum Analyte Levels. Supplemental Figure 1. Study Schematic Supplemental Figure 2. Time to locoregional failure for all eligible and treated patients (a) and by tumor HPV status (b). Log rank test comparing time to failure for HPV+ versus HPV- p value provided. Supplemental Figure 3. Representative tissue cores with high or low expression levels of XPF or ERCC1 as assessed by AQUA. Tumors were stained for cytokeratin (CK) to create a tumor mask and with DAPI to define the nuclear compartment. Supplemental Figure 4. Representative tumor IHC molecular correlates ERCC1, XPF and MET.

Purpose: Treatment with cisplatin or cetuximab combined with radiotherapy each yield superior survival in locally advanced squamous cell head and neck cancer (LA-SCCHN) compared with radiotherapy alone. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Trial E3303 evaluated the triple combination.Experimental Design: Patients with stage IV unresectable LA-SCCHN received a loading dose of cetuximab (400 mg/m2) followed by 250 mg/m2/week and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 q 3 weeks ×3 cycles concurrent with standard fractionated radiotherapy. In the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, patients continued maintenance cetuximab for 6 to 12 months. Primary endpoint was 2-year progression-free survival (PFS). Patient tumor and blood correlates, including tumor human papillomavirus (HPV) status, were evaluated for association with survival.Results: A total of 69 patients were enrolled; 60 proved eligible and received protocol treatment. Oropharyngeal primaries constituted the majority (66.7%), stage T4 48.3% and N2-3 91.7%. Median radiotherapy dose delivered was 70 Gy, 71.6% received all three cycles of cisplatin, and 74.6% received maintenance cetuximab. Median PFS was 19.4 months, 2-year PFS 47% [95% confidence interval (CI), 33%–61%]. Two-year overall survival (OS) was 66% (95% CI, 53%–77%); median OS was not reached. Response rate was 66.7%. Most common grade ≥3 toxicities included mucositis (55%), dysphagia (46%), and neutropenia (26%); one attributable grade 5 toxicity occurred. Only tumor HPV status was significantly associated with survival. HPV was evaluable in 29 tumors; 10 (all oropharyngeal) were HPV positive. HPV+ patients had significantly longer OS and PFS (P = 0.004 and P = 0.036, respectively).Conclusions: Concurrent cetuximab, cisplatin, and radiotherapy were well tolerated and yielded promising 2-year PFS and OS in LA-SCCHN with improved survival for patients with HPV+ tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 20(19); 5041–51. ©2014 AACR.

A recent investigation by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) suggests that physicians provide fewer postoperative visits (POVs) than expected for procedures with 10- and 90-day global periods. CMS is now contemplating revaluation of these procedures, which could result in lower Medicare payments to otolaryngologists. To estimate the impact of such reform on otolaryngologic procedures, we conducted a secondary subgroup analysis of CMS-contracted research, which used claims-based estimates of POVs to revalue procedures with 10- and 90-day global periods. Among the top 10 highest volume procedures performed in 2018, the proportion of median physician-reported to CMS-expected POVs ranged between 0.0% (myringotomy ± ventilation tube insertion, mouth biopsy, and complex wound repair) and 40.0% (total thyroidectomy). The top 5 procedures accounted for nearly three-quarters ($6.2 million and $8.6 million; 72.6%) of the estimated Medicare payment reduction. Further study is necessary to guide the development of equitable and effective payment reform.

ImportancePrior investigations in social determinants of health (SDoH) in pediatric head and neck cancer (HNC) have only considered a narrow scope of HNCs, SDoH, and geography while lacking inquiry into the interrelational association of SDoH with disparities in clinical pediatric HNC.ObjectivesTo evaluate the association of SDoH with disparities in HNC among children and adolescents and to assess which specific aspects of SDoH are most associated with disparities in dynamic and regional sociodemographic contexts.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis retrospective cohort study included data about patients (aged ≤19 years) with pediatric HNC who were diagnosed from 1975 to 2017 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) database. Data were analyzed from October 2021 to October 2022.ExposuresOverall social vulnerability and its subcomponent contributions from 15 SDoH variables, grouped into socioeconomic status (SES; poverty, unemployment, income level, and high school diploma status), minority and language status (ML; minoritized racial and ethnic group and proficiency with English), household composition (HH; household members aged ≥65 and ≤17 years, disability status, single-parent status), and housing and transportation (HT; multiunit structure, mobile homes, crowding, no vehicle, group quarters). These were ranked and scored across all US counties.Main Outcomes and MeasuresRegression trends were performed in continuous measures of surveillance and survival period and in discrete measures of advanced staging and surgery receipt.ResultsA total of 37 043 patients (20 729 [55.9%] aged 10-19 years; 18 603 [50.2%] male patients; 22 430 [60.6%] White patients) with 30 different HNCs in SEER had significant relative decreases in the surveillance period, ranging from 23.9% for malignant melanomas (mean [SD] duration, lowest vs highest vulnerability: 170 [128] months to 129 [88] months) to 41.9% for non-Hodgkin lymphomas (mean [SD] duration, lowest vs highest vulnerability: 216 [142] months vs 127 [94] months). SES followed by ML and HT vulnerabilities were associated with these overall trends per relative-difference magnitudes (eg, SES for ependymomas and choroid plexus tumors: mean [SD] duration, lowest vs highest vulnerability: 114 [113] months vs 86 [84] months; P P = .43) to 61.4% for gliomas not otherwise specified (NOS) (mean [SD] survival, lowest vs highest vulnerability: 44 [84] months to 17 [28] months; P P Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study of patients with pediatric HNC, significant decreases in receipt of care and survival time were observed with increasing SDoH vulnerability.

BACKGROUND We assessed long-term patient-reported dysphagia and xerostomia outcomes following definitive surgical management with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in patients with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) via a cross-sectional survey study. METHODS Patients with OPC managed with primary oropharyngeal surgery as definitive treatment at least 1 year ago between 2015 and 2019 were identified. The M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) and Xerostomia Inventory (XI) scores were compared across treatment types (i.e., no adjuvant therapy [TORS-A] vs. adjuvant radiotherapy [TORS+RT] vs. adjuvant chemoradiotherapy [TORS+CT/RT]). RESULTS The sample had 62 patients (10 TORS-A, 30 TORS+RT, 22 TORS+CT/RT). TORS-A had clinically and statistically significantly better MDADI scores than TORS+RT (p = 0.03) and TORS+CT/RT (p = 0.02), but TORS+RT and TORS+CT/RT were not significantly different. TORS-A had clinically and statistically significantly less XI than TORS+RT (p

OBJECTIVES To describe American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) surgeon supraclavicular flap (SCF) practice patterns and to identify variables associated with SCF complications. METHODS The design is a cross-sectional study. An online survey was distributed to 782 AHNS surgeons between November 11, 2016, and December 31, 2016. The primary outcome was frequency of SCF complications. Independent variables included demographics, training, practice patterns, and SCF techniques. RESULTS Adequate survey responses were obtained from 221 AHNS surgeons. Among these, 54.3% (n = 120) performed supraclavicular flaps (SCFs). Most surgeons used the SCF for cutaneous (n = 85; 78.7%) or parotid-temporal bone (n = 59; 54.6%) defects. Nearly one-third (n = 31; 29.8%) of surgeons experienced more than a "few" SCF complications. Surgeons experienced fewer pectoralis major flap (P

Objective To characterize and identify risk factors for 30-day surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients with head and neck cancer who underwent microvascular reconstruction. Study Design Cross-sectional study with nested case-control design. Setting Nine American tertiary care centers. Subjects and Methods Hospitalized patients were included if they underwent head and neck cancer microvascular reconstruction from January 2003 to March 2016. Cases were defined as patients who developed 30-day SSI; controls were patients without SSI at 30 days. Postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis (POABP) regimens were categorized by Gram-negative (GN) spectrum: no GN coverage, enteric GN coverage, and enteric with antipseudomonal GN coverage. All POABP regimens retained activity against anaerobes and Gram-positive bacteria. Thirty-day prevalence of and risk factors for SSI were evaluated. Results A total of 1307 patients were included. Thirty-day SSI occurred in 189 (15%) patients; median time to SSI was 11.5 days (interquartile range, 7-17). Organisms were isolated in 59% of SSI; methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (6%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9%) were uncommon. A total of 1003 (77%) patients had POABP data: no GN (17%), enteric GN (52%), and antipseudomonal GN (31%). Variables independently associated with 30-day SSI were as follows: female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.2), no GN POABP (aOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.5-3.3), and surgical duration ≥11.8 hours (aOR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3-2.7). Longer POABP durations (≥6 days) or antipseudomonal POABP had no association with SSI. Conclusions POABP without GN coverage was significantly associated with SSI and should be avoided. Antipseudomonal POABP or longer prophylaxis durations (≥6 days) were not protective against SSI. Antimicrobial stewardship interventions should be made to limit unnecessary antibiotic exposures, prevent the emergence of resistant organisms, and improve patient outcomes.

Purpose Virtual surgical planning (VSP), with custom made implants and guides represents a recent major advance. Nonetheless, knowledge related to practice patterns is limited. The purpose of this study was to provide data from the AHNS Reconstruction Section related to practice patterns, perceived value of VSP, as well as elucidate specific situations which represent high value for the application of VSP. Materials and methods A multi-center web-based survey consisting of 30 questions regarding practice patterns related to VSP practices delivered via email to 203 members of the AHNS Reconstructive Surgery Section at institutions across North America. Results There was a 34% response rate (70/203). A majority of the respondents (96%) used VSP in approximately 50% of their mandibular reconstruction cases, and in 42% of maxillary cases. 46% reported using patient specific implants >75% of cases. Respondents estimated that ~17% of patients received dental implant reconstruction. The majority of respondents (71.0%) did not know the cost of VSP at their institution. The remaining respondents indicated the average cost was $6680 per case. VSP was felt to be necessary as a teaching tool by 55.9%. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that a majority of respondents frequently utilize VSP in their practice for head and neck reconstruction. Complex, multi-unit reconstructions were felt to offer the greatest value when utilizing VSP. Future work should focus on increasing the rates of dental implant reconstruction in this population, optimizing value of VSP with careful case selection, and understanding the educational value and costs of these platforms.

Reconstruction of head and neck defects is a delicate endeavor that poses numerous intrinsic and extrinsic challenges, which are currently magnified by rising health care costs and limitations in system resources. Current trends in the United States heavily favor the use of free tissue transfer over locoregional pedicles flaps (LRPF); however, the latter group is often undervalued, offering high utility, practicality, and cost-efficiency whilst providing equivalent results. The submental island flap and supraclavicular artery island flap are two LRPF that should be in the arsenal of the modern reconstructive surgeon.

Background The eighth edition American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging manual includes major changes in staging of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). We evaluated the new staging system in order to validate this shift in classification. Methods We used the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to identify patients with human papillomavirus-associated (HPV-positive) OPC from 2010-2013. We restaged patients using the eighth edition guidelines and compared them with those from the seventh edition. We calculated stage-specific overall survival and concordance indices. Results We identified 15 116 patients with a median follow-up period of 29.1 months. Clinical and pathological staging changed for 93.9% and 91.7% of patients, respectively. Survival concordance indices for both clinical (0.621-0.656) and pathological (0.640-0.663) staging were improved in the eighth edition compared to the seventh edition. Conclusion The eighth edition guidelines have profoundly altered staging of HPV-positive OPC and seem to demonstrate improved survival discrimination.

BACKGROUND The National Quality Forum has endorsed quality-improvement measures for multiple cancer types that are being developed into actionable tools to improve cancer care. No nationally endorsed quality metrics currently exist for head and neck cancer. METHODS The authors identified patients with surgically treated, invasive, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in the National Cancer Data Base from 2004 to 2014 and compared the rate of adherence to 5 different quality metrics and whether compliance with these quality metrics impacted overall survival. The metrics examined included negative surgical margins, neck dissection lymph node (LN) yield ≥ 18, appropriate adjuvant radiation, appropriate adjuvant chemoradiation, adjuvant therapy within 6 weeks, as well as overall quality. RESULTS In total, 76,853 eligible patients were identified. There was substantial variability in patient-level adherence, which was 80% for negative surgical margins, 73.1% for neck dissection LN yield, 69% for adjuvant radiation, 42.6% for adjuvant chemoradiation, and 44.5% for adjuvant therapy within 6 weeks. Risk-adjusted Cox proportional-hazard models indicated that all metrics were associated with a reduced risk of death: negative margins (hazard ratio [HR] 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-0.76), LN yield ≥ 18 (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.89-0.96), adjuvant radiation (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.64-0.70), adjuvant chemoradiation (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.79-0.88), and adjuvant therapy ≤6 weeks (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.89-0.96). Patients who received high-quality care had a 19% reduced adjusted hazard of mortality (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.79-0.83). CONCLUSIONS Five head and neck cancer quality metrics were identified that have substantial variability in adherence and meaningfully impact overall survival. These metrics are appropriate candidates for national adoption. Cancer 2017. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Objective Prior studies have reported widely disparate rates of postoperative stroke, with conflicting analyses of whether neck dissection is an independent risk factor. Study Design Cohort study. Setting American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2005 to 2013. Subjects and Methods We compared the 30-day rate of postoperative stroke between patients undergoing complete or modified radical neck dissection and a control cohort composed of those undergoing resections in the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, or hypopharynx without neck dissection. Propensity scores and paired statistics were used to compare the groups while adjusting for relevant covariates. Results We identified 9697 patients, including 5827 with neck dissection and 3870 without neck dissection. In the full cohort, the rate of postoperative stroke was greater with neck dissection than without it (0.31% vs 0.11%, P = .052), although the relationship was attenuated by propensity score matching to adjust for comorbidities (0.30% vs 0.13%, P = .18). Among patients with ≥2 risk factors for carotid artery stenosis, neck dissection was associated with an increased rate of postoperative stroke (2.68% with bilateral neck dissection, 0.41% with unilateral neck dissection, and 0.24% without neck dissection, P = .04). The incidence of stroke was strongly associated with 30-day mortality (7.4% vs 0.2%, P < .001). Conclusions Stroke is a rare but highly morbid complication after head and neck surgery. Compared with other head and neck surgery, neck dissection in patients at risk for carotid artery stenosis is associated with an increased risk of postoperative stroke.

Objectives To compare intraoperative, postoperative, functional, and oncologic outcomes of the submental island pedicled flap (SIPF) to the radial forearm free flap (RFFF). Study design Retrospective review; comparison with statistical analysis. Methods A retrospective review was performed on patients at two tertiary care academic hospitals by a single surgeon. Consecutive patients who underwent cancer resection and reconstruction with SIPF or RFFF between 2004 and 2016 were included. Cancer staging, surgical procedure, hospital stay, complications, and functional and oncologic results were extracted. Results The study included 146 patients (57 SIPF; 89 RFFF). The most prevalent primary site was oral cavity, with a minority in the oropharynx, paranasal sinuses, or external face. Mean area of the SIPF was smaller at 28 cm2 compared to 48 cm2 for the RFFF. Operative time for SIPF was shorter at 6.5 hours compared to 9 hours for RFFF. Hospital stay was 8.0 days for SIPF patients and 10.0 days for RFFF patients. Multivariate analysis confirmed these differences were significant. Functional outcomes of speech quality and gastrostomy feeding tube dependence were similar between the SIPF and RFFF groups. There was no difference in local recurrence rate for SIPF (16%) and RFFF (19%), and there was no difference in overall recurrence. Kaplan-Meier curves showed no difference in recurrence between both groups, and multivariate logistic regression demonstrated no association between SIPF and local recurrence. Conclusion Operative time and hospital stay are both significantly reduced with the SIPF. Functional and oncologic results are similar with no contraindication to the SIPF. The SIPF is a good first-line choice for head and neck reconstruction. Level of evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 130:S1-S10, 2020.

In recent decades, there has been a reduction in the length of postoperative hospital stay, with a corresponding increase in discharge to postacute care. Discharge to postacute care facilities represents a meaningful patient-centered outcome; however, little has been published about this outcome after head and neck surgery.Retrospective review of national database.American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2011 to 2013.We compared the rate of discharge to home versus postacute care facilities in patients admitted after head and neck surgery and used multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of discharge to postacute care.The overall rate of discharge to postacute care facilities after head and neck surgery (n = 15,890) was 15.7% after major surgery (including laryngectomy, composite resection, and free tissue transfer), 4.4% after moderate surgery (including regional tissue transfer, oropharyngeal or oral cavity resection, and neck dissection), and 1.1% after minor head and neck surgery (including endocrine or salivary gland surgery). On multivariable analysis, significant preoperative predictors of discharge to postacute care were advanced age, functional status, major or moderate surgical procedures, tracheostomy, advanced American Society of Anesthesiologists class, low body mass index, and dyspnea.Our study indicates that patients undergoing major or moderate head and neck surgery, patients with reduced functional status, and patients with advanced comorbidities are at substantial risk of discharge to postacute care. The possibility of discharge to postacute care should be discussed with high-risk patients.

Objectives/Hypothesis Head and neck cancer patients have multiple risk factors for liver disease. However, little is known about the incidence of liver disease or the safety of surgery in these patients. Study Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2005 to 2013. Methods We identified patients undergoing head and neck surgery and excluded them if preoperative laboratory data were missing. Patients were classified as having liver disease if their preoperative aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index was ≥ 0.7, and as having advanced liver disease if their Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium score was ≥ 10. We compared the rate of postoperative complications using multivariable logistic regression. Results Among 19,138 eligible patients, the incidence of any degree of liver disease was 6.8% for aerodigestive tract surgery and 3.3% for controls. The 30-day mortality rate after major head and neck surgery, which included composite resection; free tissue transfer; and total laryngectomy with advanced, mild, and no liver disease, was 14.6%, 3.0%, and 0.9%, respectively (P < 0.001). For nonmajor surgery, the mortality rate was 3.0%, 0.3%, and 0.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, patients with advanced liver disease experienced a six-fold higher rate of 30-day mortality (odds ratio 6.1; 95% confidence interval, 2.9–12.8). Conclusion There is a high risk to detect liver disease in patients undergoing head and neck surgery of the aerodigestive tract. Those with advanced liver disease are at high risk for perioperative mortality, and this risk should be judiciously considered in medical/surgical decision making and postoperative care. Level of Evidence 2c. Laryngoscope, 2016

An otherwise healthy 24-year-old man presented with 1 week of fever, facial pain and swelling. He initially sought care at an outside hospital, where he was diagnosed with folliculitis and sent home with oral antibiotics. On arrival at our institution, CT neck was ordered, which demonstrated diffuse submental phlegmon, prompting incision and drainage. After initial improvement, the patient experienced high fevers and increased swelling just 12 hours later. The decision was made to take the patient for operative exploration, and wide debridement was performed due to suspicion for necrotising fasciitis intraoperatively that was ultimately confirmed on final pathology. Final speciation of intraoperative culture demonstrated a clindamycin-resistant and methicillin-resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus. The patient was managed with intravenous antibiotics, additional debridement and careful wound care. Delayed partial closure of wound was eventually performed once patient showed marked and persistent clinical improvement. The patient was discharged on hospital day 12 with close follow-up.

Background Reconstruction of head and neck defects resulting from resection of head and neck masses is performed by both plastic surgeons and otolaryngologists. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement (NSQIP) database allows one to directly compare the outcomes for a given procedure based upon specialty. The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes and resource utilization of microvascular head and neck reconstruction between plastic surgery and otolaryngology. Methods Institutional review board approval was obtained and NSQIP was queried from 2005 to 2015 with inclusion of Current Procedural Terminology codes for free tissue transfer performed for head and neck reconstruction. Outcomes were compared between cases having otolaryngology and plastic surgery as performing the free flap reconstruction. Results During 2005 to 2015, a total of 2,322 flaps were performed, 893 by plastic surgery and 1,429 by otolaryngology. Average length of stay (LOS) was 13.7 and 11.4 days for plastic surgery and otolaryngology, respectively. It was found that plastic surgery performed more osteocutaneous flaps than otolaryngology. Higher rates of superficial surgical site infection, deep surgical site infections, wound dehiscence, myocardial infarction, bleeding complications, sepsis, unplanned return to the operating room, and unplanned readmission were observed for patients treated by otolaryngology (p Conclusion This study shows plastic surgery patients have superior outcomes with regards to free tissue transfers of the head and neck when compared with otolaryngology patients. Although plastic surgery patients experienced a longer LOS, the significantly lower complication rate supports an overall more optimal resource utilization. Future studies may elucidate potential cost savings in patients treated by plastic surgery.

To assess the frequency and nature of postoperative complications that occur in elderly patients, as compared with younger patients, following head and neck surgery.Cohort study of national database.American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2005 to 2013.We identified 29,891 patients who had head and neck surgery during the study period and classified them as having upper aerodigestive tract surgery (n = 8383) or endocrine/salivary gland (n = 21,508) surgery. We analyzed patients stratified by age categories: young (65 years), intermediate age (65-75 years), and elderly (≥75 years). Risk-adjusted 30-day morbidity and mortality outcomes were compared across age categories with multivariable logistic regression models to adjust for patient characteristics, comorbidities, and surgical procedure.Elderly patients had increased odds for morbidity (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.22-1.78; OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.46-2.44) for upper aerodigestive tract and endocrine/salivary gland groups, respectively, versus young patients and for mortality (OR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.26-5.06; OR = 3.73, 95% CI: 1.32-10.52). Elderly patients were more likely to develop pulmonary, urologic, and blood clotting-related complications. Elderly patients undergoing endocrine/salivary gland surgery were significantly more likely to have cardiac complications; however, this was not the case for aerodigestive tract operations.Head and neck surgery in the elderly carries an increased risk of certain types of postoperative complications as compared with younger patients treated similarly. Quality improvement efforts should focus on minimizing the risk of cardiac, pulmonary, and urologic complications in elderly patients.

Importance Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, is the number 1 cause of preventable death in surgical patients. Current guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians provide VTE prevention recommendations that are specific to individual surgical subspecialties; however, no guidelines exist for otolaryngology. Objective To examine the rate of VTE for various otolaryngology procedures compared with an established average-risk field (general surgery) and low-risk field (plastic surgery). Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study compared the rate of VTE after different otolaryngology procedures with those of general and plastic surgery in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2013. We used univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis of clinical characteristics, cancer status, and Caprini score to compare different risk stratification of patients. Data analysis was performed from May 1, 2016, to April 1, 2017. Exposure Surgery. Main Outcomes and Measures Thirty-day rate of VTE. Results A total of 1 295 291 patients, including 31 896 otolaryngology patients (mean [SD] age, 53.9 [16.7] years; 14 260 [44.7%] male; 21 603 [67.7%] white), 27 280 plastic surgery patients (mean [SD] age, 50.5 [13.9] years; 4835 [17.7%] male; 17 983 [65.9%] white), and 1 236 115 general surgery patients (mean [SD] age, 54.9 [17.2] years; 484 985 [39.2%] male; 867 913 [70.2%] white) were compared. The overall 30-day rate of VTE was 0.5% for otolaryngology compared with 0.7% for plastic surgery and 1.2% for general surgery. We identified a high-risk group for VTE in otolaryngology (n = 3625) that included free or regional tissue transfer, laryngectomy, composite resection, skull base surgery, and incision and drainage. High-risk otolaryngology patients experienced similar rates of VTE as general surgery patients across all Caprini risk levels. Low-risk otolaryngology patients (n = 28 271) experienced lower rates of VTE than plastic surgery patients across all Caprini risk levels. Malignant tumors were associated with VTE; however, the rates varied by cancer type and were 11-fold greater for cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract compared with thyroid cancers (odds ratio, 10.97; 95% CI, 7.38-16.31). Venous thromboembolism was associated with a 14-fold higher 30-day mortality among otolaryngology patients (5.1% mortality with VTE vs 0.4% mortality without VTE; difference, 4.7%; 95% CI of the difference, 2.2%-9.3%). Conclusions and Relevance Most patients undergoing otolaryngology procedures are at low risk of VTE, indicating that guidelines for a low-risk population could be adapted to otolaryngology. Patients undergoing high-risk otolaryngology procedures should be considered as candidates for more aggressive VTE prophylaxis.

Importance Free flap reconstruction of the head and neck is routinely performed with success rates around 94% to 99% at most institutions. Despite experience and meticulous technique, there is a small but recognized risk of partial or total flap loss in the postoperative setting. Historically, most microvascular surgeons involve resident house staff in flap monitoring protocols, and programs relied heavily on in-house resident physicians to assure timely intervention for compromised flaps. In 2003, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education mandated the reduction in the hours a resident could work within a given week. At many institutions this new era of restricted resident duty hours reshaped the protocols used for flap monitoring to adapt to a system with reduced resident labor. Objectives To characterize various techniques and frequencies of free flap monitoring by nurses and resident physicians; and to determine if adapted resident monitoring frequency is associated with flap compromise and outcome. Design, Setting, and Participants This multi-institutional retrospective review included patients undergoing free flap reconstruction to the head and/or neck between January 2005 and January 2015. Consecutive patients were included from different academic institutions or tertiary referral centers to reflect evolving practices. Main Outcomes and Measures Technique, frequency, and personnel for flap monitoring; flap complications; and flap success. Results Overall, 1085 patients (343 women [32%] and 742 men [78%]) from 9 institutions were included. Most patients were placed in the intensive care unit postoperatively (n = 790 [73%]), while the remaining were placed in intermediate care (n = 201 [19%]) or in the surgical ward (n = 94 [7%]). Nurses monitored flaps every hour (q1h) for all patients. Frequency of resident monitoring varied, with 635 patients monitored every 4 hours (q4h), 146 monitored every 8 hours (q8h), and 304 monitored every 12 hours (q12h). Monitoring techniques included physical examination (n = 949 [87%]), handheld external Doppler sonography (n = 739 [68%]), implanted Doppler sonography (n = 333 [31%]), and needle stick (n = 349 [32%]); 105 patients (10%) demonstrated flap compromise, prompting return to the operating room in 96 patients. Of these 96 patients, 46 had complete flap salvage, 22 had partial loss, and 37 had complete loss. The frequency of resident flap checks did not affect the total flap loss rate (q4h, 25 patients [4%]; q8h, 8 patients [6%]; and q12h, 8 patients [3%]). Flap salvage rates for compromised flaps were not statistically different. Conclusions and Relevance Academic centers rely primarily on q1h flap checks by intensive care unit nurses using physical examination and Doppler sonography. Reduced resident monitoring frequency did not alter flap salvage nor flap outcome. These findings suggest that institutions may successfully monitor free flaps with decreased resident burden.

The National Quality Forum has endorsed quality-improvement measures for multiple cancer types that are being developed into actionable tools to improve cancer care. No nationally endorsed quality metrics currently exist for head and neck cancer.The authors identified patients with surgically treated, invasive, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in the National Cancer Data Base from 2004 to 2014 and compared the rate of adherence to 5 different quality metrics and whether compliance with these quality metrics impacted overall survival. The metrics examined included negative surgical margins, neck dissection lymph node (LN) yield ≥ 18, appropriate adjuvant radiation, appropriate adjuvant chemoradiation, adjuvant therapy within 6 weeks, as well as overall quality.In total, 76,853 eligible patients were identified. There was substantial variability in patient-level adherence, which was 80% for negative surgical margins, 73.1% for neck dissection LN yield, 69% for adjuvant radiation, 42.6% for adjuvant chemoradiation, and 44.5% for adjuvant therapy within 6 weeks. Risk-adjusted Cox proportional-hazard models indicated that all metrics were associated with a reduced risk of death: negative margins (hazard ratio [HR] 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-0.76), LN yield ≥ 18 (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.89-0.96), adjuvant radiation (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.64-0.70), adjuvant chemoradiation (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.79-0.88), and adjuvant therapy ≤6 weeks (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.89-0.96). Patients who received high-quality care had a 19% reduced adjusted hazard of mortality (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.79-0.83).Five head and neck cancer quality metrics were identified that have substantial variability in adherence and meaningfully impact overall survival. These metrics are appropriate candidates for national adoption. Cancer 2017;123:4372-81. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Objective To review state-of-the-art modifications and advances in soft tissue local and regional flap reconstruction of the oral cavity and to determine the role these techniques play in current practice. Data Sources Review of the literature regarding oral cavity reconstruction. Review Methods The authors describe advances in locoregional reconstructive options and assimilate data from the literature that compare recent advances to the historic standards. Conclusions Modern advances in regional reconstruction of the oral cavity offer outstanding results and demonstrate potential advance over free tissue transfer. These modifications demonstrate the prominent role that regional reconstruction can play in oral cavity reconstruction. Implications for Practice With a more complete understanding of these options, the surgeon is better able to tailor the reconstruction to the needs of the patient to provide high-quality cost-effective care.

To describe American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) surgeon submental flap (SMF) practice patterns and to evaluate variables associated with SMF complications.The design is a cross-sectional study. An online survey was distributed to 782 AHNS surgeons between 11/11/16 and 12/31/16. Surgeon demographics, training, practice patterns and techniques were characterized and evaluated for associations with frequency of SMF complications.Among 212 AHNS surgeons, 108 (50.9%) reported performing SMFs, of whom 86 provided complete responses. Most surgeons who performed the SMF routinely reconstructed oral cavity defects with the flap (86.1%, n = 74). Thirty-seven surgeons (43.0%) experienced "very few" complications with the SMF. Surgeons who practiced in the United States versus internationally (p = 0.003), performed more total career SMFs (p = 0.02), and routinely reconstructed parotid and oropharyngeal defects (p = 0.04 and p 0.001) with SMFs were more frequently perceived to have "very few" complications. SMF surgeons reported more perceived complications with the SMF compared to pectoralis major (p = 0.001) and radial forearm free flaps (p = 0.01). However, similar perceived complications were reported between all three flaps when surgeons performed30 SMF. Among 94 surgeons not performing SMFs, 71.3% had interest in a SMF training course.Practice patterns of surgeons performing SMFs are diverse, although most use the flap for oral cavity reconstruction. While 43% of surgeons performing the SMF reported "very few" complications, overall complication rates with the SMF were higher compared to other flaps, potentially due to limited experience with the SMF. Increased training opportunities in SMF harvest and inset are indicated.

Lateral temporal bone reconstruction after ablative surgery for malignancy, chronic infection, osteoradionecrosis, or trauma presents a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. This complexity is due to the 3D nature of the region, potential dural exposure, and the possible need for external surface repair. Successful reconstruction therefore requires achieving separation of the dura, obliteration of volume defect, and external cutaneous repair. There is significant institutional bias on the best method of reconstruction of these defects. In this review, the advantages and disadvantages of reconstructive options will be discussed as well as the potential pitfalls and complications.

33 Background: The Institute of Medicine and Commission on Cancer recommend systematic delivery of supportive oncology care for cancer patients. The CSOC is focused on quality improvement (QI) of supportive care across Chicago cancer centers (Weldon ASCO ’17). Supportive oncology includes distress, practical, family, physical, nutrition, pain, fatigue and care concerns. To support QI, cross-institution teams developed unique, relevant tools, methods, care delivery processes, patient handouts and online training. Methods: Ten centers (5 academic, 1 VA, 1 public, 2 safety net, 1 community) implemented supportive oncology screening and care delivery quality improvements. Centers collected data for relevant Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) metrics. Analyses used simple frequencies and Fishers exact test. Results: Five of six QOPI measures were improved at statistically significant levels from 2014 to 2017, p < .00001. Improvements are more modest in 2016 & 2017 as 4 of the centers started this QI in 2017. Conclusions: The CSOC achieved significant improvements in supportive oncology screening and identifying and addressing patients’ needs and concerns. Additional work is needed to improve these measures to achieve the best quality of cancer care possible for every patient based on their needs and concerns. [Table: see text]

ObjectiveAccess to care is a major concern for impoverished urban communities in the United States, whereas early detection of gynecologic malignancies significantly influences ultimate survival. Our goal was to compare the stage at detection of common gynecologic cancers at an urban county hospital with national estimates, and to describe the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of this population.MethodsAll new patients presenting to the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County gynecologic oncology clinic from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2009, were reviewed under an institutional review board–approved protocol. Patients receiving primary treatment at the institution during these dates were included for analysis. We used χ2 tests to compare the institution’s stage distributions to national estimates.ResultsTwo hundred nineteen patients met inclusion criteria over the 2-year study period. Racial and ethnic minorities represented 72.5% of the population. Of the 219 patients, 56.1% (123/219) were uninsured and 37.9% (83/219) were covered by Medicaid or Medicare. We identified 97 (43.9%) cervical, 95 (43%) uterine, and 29 (13.1%) ovarian cancers, including 2 synchronous primaries. Compared to the National Cancer Data Base, women with uterine cancer at our institution were significantly more likely to present with later-stage disease (P < 0.05), whereas cervical cancer and ovarian cancer stage distributions did not differ significantly.ConclusionsCompared to national trends, women with uterine cancer presenting to an urban tertiary care public hospital have significantly more advanced disease, whereas those with cervical cancer do not. Nationally funded cervical cancer screening is successful but does not address all barriers to accessing gynecologic cancer care. Promotion of public education of endometrial cancer symptoms may be a vital need to impoverished communities with limited access to care.

An otherwise healthy 24-year-old man presented with 1 week of fever, facial pain and swelling. He initially sought care at an outside hospital, where he was diagnosed with folliculitis and sent home with oral antibiotics. On arrival at our institution, CT neck was ordered, which demonstrated diffuse submental phlegmon, prompting incision and drainage. After initial improvement, the patient experienced high fevers and increased swelling just 12 hours later. The decision was made to take the patient for operative exploration, and wide debridement was performed due to suspicion for necrotising fasciitis intraoperatively that was ultimately confirmed on final pathology. Final speciation of intraoperative culture demonstrated a clindamycin-resistant and methicillin-resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus. The patient was managed with intravenous antibiotics, additional debridement and careful wound care. Delayed partial closure of wound was eventually performed once patient showed marked and persistent clinical improvement. The patient was discharged on hospital day 12 with close follow-up.

150 Background: The Institute of Medicine (IOM) and Commission on Cancer (CoC) recommend systematic delivery of supportive oncology and survivorship care to all cancer patients. CSOC aims to improve the quality of supportive care across Chicago-area providers. Methods: 35 CSOC participating institutions (cancer centers, support centers, hospice) formed care delivery design teams - Distress, Survivorship and Palliative. Teams collaboratively developed solutions to supportive oncology gaps: patient screening tools, care delivery processes, provider training, and quality metrics to assess supportive oncology quality and the CSOC impact. Six implementation centers (2 safety-net, 3 academic & 1 public) reviewed charts at baseline (2014 diagnoses) and after the initial implementation period (2015 diagnoses), compared by frequencies and Fisher’s exact test. Results: Eight metrics contained patient data at 2 time points; improvements were seen in 7/8 metrics. (See Table). Conclusions: CSOC developed supportive oncology screening, and care processes aligned with IOM and CoC standards. Significant improvements were shown after implementation across diverse settings. Ongoing work will further evaluate the impact of CSOC efforts on patient care. [Table: see text]

61 Background: The Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2013 Report recommends that supportive oncology care start at cancer diagnosis; the Commission on Cancer (CoC) Standard 3.2 requires distress screening and indicated action. Screening tools are not standardized and often address only a portion of patients’ supportive oncology needs. Methods: A collaborative of 100+ clinicians, funded by The Coleman Foundation, developed a patient-centric screening tool adapted from NCCN Distress Problem List, IOM report and CoC standards, with validated sub-tools: PHQ-4 for anxiety and depression and PROMIS short forms for pain, fatigue and physical function. Novel treatment/care and other concerns were included. The screening tool was implemented at 4 cancer centers (2 academic, 1 public & 1 safety-net). End points included correlation of PHQ-4 score with other supportive oncology needs. Descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact test were used. Results: 2805 patients were screened. Average scores were: PHQ4 – Anxiety and Depression 1.8 (mild > 3), Pain 4.5 (mild > 4), Fatigue 8.8 (mild > 6), Physical Function 20.2 (mild < 20), see table for additional items. Higher scores on the PHQ-4 were significantly associated with each of the following: greater pain, fatigue, , nutritional and specific treatment/care concerns, and lower physical function (p

47 Background: The IOM 2013 Report recommends that supportive oncology care start at cancer diagnosis; the Commission on Cancer (CoC) Standard 3.2 requires distress screening and indicated action. Screening tools are not standardized across institutions and often address only a portion of patients’ supportive oncology needs. Methods: A collaborative of 100+ clinicians, funded by The Coleman Foundation, developed a patient-centric consolidated screening tool based on validated instruments (NCCN Distress, PHQ-4, PROMIS) and IOM and CoC. The screening tool was piloted at 6 practice-improvement cancer centers in the Chicago area (3 academic, 2 safety-net, 1 public). Patients, providers assessing patients’ screening results (assessors), and providers receiving referrals (providers) were surveyed after use of the screening tool. Descriptive statistics were used to assess effectiveness of the tool. Results: Responders included 175 patients, 81 assessors, and 26 referral providers (social workers, chaplains, subspecialists). The majority of patients (160/175, 91%) completed the screening in

Program Description:How does a surgeon decide to optimize the outcome after performing a salvage laryngectomy? The goal of this miniseminar is to help the surgeon understand the decision-making process for the reconstruction of the hypopharynx after salvage laryngectomy using evidence from 2 large national retrospective reviews. In addition, the role of withholding neck dissection to reduce morbidity will be discussed. Substantial time will be left at the end of the presentation to discuss specific case examples and have the faculty discuss perioperative and postoperative management.Educational Objectives:(1) Cite the current evidence for flap-assisted closure for patients undergoing salvage laryngectomy. (2) Evaluate the risks and benefits of performing neck dissection for salvage patients. (3) Use case examples to demonstrate management relating to choice for neck dissection, use of the salivary bypass tube, and choice of flap-assisted reconstruction.

Purpose: Treatment with cisplatin or cetuximab combined with radiotherapy each yield superior survival in locally advanced squamous cell head and neck cancer (LA-SCCHN) compared with radiotherapy alone. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Trial E3303 evaluated the triple combination. Experimental Design: Patients with stage IV unresectable LA-SCCHN received a loading dose of cetuximab (400 mg/m2) followed by 250 mg/m2/week and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 q 3 weeks ×3 cycles concurrent with standard fractionated radiotherapy. In the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, patients continued maintenance cetuximab for 6 to 12 months. Primary endpoint was 2-year progression-free survival (PFS). Patient tumor and blood correlates, including tumor human papillomavirus (HPV) status, were evaluated for association with survival. Results: A total of 69 patients were enrolled; 60 proved eligible and received protocol treatment. Oropharyngeal primaries constituted the majority (66.7%), stage T4 48.3% and N2-3 91.7%. Median radiotherapy dose delivered was 70 Gy, 71.6% received all three cycles of cisplatin, and 74.6% received maintenance cetuximab. Median PFS was 19.4 months, 2-year PFS 47% [95% confidence interval (CI), 33%–61%]. Two-year overall survival (OS) was 66% (95% CI, 53%–77%); median OS was not reached. Response rate was 66.7%. Most common grade ≥3 toxicities included mucositis (55%), dysphagia (46%), and neutropenia (26%); one attributable grade 5 toxicity occurred. Only tumor HPV status was significantly associated with survival. HPV was evaluable in 29 tumors; 10 (all oropharyngeal) were HPV positive. HPV+ patients had significantly longer OS and PFS (P = 0.004 and P = 0.036, respectively). Conclusions: Concurrent cetuximab, cisplatin, and radiotherapy were well tolerated and yielded promising 2-year PFS and OS in LA-SCCHN with improved survival for patients with HPV+ tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 20(19); 5041–51. ©2014 AACR.

Program Description:Patients undergoing salvage laryngectomy after concurrent chemoradiation are predisposed to impaired wound healing that can lead to pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF). When a PCF develops, extended hospitalization and/or re-operation are often required. A variety of reconstructive techniques are used to try and mitigate this complication and improve outcome. The microvascular committee conducted a multicenter retrospective review at 19 institutions. Data on over 450 patients will be presented. Overall, pharyngocutaneous fistula rates were 36% and ranged from 21-46% based on reconstructive approach and size of accompanying pharyngeal defect. Differences in reconstructive approach and guidelines for treating this patient group will be presented.Educational Objectives:1) Demonstrate the research approach to a multi-institutional review to establish treatment guidelines for the reconstruction of salvage laryngectomy patients. 2) Contrast reconstructive approaches for the patient undergoing sa...

No consensus exists as to the best technique, or techniques, to optimize wound healing, decrease pharyngocutaneous fistula formation, and shorten both hospital length of stay and time to initiation of oral intake after salvage laryngectomy. We sought to combine the recent experience of multiple high-volume institutions, with different reconstructive preferences, in the management of pharyngeal closure technique for post-radiation therapy salvage total laryngectomy in an effort to bring clarity to this clinical challenge.To determine if the use of vascularized flaps in either an onlay or interposed fashion reduces the incidence or duration of pharyngocutaneous fistula after salvage laryngectomy compared with simple primary closure of the pharynx.Multi-institutional retrospective review of all patients undergoing total laryngectomy after having received definitive radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy between January 2005 and January 2012, conducted at 7 academic medical centers.Academic, tertiary referral centers.The study population comprised 359 patients from 8 institutions. All patients had a history of laryngeal irradiation and underwent laryngectomy between 2005 and 2012. They were grouped as primary closure, pectoralis myofascial onlay flap, or interposed free tissue. All patients had a minimum of 4 months follow-up.Fistula incidence, severity, and predictors of fistula.Of the 359 patients, fistula occurred in 94 (27%). For patients with fistula, hospital stay increased from 8.9 to 12.1 days (P.001) and oral diet initiation was delayed from 10.5 days to 29.9 days (P.001). Patients were grouped according to closure technique: primary closure (n = 99), pectoralis onlay flap (n = 40), and interposed free tissue (n = 220). Incidence of fistula with primary closure was 34%. For the interposed free flap group, the fistula rate was lower at 25% (P = .07). Incidence of fistula was the lowest for the pectoralis onlay group at 15% (P = .02). Multivariate analysis confirmed a significantly lower fistula rate with either flap technique. For patients who developed fistula, mean duration of fistula was significantly prolonged with primary closure (14.0 weeks) compared with pectoralis flap (9.0 weeks) and free flap (6.5 weeks).Pharyngocutaneous fistula remains a significant problem following salvage laryngectomy. Use of nonirradiated, vascularized flaps reduced the incidence and duration of fistula and should be considered during salvage laryngectomy.

Importance Airway management during microvascular reconstruction of the upper aerodigestive tract is of utmost importance; however, there is considerable debate about optimal management of the airway. Objective To examine if free tissue transfer to the upper aerodigestive tract without tracheotomy was associated with an increased rate of airway complications or death. Design, Setting, and Participants Cohort study of 861 patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction to sites in the oral cavity, oropharynx (excluding the base of tongue), and nasal and/or sinus cavity using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2005 to 2013. We compared the rate of airway-specific complications of patients who underwent simultaneous tracheotomy vs those who did not undergo tracheotomy. Exposure Tracheotomy. Main Outcomes and Measures The 30-day rate of airway-specific complications, including unplanned intubation, prolonged mechanical ventilation, or death. Results Among the 861 patients included in this study (mean age 61 years and 63.3% male), 551 underwent tracheotomy and 310 did not undergo tracheotomy. The rate of tracheotomy based on anatomic site was 66.1% for oral cavity (n = 728), 40.5% for nasal/sinus cavity (n = 85), and 70.3% for oropharynx (n = 48). The difference in the overall rate of airway complications between patients in the no-tracheotomy (10.3%) and tracheotomy (8.3%) groups was 2.0% (95% CI, 1.9%-6.4%). There were no significant differences in the rate of airway complications in the no-tracheotomy and tracheotomy groups for death (0.3% vs 0.7%, respectively; difference, 0.3%; 95% CI, −2.0% to 3.2%), unplanned intubation (3.2% vs 2.9%, respectively; difference, 0.3%; 95% CI, −2.0% to 3.2%) or for prolonged mechanical ventilation (8.1% vs 7.3%; difference, 0.8%; 95% CI, −2.7% to 4.8%). On multivariate analysis tracheotomy was not associated with the primary outcome (odds ratio [OR], 0.8; 95% CI, 0.5-1.3); however, preoperative bleeding disorder (OR, 9.0; 95% CI, 3.3-24.4), preoperative dyspnea (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.5-5.5), and resection of the floor of mouth (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-3.9) were associated with airway complications or death. Conclusions and Relevance Free tissue transfer to the upper aerodigestive tract is frequently performed without tracheotomy, and this is not associated with a significantly increased rate of airway complications. Routine tracheotomy may be safely avoided in a subset of patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction of the upper aerodigestive tract.

180 Background: The Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2013 report recommends supportive oncology care from diagnosis through survivorship, to end of life. The Coleman Supportive Oncology Collaborative (CSOC) developed a city-wide plan to improve supportive oncology. Metrics derived from the Commission on Cancer (CoC), ASCO Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (ASCO-QOPI) and National Quality Forum (NQF) were used to assess the CSOC impact. Methods: Medical records of consecutive cancer patients from 6 practice improvement cancer centers in Chicago (3 academic, 2 safety-net, 1 public) were reviewed for 2 periods: 2014 (n = 843) and Q1 of 2015 (n = 313). Descriptive statistics assessed differences in quality metrics. Results: Significant improvement was achieved in 6 of 8 core supportive oncology metrics (see table). Conclusions: Consolidated metrics are feasible to assess supportive oncology quality. Early data indicate improvement and effectiveness of the collaborative approach. [Table: see text]

96 Background: The IOM 2013 report recommends comprehensive supportive oncology care from diagnosis through survivorship to end of life. The Coleman Foundation supported a baseline assessment of supportive oncology care using key COC, ASCO-QOPI and NQF measures. Methods: Data extracted from medical records at 6 Chicago cancer centers in 2014 (n = 843 patients), including stage I-III (n = 391) and stage IV solid tumor or refractory hematologic malignancy (n = 452). Results: Fifty-four percent of patients had discussions on understanding of illness, 24% were informed of prognosis timeframe, and 5% had a documented healthcare power of attorney. Only 6% of stage IV patients received distress screening within 2 weeks of diagnosis and 15% of Stage IV patients had referrals to palliative care. Among patients with Stage I-III cancer, 38% had a supportive oncology screening, and 2% received treatment summaries and a SCPs. Conclusions: There are still large gaps in important supportive care processes based on IOM 2013 recommendations, COC, and ASCO QOPI measures. Future steps include implementing supportive care processes that address gaps across the 6 cancer centers. [Table: see text]

Objective Microvascular anastomosis is generally performed by attending surgeons or fellows, with published success rates > 95%. Since otolaryngology residents do not typically perform microvascular anastomosis, it is unknown if they achieve similar results. The objective of this study is to determine the success rate and complication rate during free flap reconstruction when microvascular anastomosis is performed in part by otolaryngology chief residents. Study Design Multi-institutional retrospective review. Setting Academic, tertiary-care referral centers. Subjects and Methods Consecutive patients who underwent microvascular reconstruction by the Department of Otolaryngology from 2004 through 2011. All patients had > 50% of the arterial and venous anastomoses performed by the chief resident. Results The study included 93 consecutive free flaps in 88 patients: 43 radial forearm, 14 anterolateral thigh, and 36 fibula. There were 71 males and 22 females with mean age of 53. The pre-operative diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma in 78%, with 27% of patients having previously received radiotherapy and 13% of patients having had previous neck surgery. There were no instances when resident-placed sutures required revision, nor was there a perceived need to revise such an anastomosis intraoperatively. Overall flap success rate was 97%. The anastomotic complication rate was 4.3%, with venous thrombosis in three cases and arterial hemorrhage in one case. Conclusion Overall free flap success rate and anastomosis-related complications with residents performing portions of the microvascular anastomosis are comparable to published studies. Otolaryngology chief residents can safely participate in microsuturing, which is a single facet in the broader skill set of a microvascular surgeon.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Disparities in outcome for head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment are related to diverse factors including tumor stage, socioeconomic status, and treatment compliance. Latency to initiation of therapy may contribute to worse outcomes for underserved populations. The objectives of this study were to measure the interval from diagnosis of HNC to initiation of cancer treatment (DTI) and to identify factors that prolong DTI. Study Design: Retrospective study. Methods: We identified 150 consecutive patients treated for squamous cell HNC at a tertiary-care public hospital between 2005 and 2007. Outcome measures used were 1) interval between cancer diagnosis and treatment initiation and 2) factors that predict prolonged DTI. Results: We included 100 patients in the analysis. Median time to perform biopsy was 8 days; time to obtain final diagnosis was 14 days; time to complete staging scans was 18 days; time to discuss treatment plan was 23 days; time to initiation of therapy was 56 days. Median DTI was 48 days. DTI was prolonged for patients receiving primary radiotherapy compared to surgical therapy: 57 versus 30 days (P < .001). Early stage tumors had shorter DTI than late-stage tumors: 38 versus 57 days (P = .02). Presenting with outside biopsy demonstrating HNC also reduced DTI (P = .03). Obtaining a computed tomography scan in the emergency department was not found to significantly affect DTI. Conclusions: DTI was found to be prolonged among HNC patients in this study when compared to previously published treatment intervals. Advanced stage of tumor, primary radiotherapy, and need for biopsy prolonged DTI. Future studies should better identify causes of delay and reduce latency for patients at highest risk for delay. Laryngoscope, 2012

Patients with cartilage invasion were excluded from organ preservation protocols treating laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. Treatment choice between chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and total laryngectomy (TL) remains controversial for these patients.To assess local response and local recurrence after CRT for patients having T4 larynx or hypopharynx cancer with cartilage invasion.Retrospective intervention study.: Tertiary-care, urban public hospital.Patients with T4 squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx/hypopharynx with cartilage invasion treated from 2003 to 2009.Curative-intent CRT, compared to TL.Local response and local recurrence.Of 34 patients included in this study, 21 completed CRT and 13 underwent TL with postoperative RT or CRT. With CRT, 19 patients were noted to have a complete response at the primary site while two patients had persistent local disease. Of 19 patients with complete response, 4 developed local recurrence over a time period 76-226 days (mean: 177 days). This resulted in a 29% incidence of persistent/recurrent disease at the primary site. The remaining 15 patients (71%) remained free of local disease (mean follow-up: 369 days). For 13 patients undergoing TL with adjuvant therapy, there were no cases of local recurrence (mean follow-up: 389 days).Although there was a high initial complete response rate after CRT, this response was not durable with a high local recurrence rate within 1 year. In comparison, patients undergoing TL demonstrated markedly better local control. For patients with cartilage invasion, a prospective trial comparing medical versus surgical therapy is needed.

Objective: To determine if poor compliance to chemoradiation results in an increased rate of persistent neck disease. Study Design: Retrospective, cohort study in an urban, tertiary-care medical center. Methods: The study included patients with N+ stage III/IV squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract treated with curative-intent chemoradiation, who underwent subsequent planned neck dissection. Main outcome measure was persistent regional disease evidenced by identifiable carcinoma in neck dissection specimens. Variables including age, gender, race, primary site, initial T, N staging, imaging results, and treatment compliance were assessed and correlated to positive neck dissection pathology. Results: Of 40 patients, 18 (45%) had persistent carcinoma in neck dissection specimens while 22 (55%) demonstrated complete response in the neck. There were 14 patients (35%) who were poorly compliant to radiotherapy (≥14 days treatment interruption) and the remaining 26 patients (65%) were considered compliant (