Neck stiffness after transoral pharyngolaryngeal surgery for squamous cell carcinoma

IntroductionPyogenic spondylodiscitis is a rare, destructive intervertebral disc infection.Case summaryWe describe a case of C2-C3 pyogenic spondylodiscitis after transoral surgery of the posterior pharyngeal wall in a 64-year-old man with a history of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated by neck irradiation (45 Gy). Ten years after initial treatment, he underwent total laryngectomy for laryngeal SCC, together with transoral resection of carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the posterior pharyngeal wall followed by BioDesign® tissue repair graft. Five months later, C2-C3 spondylodiscitis was diagnosed with the formation of a fistula between the posterior pharyngeal wall and the intervertebral disc. Antibiotic therapy was administered for a total duration of 3 months (multi-susceptible Escherichia coli). Eight months after the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis, the patient died from carotid artery rupture following another course of radiotherapy for lymph node recurrence.DiscussionLarger-scale studies are necessary to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of radiation-induced spondylodiscitis that currently remain poorly elucidated. The best treatment strategy (choice and duration of antibiotic therapy) and the optimal frequency of follow-up must be determined and the value of preventive measures (biomaterial, flap repair) needs to be evaluated.     

Cervical spondylodiscitis following cricopharyngeal botulinium toxin injection

BackgroundIatrogenic cervical spondylodiscitis is rare, but may occur after various medical interventions.MethodsWe report a case of a diabetic 70-years-old female with C5–C6 spondylodiscitis and symptomatic epidural abscess with neck pain and upper limb paresis after endoscopic botulinum toxin injection for the treatment of dysphagia. Treatment included antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin and later on benzylpenicillin for the next ten weeks and corporectomy with spondylodesis.ResultThe patient made an excellent recovery, with complete resolution of paresis and only minor residual hypoesthesia at one year after operation.ConclusionCervical spondylodiscitis should be considered early, in patients with neck pain after endoscopic cricopharyngeal injection, as timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious and irreversible neurological deficit.     

Pyogenic spondylodiscitis after transoral surgery for oropharyngeal cancer

We report the case of a patient with pyogenic spondylodiscitis after transoral surgery for oropharyngeal cancer. The patient was a 66-year-old man with a history of hepatic cell carcinoma, alcoholic cirrhosis, and chronic pancreatitis. The tumor was resected via a transoral approach with concurrent bilateral elective neck dissections. Although the initial postoperative course was uneventful, the patient experienced severe cervical pain because of which he revisited the hospital. The patient was diagnosed with pyogenic spondylodiscitis, according to the results of magnetic resonance imaging. Continuous treatment with parenteral antibiotics and a cervical brace was required for 2 months before all his symptoms and signs diminished. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of pyogenic spondylodiscitis as a complication of transoral resection for head and neck cancer.     

Carcinoma of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx: surgical treatment with larynx preservation

IntroductionPosterior pharyngeal wall is the most rare subsite for hypopharyngeal carcinomas. Because of its rarity, there are few studies published in the literature specifically concerning posterior pharyngeal wall carcinoma.ObjectivesTo report our functional results in patients with the carcinoma of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx after surgical treatment by resection via a lateral or infrahyoid pharyngotomy approach, with the preservation of the larynx and reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap.MethodsThe study included 10 patients who underwent surgery for a carcinoma of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx over a 6 year period. The associated postoperative morbidity was investigated and functional results were analyzed.ResultsNine patients had T3 lesions and one patient had a T2 lesion. The preferred approach to access the hypopharynx was a lateral pharyngotomy in 5 patients and lateral pharyngotomy combined with infrahyoid pharyngotomy in 5 patients with superior extension to oropharynx. The pharyngeal defects were reconstructed successfully with radial forearm free flaps. Four patients received adjuvant radiotherapy only, and 4 patients with N2b and N2c neck diseases received adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The mean duration of hospitalization was 15.6 days (range, 10–21 days). All patients achieved oral intake in a median time of 74 days (range, 15–180). Decannulation was achieved in all patients and the median time for decannulation was 90 (range, 21–300 days). The mean followup duration was 38.3 months (range, 10–71 months) and 8 patients survived. One patient died due to regional recurrence in the retropharyngeal lymph nodes and 1 patient died due to systemic metastasis.ConclusionPrimary surgery is still a very effective treatment modality for the carcinoma of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx and does not permanently compromise the swallowing and laryngeal functions if pharyngeal reconstruction is performed with a free flap.     

Use of a navigation system in endonasal surgery: Impact on surgical strategy and surgeon satisfaction. A prospective multicenter study

ObjectivesSurgical navigation systems (SNS) are now widely used in endoscopic endonasal surgery. Benefit, however, has not been fully studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an SNS in terms of performance of the surgical procedure and of surgeon satisfaction, in a prospective multicenter study.Materials and methodsA multicenter prospective study included patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal surgery using the electromagnetic DigiPointeur® (DGP) SNS in 16 French hospitals. An observation form, completed by the surgeon immediately at end of procedure, included type of procedure, and any changes in strategy or extent of surgery related to use of the SNS. Surgeon satisfaction was rated on an analog scale, with self-assessment of stress experienced during the procedure.ResultsThe study included 311 patients operated on by 36 surgeons in 16 French hospitals. Ethmoidectomy was the most frequent procedure (90%); tumor resection was performed in 5.1% of cases. The SNS enabled more extensive surgery in 81% of cases, in particular by identifying and opening additional cells (57% of cases). Mean satisfaction was 8.6/10; surgeons reported decreased surgical stress thanks to the SNS in 95% of cases.ConclusionIn this observational study, the use of an SNS increased the extent of surgery in 81% of cases, and had a positive impact on the stress perceived by the surgeon in 95% of cases.     

Second postoperative hemorrhage five weeks after transoral robotic surgery

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is becoming widely used in Japan, and information on postoperative hemorrhage is needed. We treated a patient who developed a second massive postoperative hemorrhage on Day 35 post-TORS. The 69-year-old man was diagnosed with p16-positive, T1N1M0 stage I cancer of the anterior wall of the oropharynx. Curative treatment began with right neck dissection. The external carotid artery and its branches were not ligated. One month after right neck dissection, TORS was conducted. On Day 23 post-TORS, the patient was brought to the emergency room due to pharyngeal bleeding. Hemorrhage was stopped by reclosing the site with Z-shaped silk sutures. Severe hemorrhage recurred on Day 35 post-TORS. The patient went into hemorrhagic shock. Tracheostomy was immediately performed. The neck dissection wound was then opened and the external carotid artery clamped. Hemostasis was confirmed transorally, but the hemorrhage site was again sutured with Z-shaped silk sutures to stop the bleeding. The patient was discharged on Day 58 post-TORS. Even in hindsight, this hemorrhage would have been difficult to prevent with better local treatment. This means that using transcervical arterial ligation together with TORS is appropriate from the perspective of making every effort to prevent potentially fatal postoperative hemorrhage.     

Absceso retrofaríngeo. Revisión clínica de veinticinco años

IntroductionRetropharyngeal abscess is a serious condition. Its rare occurrence, thus sharing symptoms with other processes, make it a diagnostic challenge for the clinician. Therefore, it is critical to make an early diagnosis to prevent delaying treatment and avoid complications.ObjectivesTo gain knowledge of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, the most commonly implicated microorganisms, the type of treatment used, morbidity and mortality of retropharyngeal abscesses at a tertiary institution over the last 25 years.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted by reviewing medical records of all patients diagnosed with retropharyngeal abscess in a single centre between 1 January 1990 and 31 February 2016. Thirty-three patients were included in our study. Data such as personal history, present illness, diagnoses and treatment procedures were collected from the medical records.ResultsThe incidence during the years of study was 0.2 cases/100 000 inhabitants/year. Personal medical histories most often associated were alcoholism, smoking, diabetes and obesity. The most common aetiology found was impaction of a foreign body (especially fishbone). The most common presenting symptoms were odynophagia and neck pain accompanied by fever. Preventive tracheotomy was performed in the initial management of the patient in 9 cases (27%). The most frequent complication was descending necrotizing mediastinitis. Surgical drainage of the abscess was required in 27 patients (82%), especially with external approaches (17 cases). Two patients had sequelae: paralysis of unilateral vocal cord and Horner's syndrome. No mortality was observed in the patients of the study.ConclusionRetropharyngeal abscesses must be considered medical-surgical emergencies as they are likely to produce serious complications. We must pay attention to the warning symptoms such as odynophagia and cervical pain, associated or otherwise with dyspnoea, stridor, trismus, and neck stiffness. Advances in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures together with advances in critical care have been a key factor in improving the prognosis and mortality of these patients.     

Otolaryngologic management of delayed pharyngoesophageal perforation following anterior cervical spine surgery

Delayed pharyngoesophageal perforation is a rare complication following anterior cervical spine surgery. Patients usually present weeks to years after surgery with vague symptoms, such as dysphagia and neck pain. We report five cases of delayed pharyngoesophageal perforation following anterior cervical spine surgery with hardware fixation. Successful surgical management of these patients required removal of hardware and closure of the defect supported with a vascularized flap. Laryngoscope, 2010     

Augmentation of the posterior pharyngeal wall with autologous tragal cartilage for management of velopharyngeal valve insufficiency in adults

ObjectiveThe study aims to evaluate posterior pharyngeal wall augmentation using autologous tragal cartilage graft in adults with velopharyngeal valve insufficiency (VPI).MethodsThe study included 23 patients with VPI (grade I, II, III), with ages ranging from 19 to 45 years. Six patients had previously undergone simple palatoplasty for cleft palate, 8 patients had previously undergone adenotonsillectomy and 9 patients had previously undergone uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). The procedure was done by implanting a piece of autologous tragal cartilage in the posterior pharyngeal wall. Patients were followed up for 24 months postoperatively. The evaluation of percent of speech intelligibility and grade of the closure of the velopharyngeal valve using video-nasopharyngoscopy was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively.ResultsHighly statistically significant improvement in the grade of the closure of the velopharyngeal valve (P = 0.009) and percent of intelligibility (P = 0.001) was found after surgery. There were no postoperative airway obstruction or sleep apnea.ConclusionAugmentation of the posterior pharyngeal wall using tragal cartilage is an effective, safe and physiological surgical procedure in the management of VPI in adults who suffered hypernasality following palatal and oropharyngeal surgeries.     

Clinical analysis of surgical treatment for head and neck lymphatic malformations in children: a series of 128 cases

Background: Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are caused due to abnormal lymphatic development, and mainly occur in neonates or young children. At present, the role of surgery in the treatment of head and neck LMs is still controversial, focusing mainly on surgical efficacy and indications.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the effect and influential factors of surgical treatment in children with head and neck LMs, hoping to provide a basis for rational selection of surgical indications.

Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 128 children with head and neck LMs and underwent surgical treatment in Beijing Children’s Hospital from May 2007 to June 2016. They were classified into three morphological groups: macrocystic, microcystic, and mixed. Based on de Serres staging, they were divided into five groups: stage I to V. The local lesion control rate, complication rate, and recurrence rate were summarized and analyzed.

Results: The rate of completely controlled and almost completely controlled in cases with head and neck LMs was 71.1%. The postoperative complication rate was 13.3%, and the postoperative recurrence rate was 11.9%. Statistically significant difference was found for local lesion control and postoperative recurrence rates between different morphological and clinical staging groups. Furthermore, the complication rate showed a significant difference between different morphological groups, but not between clinical staging groups.

Conclusions: Surgical resection in children with macrocystic, low-stage, or neck-limited LMs demonstrated better therapeutic effect, with fewer complications. However, the effect remained poor and had more complications for microcystic, diffused and high-stage patients. High stage and incomplete resection are considered as the main factors for postoperative recurrence. Current staging system for LMs has important predictive value in the prognosis of head and neck LMs. For LMs in posterior pharyngeal space, plasma ablation has certain advantages.     

Pharyngeal diverticulum: Iatrogenic complication of anterior cervical spine surgery

IntroductionDysphagia is a common presenting complaint and can often be due to pharyngoesophageal diverticulum, including Zenker's diverticulum. Iatrogenic pharyngeal diverticulum, occurring after anterior cervical spine surgery, is a rare cause of dysphagia.Case reportWe report the case of a 51-year-old man, with a history of anterior cervical fusion about ten years previously, who complained of chronic dysphagia and disabling episodes of aspiration. Anterolateral pharyngeal diverticulum in contact with the cervical screw plates was diagnosed on barium swallow and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.DiscussionPharyngeal diverticulum differs from Zenker's diverticulum in terms of its position and its origin. It may occur early or late after anterior cervical spine surgery. Treatment consists of endoscopic or open surgery via a neck incision. In our case, appropriate treatment allowed complete resolution of the patient's symptoms with no complications following rigorous postoperative surveillance.     

Spontaneous cervical and pharyngolaryngeal hematoma after coughing attacks

We report the case of a 86 years old male who, in the course of a coughing attack, refers spontaneous cervical and pharyngeal pain in addition to hoarness, dysphagia and some dyspnea. His exploration revealed a small right neck hematoma but with infiltration of the orohypopharynx and right hemilarynx for spreading later to posterior pharyngeal wall and left aryepiglottic fold. The patient was sent to ICU although he did not required a control of airway by intubation or tracheotomy finally.     

成人侧颈区孤立囊性肿块的诊断

目的 收集初诊为成人侧颈区良性囊肿患者的临床病理学资料,探讨良恶性的鉴别要点,提高术前诊断准确性。方法 回顾性分析2014年1月—2021年12月北京友谊医院耳鼻咽喉头颈外科诊治的成年患者,初步诊断为鳃裂囊肿或囊性水瘤。总结分析患者的临床、影像学以及病理学资料。结果 共37例初诊为颈部良性囊肿的患者中,最终总恶性率为13.5%(5/37),其中口咽鳞状细胞癌颈淋巴结转移2例,甲状腺乳头状癌颈淋巴结转移3例。颈部肿块存在分隔或囊壁局限性增厚是成人侧颈区孤立囊性肿块最终诊断为颈部淋巴结转移癌的独立危险预测因素(P<0.05)。结论 成人孤立侧颈区囊性肿块需要警惕为颈部不明原发灶转移癌。对于成人侧颈区孤立囊性肿块,尤其当颈部肿块存在分隔或囊壁局限性增厚时,需要结合多种诊断方法,排除颈部不明原发灶转移癌。     

Cystic form of cervical lymphadenopathy in adults. Guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology (short version). Part 2–etiological diagnosis procedure: Clinical and imaging assessment

IntroductionThe authors present the guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology (SFORL) for clinical and radiological assessment of cystic neck lymphadenopathy of unknown primary in adults. Most cases concern head and neck carcinoma metastasis, often in the oropharyngeal area, or less frequently differentiated thyroid carcinoma or non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma.MethodsA multidisciplinary task force was commissioned to carry out a review of the literature on the etiological work-up in cystic neck lymphadenopathy in adults: clinical examination, conventional imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI) and metabolic imaging. Guidelines were drafted based on the articles retrieved, and graded A, B, C or expert opinion according to decreasing level of evidence.ResultsOriented clinical examination, cervical and thyroid ultrasound scan and contrast-enhanced neck and chest CT scan are recommended in the assessment of cystic neck lymphadenopathy of unknown primary in adult patients. PET-CT is recommended prior to panendoscopy, to identify the primary tumor.ConclusionClinical and radiological assessment is fundamental for etiologic diagnosis of cystic neck lymphadenopathy in adult patients, and should be completed by cytological examination before in initiating treatment.     

Post-operative complications of salvage total laryngectomy forpost-radiotherapy recurrent laryngeal cancer using pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps

Background: Salvage surgery for laryngeal cancer recurring after radiotherapy is difficult and complications readily occur. Our institution has adopted the pharyngeal interposition graft (PIG) using a pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap, which has copious blood flow, for preventing post-irradiation pharyngocutaneous fistula.

Aims/objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of post-operative complications of salvage total laryngectomy (STL) using the PMMC flap for post-radiotherapy recurrent laryngeal cancer at our institution.

Material and methods: From among 162 patients with laryngeal cancer who had been treated at Tokyo Medical University Hospital between January 2014 and March 2018, we enrolled 11 patients who had undergone STL applying a PMMC flap. We examined patient backgrounds (age, gender, subtype, stage), initial therapy (radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy), radiation dose, irradiation area, surgery type (with/without neck dissection) and postoperative complications.

Results: No severe systemic complications were encountered. Pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred as a severe local complication in one patient (8.3%) and wound infection as a mild local complication in one patient (8.3%).

Conclusions: Rates of post-operative complications following STL tended to be lower at our institution than those reported for other institutions.

Significance: PIG may be a useful surgical procedure in STL.     

Peripheral neck nerve tumor: A 73-case study and literature review

ObjectivesPeripheral neck nerve tumors are rare and mostly benign neoplasms. The exceptional malignant forms are very aggressive, and diagnosis is difficult. The objective of this study was to evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic management and identify possible predictive factors.Material and methodsA retrospective study was conducted of 73 patients treated for peripheral neck nerve tumor between 1995 and 2015.ResultsMean age was 44 years. The main presenting symptom was a cervical mass, isolated or associated with signs related to the affected nerve structure. Diagnosis was suspected by slow progression of a firm mass, featuring T1 hyposignal and T2 hypersignal on magnetic resonance imaging. Surgery was performed in 99% of cases, completed by adjuvant chemotherapy in case of malignant neuroblastic tumor. Type 1 neurofibromatosis and sudden increase in mass with or without associated pain suggested malignant transformation. Age below 10 years suggested neuroblastic tumor.ConclusionNeck nerve tumors are very often benign with low degenerative potential. Surgery is the treatment of choice after risk/benefit analysis. However, there is no clearly defined consensus regarding the timing of surgery for these lesions.     

管状胃上提术在下咽颈段食管癌术中的临床应用

目的 探讨管状胃上提术在下咽颈段食管癌术中的应用,并分析其临床特征。方法 回顾性分析5例下咽颈段食管癌术患者行管状胃上提术的临床资料,其中下咽颈段食管癌初发者4例,复发者1例。结果 患者采用胸腔镜辅助下管状胃上提术4例,达芬奇机器人辅助下管状胃上提术1例。保留喉功能全咽全食管切除2例,喉全切+全咽+全食管切除3例;术后病理为鳞状细胞癌4例,腺癌1例;术后一过性胸腔瘘1例,术后放疗后咽瘘1例;术后1个月内全部恢复经口饮食。随访6~44个月,死亡3例(术后6个月因肺转移癌肺出血死亡1例,术后13个月因局部复发并发心衰死亡1例,术后44个月因食管、肺转移并发恶液质死亡1例);带瘤生存2例(术后1年肺转移1例,术后3个月颈淋巴结转移、术后11个月腹腔淋巴结及肾上腺转移1例)。结论 下咽颈段食管癌恶性程度高,腺癌少见,胸腔镜或达芬奇机器人辅助下咽颈段食管癌术中管状胃修复术在围手术期并发症可控,值得推荐应用。     

严重和复杂颈深部间隙感染治疗的思考

目的 近年来颈深部间隙感染的发生率有增加的趋势,有时治疗十分棘手,本文通过复杂病例的分析以提高临床医生对本病的再认识和治疗选择。方法 回顾分析2018年1月—2022年6月收治的7例严重和复杂颈深部间隙感染患者的临床资料。结果 7例患者中男5例,女2例;年龄40~72岁,平均年龄56.86岁,其中大于50岁5例,小于50岁2例。4例患者合并糖尿病,感染部位以咽旁隙（6例）多见,其次是下颌下间隙（5例）和气管前间隙（5例）。所有患者均接受手术和抗生素治疗,其中5例颈侧切开包括2例颈胸联合切开引流,1例口内切开引流,1例经皮纵隔穿刺引流,1例气管切开。所有患者均治愈。最常见并发症是低蛋白血症（4例）,其次是下行坏死性纵隔炎（3例）。结论 复杂颈深部间隙感染多见于老年男性和糖尿病患者,早期诊断和及时治疗是减少严重并发症的关键,针对不同部位的感染,采用个体化治疗有助于缩短病程。     

Management of somatic pain induced by treatment of head and neck cancer: Postoperative pain. Guidelines of the French Oto-Rhino-Laryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Society (SFORL)

ObjectiveTo present the guidelines of the French Oto-Rhino-Laryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Society (SFORL) concerning the management of somatic pain induced by the treatment of head and neck cancer, and in particular the management of early and late post-surgical pain.MethodsA multidisciplinary work group conducted a review of the scientific literature on the study topic. An editorial group subsequently read the resulting guidelines before validation.ResultsIt is recommended to prevent onset of pain caused by malpositioning on the operating table, as well as pain related to postoperative care. During surgery, it is recommended to spare nerve and muscle structures as far as possible to limit painful sequelae. Management of early postoperative pain upon tumor resection and flap harvesting sites requires patient-controlled analgesia by morphine pump. Physical therapy is recommended after flap harvesting to minimize painful sequelae.ConclusionPreventive and curative measures should be undertaken for appropriate management of post-surgical pain in the treatment of head and neck cancers.     

鼻咽部Warthin瘤1例报道并文献复习

目的 总结1例鼻咽部Warthin瘤并后鼻孔闭锁患者的临床资料,并结合相关文献进行复习,探讨鼻咽部Warthin瘤的可能来源,以加深对此类疾病的了解.方法 对收治的1例后鼻孔闭锁患者行鼻内镜下双侧后鼻孔粘连松解+后鼻孔成形术,术中见右侧后鼻孔完全闭锁,左侧鼻腔后鼻孔狭窄.以电刀自鼻中隔处打开左侧后鼻孔,继而向外侧切除后...