ABSTRACT
Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the stimulation amplitude and the distance to the facial nerve. Methods: This study was designed as a prospective clinical study. A total of 20 patients (12 males, 8 females) were included. Partial superficial parotidectomy was performed in all patients with intraoperative facial monitoring. Measurements were made on the main trunk and major branches. Stimulation was started at 1 mA and incrementally increased to 2 and 3mA's. The shortest distance creating a robust response (>100mV) was recorded. Results: At 1 mA, 2 mA and 3 mA stimulation intensity, the average distance between the tip of the stimulation probe and the main trunk was 2.20±0.76 mm (range 1-3 mm), 3.80±0.95 mm (range 2-5 mm), 4.80±1.05 mm (range 3-7 mm) respectively. The stimulus intensity was inversely proportional in respect to the distance between the nerve and the tip of the stimulus probe (P < .00). The same relation was present in the facial nerve major branch measurements (P < .00). Conclusion: The proportional stimulation amplitude and distance to the facial nerve is thought to be a reliable auxillary method to assist the surgeon by facilitating the estimation of the distance to the facial nerve during extracapsular dissection and minimally invasive cases where the facial nerve isn't routinely dissected. Level of evidence: Level 3.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Larynx cancer is the most common head-and-neck cancer in Turkey. Vocal cords are involved nearly 70%–80% of laryngeal carcinomas. We aim to present our 10 years' experience and failure patterns of the patients with T1 and T2 glottic laryngeal carcinoma by same manner, technique, doses, and physician in conformal radiotherapy (RT) era. Methods: Between January 2005 and December 2015, a total of 143 patients treated with definitive RT for early-stage glottis laryngeal cancer were selected. The total dose was 65.25 Gy in 29 fractions. Results: The median follow-up time was 64 (range: 12–150) months. All of the patients had a complete clinical response to the treatment. A 5-year local control (LC) rates were 84.5%, 91.8%, 74%, and 56% for overall, T1a, T1b, and T2, respectively. Ultimate LC rates (after salvage treatment) for 5 years were 90%, 95%, 92%, and 75% for overall, T1a, T1b, and T2, respectively. Regional neck control for the whole group was 92% for 5 years. After the initial RT, a total of 22 (15.4%) patients had disease recurrence at any site of the neck or larynx. Median time to disease recurrence was 59.5 months (range: 5–150). Conclusion: This study represents a large and long-term analysis of early-stage glottic carcinoma treated by same manner, technique, doses, and physician in conformal RT era. Definitive RT provides a high LC rate, tolerable toxicity, and favorable voice quality. Extension beyond the vocal cords and T2 stage are the most important unfavorable prognostic factors regarding LC