Recipient vessels for free flaps in advanced facial oncologic defects

Abstract Objectives To prospectively compare the results of microvascular flap reconstruction of midface and scalp advanced oncologic defects using superficial temporal versus cervical as recipient vessels. Methods This is a parallel group clinical trial with 1:1 allocation ratio of patients who underwent midface and scalp oncologic reconstruction with free tissue flap from April 2018 to April 2022 in a tertiary oncologic center. Two groups were analyzed: those in whom superficial temporal vessels were used as the recipient vessels (Group A) and those in whom cervical vessels were used as the recipient vessels (Group B). Patient gender and age, cause and localization of the defect, flap choice for reconstruction, recipient vessels, intraoperative outcome, postoperative course, and complications were recorded and analyzed. A Fisher's exact test was used to compare outcomes between the 2 groups. Results On the basis of the different recipient vessels, 32 patients were randomized into 2 groups, and of these 27 patients completed the study: Group A with superficial temporal recipient vessels (n = 12) and Group B with cervical recipient vessels (n = 15). There were 18 male and 09 female patients with an average age of 53.92 ± 17.49 years. The overall flap survival rate was 88.89%. The overall complication rate for vascular anastomosis was 14.81%. The total flap loss rate in patients with superficial temporal recipient vessels was higher than the complication rate in those with cervical recipient vessels but with no statistical significance (16.67% vs. 6.66%, p= 0.569). Minor complications occurred in 05 patients without statistical significance between the groups (p= 0.342). Conclusion In the group with superficial temporal recipient vessels, the postoperative rate of free flap complications was similar than the cervical recipient vessel group. Therefore the use of superficial temporal recipient vessels for midface and scalp oncologic reconstruction could be a reliable option.

The impact of sentinel lymph node biopsy on the quality of life in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma / Impacto da biópsia do linfonodo sentinela na qualidade de vida em pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular da cavidade oral

Abstract Introduction Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a proven method for staging the neck in patients with early oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma because it results in less comorbidity than the traditional method of selective neck dissection, with the same oncological results. However, the real effect of that method on the quality of life of such patients remains unknown. Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma T1/T2N0 submitted to sentinel lymph node biopsy compared to those that received selective neck dissection. Methods Cross-sectional study including 24 patients, after a 36 month follow-up, 15 of them submitted to the sentinel lymph node biopsy and 9 to selective neck dissection. All patients answered the University of Washington quality of life questionnaire. Results The evaluation of the questionnaires showed a late worsening of the domains appearance (p = 0.035) and chewing (p = 0.041), as well as a decrease of about 10% of general quality of life (p = 0.025) in patients undergoing selective neck dissection ​​in comparison to those undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy. Conclusion Patients with early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy presented better late results of general quality of life, mainly regarding appearance and chewing, when compared to patients submitted to selective neck dissection.

Resumo Introdução A biópsia de linfonodo sentinela é um método comprovado para estadiamento cervical em pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular inicial da cavidade oral, porque apresenta menor taxa de morbidade do que o método tradicional de esvaziamento cervical seletivo, com os mesmos resultados oncológicos. Porém, o verdadeiro efeito desse método na qualidade de vida desses pacientes permanece desconhecido. Objetivo Avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de cavidade oral T1/T2N0 submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela em comparação aos pacientes nos quais o esvaziamento cervical seletivo foi feito. Método Estudo transversal que incluiu 24 pacientes, após 36 meses de seguimento, dos quais 15 foram submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela e nove a esvaziamento cervical seletivo. Todos os pacientes responderam ao questionário de qualidade de vida da University of Washington. Resultados A avaliação dos questionários evidenciou pioria tardia dos domínios aparência (p = 0,035) e mastigação (p = 0,041), bem como diminuição de cerca de 10% da qualidade de vida geral (p = 0,025) nos pacientes submetidos a esvaziamento cervical seletivo em comparação com aqueles submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela. Conclusão Pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de cavidade oral em estágio inicial submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela apresentaram melhores resultados tardios de qualidade de vida geral, principalmente quanto à aparência e à mastigação, quando comparados aos pacientes submetidos a esvaziamento cervical seletivo.

Thyroid cancer surgical indication during pregnancy: systematic literature review and series of illustrative cases

Introduction: Thyroid papillary carcinoma is the second most frequent type of cancer during pregnancy. Its diagnosis is related to patient fear and anxiety. There is little consensus on when to perform surgery in those cases. Objective: To evaluate and discuss timing possibilities for surgical treatment in thyroid cancer in pregnant women. Methods: Systematic literature review based on online search at the Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) and National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) databases. Retrospective analysis of thyroidectomies performed in the second trimester of pregnancy by the authors between 1999 and 2019. Results: The systematic review included nine articles. Their conclusions diverge with respect to the optimal timing of thyroid surgery. The medical literature considers thyroidectomy after safe delivery. The most recent studies are more flexible regarding carrying out this surgery during the second trimester of pregnancy. In the authors' experience (n=5), surgical treatment during the second trimester of pregnancy is a good option for more aggressive tumors. Conclusion: More aggressive cases of thyroid papillary carcinoma can be treated with surgery during the second trimester of pregnancy. Performing the surgery after delivery is safer in the case of less aggressive cancer cases. The decision should consider hospital costs, surgery risks, and patient anxiety in relation to cancer.

Superficial cervical plexus blockade improves pain control after thyroidectomy: A randomized controlled trial

OJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate the ability of bilateral superficial cervical plexus blockade to control pain and to reduce the side effects of general anesthesia in patients submitted to thyroidectomy. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, we prospectively studied 100 consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. The simple random patient sample was divided into two groups: 50 patients received general anesthesia alone (group 1 [G1]), and 50 patients received general anesthesia with bilateral superficial cervical plexus blockade (group 2 [G2]). Statistical analyses were performed, and a 5% significance level was adopted. RESULTS: The mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were 12% lower in G2 patients than in G1 patients 60 minutes after surgery (101 mmHg for G1 vs. 92.3 mmHg for G2; p<0.001). G2 patients reported less pain than G1 patients, and opioid consumption was lower in G2 patients than in G1 patients, not upon postanesthesia care unit arrival, but at 30 minutes (2% vs. 34%; p<0.001, respectively), 45 minutes (0% vs. 16%; p=0.006, respectively), and 4 hours postoperatively (6% vs. 20%; p=0.037, respectively). The incidence of nausea and vomiting was lower in G2 patients than in G1 patients from 45 minutes (0% vs. 16%; p=0.006, respectively) to 8 hours postoperatively (0% vs. 14%; p=0.012, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that the combination of bilateral superficial cervical plexus blockade with general anesthesia for thyroidectomy is feasible, safe, and effective for achieving pain control and improving patient outcomes.

Assessment of quality of life in patients with advanced oral cancer who underwent mandibulectomy with or without bone reconstruction

INTRODUCTION Malignant neoplasms of the head and neck, due to its anatomical location, can cause significant alterations in vital functions related to feeding, communication and social interaction of the affected patients. Objective To analyze the quality of life of patients with advanced malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity and submitted to radical operations with curative intent. Material and methods 47 patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), in stages III and IV, underwent surgical treatment with segmental mandibulectomy and complementary radiotherapy. The patients were submitted to the quality of life questionnaires after a minimum time of six months after the surgical treatment. Results Of the 183 patients, only 47 (25.7%) were able to answer the questionnaire and were included as the sample of the study. The majority of patients selected were male (39; 82.9%). The mean age was 64.4 years. The majority of the patients presented clinical stage IV (83%) and were submitted to adjuvant radiotherapy (95.4%). The mean score obtained after the questionnaires were applied was 64.6. The worst scores were found in swallowing and chewing. Conclusion There were no statistically significant differences in the domains of quality of life between the two groups studied (with bone reconstruction versus no bone reconstruction). Patients interviewed 2 years or more after treatment presented higher scores (p = 0.02).

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO As neoplasias malignas de cabeça e pescoço, pela própria localização anatômica, podem acarretar alterações significativas em funções vitais relacionadas à alimentação, comunicação e interação social dos indivíduos afetados. OBJETIVO Analisar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes com neoplasias malignas avançadas de cavidade oral, submetidos a operações radicais com intenção curativa. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS 47 pacientes portadores de carcinoma espinocelular de cavidade oral, em estádios III e IV, foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico com mandibulectomia segmentar e radioterapia complementar. Os pacientes foram submetidos ao teste de qualidade de vida após o tempo mínimo de seis meses do tratamento cirúrgico. RESULTADOS Dos 183 pacientes, com apenas 47 (25,7%) foi possível a realização da entrevista, compondo estes a amostra para o estudo. A maioria dos pacientes do grupo selecionado era do sexo masculino, total de 39 homens (82,9%). A idade média foi de 64,4 anos. A maioria dos pacientes apresentava estadiamento clínico IV (83%), sendo submetidos à radioterapia adjuvante (95,4%). A média do escore obtido após a avaliação dos questionários foi de 64,6. Os piores escores foram encontrados nos quesitos deglutição e mastigação. CONCLUSÃO Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas nos domínios de qualidade de vida entre os dois grupos estudados (com reconstrução óssea versus sem reconstrução óssea). Pacientes entrevistados dois anos ou mais após o tratamento apresentaram escores superiores (p=0,02).

Supracricoid Laryngectomy: The Function of the Remaining Arytenoid in Voice and Swallowing

Abstract Introduction Supracricoid laryngectomy still has selected indications; there are few studies in the literature, and the case series are limited, a fact that stimulates the development of new studies to further elucidate the structural and functional aspects of the procedure. Objective To assess voice and deglutition parameters according to the number of preserved arytenoids. Methods Eleven patients who underwent subtotal laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy were evaluated by laryngeal nasofibroscopy, videofluoroscopy, and auditory-perceptual, acoustic, and voice pleasantness analyses, after resuming oral feeding. Results Functional abnormalities were detected in two out of the three patients who underwent arytenoidectomy, and in six patients from the remainder of the sample. Almost half of the sample presented silent laryngeal penetration and/or vallecular/ hypopharyngeal stasis on the videofluoroscopy. The mean voice analysis scores indicated moderate vocal deviation, roughness and breathiness; severe strain and loudness deviation; shorter maximum phonation time; the presence of noise; and high third and fourth formant values. The voices were rated as unpleasant. There was no difference in the number and functionality of the remaining arytenoids as prognostic factors for deglutition; however, in the qualitative analysis, favorable voice and deglutition outcomes were more common among patients who did not undergo arytenoidectomy and had normal functional conditions. Conclusion The number and functionality of the preserved arytenoidswere not found to be prognostic factors for favorable deglutition efficiency outcomes. However, the qualitative analysis showed that the preservation of both arytenoids and the absence of functional abnormalities were associated with more satisfactory voice and deglutition patterns.

Effectiveness of harmonic scalpel in patients submitted to total thyroidectomy: systematic review with meta-analysis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the harmonic scalpel compared to the conventional technique in patients submitted to total thyroidectomy. METHOD: This is a systematic review with inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared both techniques. An electronic search was carried out in the Medline and Lilacs databases until June 2017. The outcomes analysed were operation time, intraoperative bleeding, surgical morbidity, and costs. RESULTS: Data from 31 primary studies were included. The use of the harmonic scalpel correlates to a shorter operation time (p <0.001) and a lower volume of intraoperative bleeding (p <0.001). There were no differences in the risk of transient (p = 0.53) and permanent (p = 0.70) hypocalcaemia, transient (p = 0.61) and permanent (p = 0.50) dysfunctions of the inferior laryngeal nerve and hematoma (p = 0.14). CONCLUSION: Total thyroidectomy using a harmonic scalpel is effective and safe compared to the conventional technique.

Accuracy of sentinel lymph node mapping in detecting occult neck metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma

ABSTRACT Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the following: 1) the accuracy of sentinel lymph node mapping (SLNM) in detecting metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), and 2) if SLNM could modify the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging of previous cN0 PTC patients. Subjects and methods: Forty SLNM were performed prospectively in 38 consecutive cN0 PTC patients, with total thyroidectomy and elective compartment neck dissection (CND). The results of SLNM were compared with CND pathological findings to verify the accuracy of sentinel SLNM. Results: The mean patients' follow-up was 36 months. A total of 133 SLN were found at levels VI, II, III and IV. The SLN was identified in 95% of the patients with one false negative, 95% sensitivity, a 94% negative predictive value and 97% accuracy. The SLNM upstaging from cN0 to pN+ was 49%, and to stages III and IVa, it was 21%. Conclusions: For this series of cN0 PTC patients: 1) SLNM accuracy was 97%, and 2) SLNM upstaging from cN0 to pN+ was 49%, whereas to stages III and IVa, it was 21%.

Malignancy rates for Bethesda III subcategories in thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB)

OBJECTIVES: Most thyroid diseases are nodular and have been investigated using ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), the reports of which are standardized by the Bethesda System. Bethesda category III represents a heterogeneous group in terms of lesion characteristics and the malignancy rates reported in the literature. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the differences in the malignancy rates among Bethesda III subcategories. METHODS: Data from 1,479 patients who had thyroid surgery were reviewed. In total, 1,093 patients (89.6% female, mean age 52.7 (13-89) years) were included, and 386 patients were excluded. FNAB results (based on Bethesda Class) and histopathological results (benign or malignant) for coincident areas were collected. Bethesda III patients were subcategorized according to cytopathological characteristics (FLUS: follicular lesion of undetermined significance, Bethesda IIIA; AUS: atypia of undetermined significance, Bethesda IIIB). Data were correlated to obtain the malignancy rates for each Bethesda category and the newly defined subcategory. RESULTS: FNAB results for these patients were as follows: Bethesda I: 3.1%; Bethesda II: 18.6%; Bethesda III: 35.0%; Bethesda IV: 22.1%; Bethesda V: 4.1%; and Bethesda VI: 17.1%. The malignancy rates for Bethesda Class IIIB were significantly higher than those for Bethesda Class IIIA (p<0.001) and Bethesda Class IV (p<0.001). Bethesda Class IIIA showed significantly lower malignancy rates than Bethesda Class III overall (p<0.001) CONCLUSIONS: Improvements of the Bethesda System should consider this subcategorization to better reflect different malignancy rates, which may have a significant impact on the decision-making process.

Oncological results of surgical treatment versus organ-function preservation in larynx and hypopharynx câncer / Resultado oncológico de tratamento cirúrgico versus protocolo de preservação de órgão em câncer de laringe e hipofaringe

Summary Introduction: Since the beginning of the 1990s, non-surgical radiochemotherapy treatment has become popular with the prospect of maintaining oncological results and preserving the organ in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx. However, subsequent studies demonstrated increased recurrence and mortality after the non-surgical treatment became popular. Objective: To compare the oncological results of surgical and non-surgical treatments of patients with larynx and hypopharynx cancer and to evaluate the variables associated with disease recurrence. Method: This is a retrospective cohort study of 134 patients undergoing surgical (total or partial laryngectomy) or non-surgical (isolated radiotherapy, chemotherapy or induction chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy) treatment, with 62 patients in the surgical group and 72 in the non-surgical group. Results: Disease-free survival rates were higher in the surgical group (81.7% vs. 62.2%; p=0.028), especially in III/IV stages (p=0.018), locally advanced tumors T3 and T4a (p=0.021) and N0/N1 cases (p=0.005). The presence of cervical lymph nodes, especially N2/N3, was considered a risk factor for disease recurrence in both groups (HR=11.82; 95CI 3.42-40.88; p<0.0001). Patients not undergoing surgical treatment were 3.8 times more likely to develop recurrence (HR=3.76; 95CI 1.27-11.14; p=0.039). Conclusion: Patients with larynx or hypopharynx cancer non-surgically treated had a poorer disease-free survival, especially in cases with locally advanced tumors (T3 and T4a) and in which the neck was only slightly affected (N0/N1).

Resumo Introdução: A partir de estudos do início dos anos 1990, popularizou-se o tratamento não cirúrgico com radioquimioterapia, com a perspectiva de manutenção do resultado oncológico e preservação do órgão em pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular avançado de laringe e hipofaringe. Entretanto, estudos posteriores demonstraram aumento da recorrência e da mortalidade com a difusão do tratamento não cirúrgico. Objetivo: Comparar o resultado oncológico dos tratamentos cirúrgico e não cirúrgico de pacientes com câncer de laringe e hipofaringe e avaliar as variáveis associadas à recidiva de doença. Método: Estudo de coorte retrospectiva de pacientes submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico (laringectomia total ou parcial) e não cirúrgico (radioterapia isolada, radioterapia concomitante a quimioterapia ou quimioterapia de indução seguida de radioterapia e quimioterapia) de 134 pacientes, sendo 62 no grupo cirúrgico e 72 no não cirúrgico. Resultados: As taxas de sobrevivência livre de doença foram maiores no grupo cirúrgico (81,7% vs. 62,2%; p=0,028), principalmente em estádios III/IV (p=0,018), tumores localmente avançados T3 e T4a (p=0,021) e casos N0/N1 (p=0,005). A presença de linfonodos cervicais, principalmente N2/N3, foi considerada fator de risco para recidiva de doença nos dois grupos (HR=11,82; IC95% 3,42-40,88; p<0,0001). Pacientes não submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico apresentaram 3,8 vezes mais chance de desenvolvimento de recidiva (HR=3,76; IC95% 1,27-11,14; p=0,017). Conclusão: Pacientes com câncer de laringe ou hipofaringe tratados de forma não cirúrgica tiveram menor sobrevivência livre de doença, especialmente nos tumores localmente avançados (T3 e T4a) e com pescoço pouco comprometido (N0/N1).

Substernal goiter and laryngopharyngeal reflux

ABSTRACT Objective This study aims to compare the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux signs between two groups of patients undergoing thyroidectomy for voluminous goiter: substernal goiters and voluminous cervical goiter without thoracic extension. Subjects and methods A retrospective case-control study was performed with data retrieved of the charts of the patients submitted to thyroidectomies occurred at a tertiary care center (Head and Neck Surgery Department, University of São Paulo Medical School) between 2010 and 2014. The selected thyroidectomies were allocated in two groups for study: patients with substernal goiters and patients with voluminous cervical goiter without thoracic extension. Cervical goiters were selected by ultrasonography mensuration. Clinical criterion was used to define substernal goiter. Results The average thyroid volume in patients with substernal goiter was significantly greater than the average volume in patients with only cervical goiter (p < 0.001). The prevalence of signs of reflux laryngitis at laryngoscopy was significantly greater in substernal goiter patients (p = 0.036). Moreover, substernal goiter was considered as the unique independent variable for high reflux laryngitis signs at laryngoscopy (OR = 2.75; CI95%: 1.05-7.20; p = 0.039) when compared to only cervical goiter patients. Conclusion This study shows a significant association between substernal goiters and signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux at preoperative laryngoscopy. Therefore, when compared with voluminous cervical goiters, the substernal goiters increase the chance of reflux laryngitis signs in patients.

Deaths related to differentiated thyroid cancer: a rare but real event

ABSTRACT Objective The present study describes the clinical and tumor characteristics of patients that died from differentiated thyroid cancer and reports on the cause and circumstances of death in these cases. Subjects and methods Retrospective analysis of all the differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) related deaths at a single institution over a 5-year period, with a total of 33 patients. Results Most of the patients were female (63.6%), with a mean age at diagnosis of 58.2 years. The most common histologic type was papillary (66.7%) and 30.3% were follicular. The distribution according to the TNM classification was: 15.4% of T1; 7.7% T2; 38.4% T3; 19.2% of T4a and 19.2% of T4b. Forty-four percent of cases were N0; 20% N1a and 36.6% of N1b. Twelve patients were considered non-responsive to radioiodine. Only one of the patients did not have distant metastases. The most common metastatic site was the lung in 69.7%. The majority of deaths were due to pulmonary complications related to lung metastases (17 patients, 51.5%), followed by post-operative complications in 5 cases, neurological disease progression in 3 cases, local invasion and airway obstruction in one patient. Median survival between diagnosis and death was reached in 49 months while between disease progression and death it was at 22 months. Conclusion Mortality from DTC is extremely rare but persists, and the main causes of death derive from distant metastasis, especially respiratory failure due to lung metastasis. Once disease progression is established, median survival was only 22 months.

Which features of advanced head and neck basal cell carcinoma are associated with perineural invasion? / Quais características dos carcinomas basocelulares estão associados a invasão perineural?

Abstract Introduction Perineural invasion is a unique route for tumor dissemination. In basal cell carcinomas, the incidence is low, but increases in advanced cases. Its importance is recognized but not fully understood. Objective To compare head and neck basal cell carcinomas with and without perineural invasion. Methods A retrospective medical chart review of multidisciplinary surgeries for basal cell carcinomas that required a head and neck surgery specialist in a tertiary referral center was performed. Clinical-demographics and histopathological features were analyzed. Results Of 354 cases, perineural invasion was present in 23.1%. Larger tumors and morpheaform subtype were statistically related to perineural invasion. Nodular and superficial subtypes were less frequent in positive cases. No significant difference was found in gender, age, ulceration, location, and mixed histology. Conclusion In this series of selected patients with basal cell carcinomas submitted to major resections, perineural invasion was clearly related to morpheaform subtype and to larger tumors. Other classically associated features, such as location in high-risk mask zone of the face, male gender and mixed histology, were not so strongly linked to perineural invasion.

Resumo Introdução A invasão perineural é uma via independente de disseminação tumoral. Em carcinomas basocelulares, a incidência é baixa, mas aumenta em casos avançados. Sua importância é reconhecida, mas não completamente compreendida. Objetivo Comparar os carcinomas basocelulares com e sem invasão perineural. Método Estudo retrospectivo de revisão de prontuários de pacientes submetidos a cirurgias de grande porte, conduzido por equipes multidisciplinares em centro terciário de referência de câncer. Características demográficas e histopatológicas foram analisadas. Resultados De 354 casos, 23,1% apresentaram invasão perineural. Tumores com dimensão maior e subtipo esclerodermiforme foram significativamente mais associados a invasão perineural. Os subtipos nodular e superficial foram menos frequentes em casos positivos. Não houve diferença relacionada a sexo, idade, ulceração, localização e histologia mista. Conclusão Nesta série de casos selecionados de carcinomas basocelulares submetidos a grandes ressecções, a invasão perineural foi claramente relacionada ao subtipo esclerodermiforme e tumores de maior dimensão. Outros fatores classicamente associados, como localização em zona de alto risco, sexo masculino e histologia mista, não apresentaram essa associação de modo significativo.

Quantitative analysis of lymph nodes in neck dissection specimens. Morphologic study

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To quantify the amount of lymph nodes harvested in modified radical neck dissection. METHODS: Cross-sectional anatomical study conducted in 28 non-preserved cadavers. RESULTS: The mean number of lymph nodes found in each nodal level of the 56 modified radical neck dissections performed were: level IA - 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1 - 1.8), level IB - 2.5 (95% CI: 2.1 - 2.9), level IIA - 7.2 (95% CI: 6.0 - 8.5), IIB level - 6.5 (95% CI: 5.5 - 7.4), level III - 6.6 (95% CI: 5.7 - 7.4), level IV - 8.6 (95% CI: 7.1 - 10.1), level V - 11 (95% CI: 9.2 - 12.7), totalizing 43.8 lymph nodes (95% CI: 40.3 - 47.4). CONCLUSION: The results defined a parameter in relation to the minimum recommended nodal yield in a modified radical neck dissection, as well as the number of lymph nodes in each level of this dissection, performed in clinical practice.

Prevalence of oral and oropharyngeal human papillomavirus infection in Brazilian population studies: a systematic review / Prevalência de infecção oral e orofaríngea pelo HPV em estudos na população brasileira: revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus has been associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. However, there is no conclusive evidence on the prevalence of oral or pharyngeal infection by human papillomavirus in the Brazilian population. OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of human papillomavirus infection in the Brazilian population. METHODS: Systematic review of published articles. Medline, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Lilacs (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences) and Scielo electronic databases were searched. The search included published articles up to December 2014 in Portuguese, Spanish and English. A wide search strategy was employed in order to avoid publication biases and to assess studies dealing only with oral and/or oropharyngeal human papillomavirus infections in the Brazilian population. RESULTS: The 42 selected articles enrolled 4066 patients. It was observed that oral or oropharyngeal human papillomavirus infections were identified in 738 patients (18.2%; IC 95 17.6-18.8), varying between 0.0% and 91.9%. The prevalences of oral or oropharyngeal human papillomavirus infections were respectively 6.2%, 44.6%, 44.4%, 27.4%, 38.5% and 11.9% for healthy people, those with benign oral lesions, pre-malignant lesions, oral or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, risk groups (patients with genital human papillomavirus lesions or infected partners) and immunocompromised patients. The risk of human papillomavirus infection was estimated for each subgroup and it was evident that, when compared to the healthy population, the risk of human papillomavirus infection was approximately 1.5-9.0 times higher, especially in patients with an immunodeficiency, oral lesions and squamous cell carcinoma. The rates of the most well-known oncogenic types (human papillomavirus 16 and/or 18) also show this increased risk. CONCLUSIONS: Globally, the Brazilian healthy population has a very low oral human papillomavirus infection rate. Other groups, such as at-risk patients or their partners, immunocompromised patients, people with oral lesions and patients with oral cavity or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma have a high risk of human papillomavirus infection.

RESUMO Introdução: O papilomavírus humano (HPV) tem sido associado ao carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) de cabeça e pescoço. No entanto, não existem evidências conclusivas sobre a prevalência de infecção oral ou faríngea pelo HPV na população brasileira. Objetivo: Determinar a taxa de infecção pelo HPV na população brasileira. Método: Revisão sistemática de artigos publicados. Foram feitas buscas nos seguintes bancos de dados eletrônicos: Medline, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Lilacs (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences) e Scielo. A busca considerou artigos publicados até dezembro de 2014, em português, espanhol e inglês. Foi utilizada uma ampla estratégia de busca com o intuito de evitar viés de publicação e também para que fossem avaliados estudos que tratassem apenas de infecções orais e/ou orofaríngeas pelo HPV na população brasileira. Resultados: Os 42 artigos selecionados incluíram 4.066 pacientes. Observou-se que infecções orais ou orofaríngeas pelo HPV foram identificadas em 738 pacientes (18,2%; IC95 17,6-18,8), variando entre 0,0-91,9%. As prevalências de infecções orais ou orofaríngeas pelo HPV foram, respectivamente, 6,2%, 44,6%, 44,4%, 27,4%, 38,5% e 11,9% em pacientes saudáveis, com lesões orais benignas, com lesões pré-malignas, com CCE oral ou orofaríngeo, grupos de risco (pacientes com lesões genitais pelo HPV ou parceiros infectados) e pacientes imunodeficientes. O risco de infecção pelo HPV foi estimado para cada subgrupo, quando ficou evidente que, em comparação com a população saudável, o risco de infecção por HPV foi aproximadamente 1,5-9,0 vezes mais alto, especialmente em pacientes com imunodeficiência, lesões orais e CCE. Os percentuais dos tipos oncogênicos mais conhecidos (HPV 16 e/ou 18) também mostram esse aumento no risco. Conclusões: A população brasileira saudável apresenta taxa de infecção oral pelo HPV muito baixa. Outros grupos, por exemplo, pacientes de risco ou seus parceiros, pacientes imunodeficientes, indivíduos portadores de lesões orais e pacientes com CCE de cavidade oral ou orofaringe apresentam maior risco de infecção pelo HPV.

Postoperative calcium levels as a diagnostic measure for hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to identify a fast, efficient and low-cost method to diagnose hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy.Materials and methodsOne hundred and forty medical records, which contained patients’ clinical and laboratory data, were retrospectively analyzed. Patient parathyroid hormone values, which were obtained immediately following operation, were compared with their ionized calcium levels the morning after surgery. This comparison was used to examine the correlation between the two variables in predicting hypoparathyroidism because measuring calcium levels is low-cost and more available in the hospitals compared to measuring parathormone (PTH) levels.ResultsThere was a positive and statistically significant correlation between PTH and ionized calcium values (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.456; p < 0.0001). The values of first postoperative day ionized calcium levels (stratified by the 1.10 mmol/l cut-off value) were tested as a diagnostic measure for hypoparathyroidism, and a PTH < 15 pg/mL obtained immediately following operation served as a reference. This analysis showed that ionized calcium levels measured on the first postoperative day had a sensitivity of 45.6% (95% CI 30.9-61.0%), a specificity of 88.9% (95% CI 80.5-94.5%) and an accuracy of 76.7% (95% CI 68.7-83.5%) as a diagnostic measure for hypoparathyroidism.ConclusionIn conclusion, we demonstrated that patients who had high ionized calcium levels on the first postoperative day also had high PTH levels immediately following operation and, therefore, they had lower rates of hypoparathyroidism.

Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: factors related to occult lymph node metastasis / Carcinoma espinocelular da cavidade oral: fatores relacionados à presença de metástases linfonodais ocultas

INTRODUCTION: Elective neck dissection is recommended in cases of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma without lymph node metastasis because of the risk of occult metastasis. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate predictive factors for occult lymph node metastasis in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma treated with elective neck dissection and their impact on overall and disease-free survival. METHODS: Forty surgically treated patients were retrospectively included. RESULTS: Ten cases (25%) had lymphatic metastasis. Of the studied variables, perineural and angiolymphatic invasion in addition to tumor thickness were statistically associated with lymph node metastasis. Only angiolymphatic invasion was identified as an independent risk factor for occult metastasis in the logistic regression (OR = 39.3; p = 0.002). There was no association between overall and disease-free survival with the presence of occult lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSION: Metastatic disease rate was similar to that found in the literature. Perineural and angiolymphatic invasion and tumor thickness were associated with occult metastasis, but only angiolymphatic invasion showed to be an independent risk factor .

INTRODUÇÃO: O esvaziamento cervical eletivo é realizado de maneira sistemática nos casos de carcinoma espinocelular da cavidade oral sem linfonodos clinicamente comprometidos devido à alta incidência de metástases ocultas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de cavidade oral tratados com esvaziamento cervical eletivo quanto a fatores preditivos para ocorrência de metástases ocultas e o impacto das mesmas na sobrevivência global e livre de progressão destes pacientes. MÉTODO: Quarenta pacientes cirurgicamente tratados foram avaliados em estudo retrospectivo. RESULTADOS: Dez casos (25%) apresentaram metástases ocultas. Das variáveis analisadas, invasão perineural e angiolinfática e também a espessura tumoral foram estatisticamente significantes à análise univariada. Apenas a invasão angiolinfática foi fator independente de risco de metástases ocultas pela regressão logística (OR = 39,3; p = 0,002). A presença de metástase oculta não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante em relação às taxas de sobrevivência global e livre de progressão. CONCLUSÃO: A incidência de metástase oculta foi semelhante à literatura. A invasão perineural, angiolinfática e a espessura tumoral foram fatores associados à presença de metástase oculta, porém apenas a invasão angiolinfática apresentou-se como um fator de risco independente para ocorrência do fenômeno. .