Facial nerve palsy following parotid gland surgery: A machine learning prediction outcome approach.

Introduction: Machine learning (ML)-based facial nerve injury (FNI) forecasting grounded on multicentric data has not been released up to now. Three distinct ML models, random forest (RF), K-nearest neighbor, and artificial neural network (ANN), for the prediction of FNI were evaluated in this mode. Methods: A retrospective, longitudinal, multicentric study was performed, including patients who went through parotid gland surgery for benign tumors at three different university hospitals. Results: Seven hundred and thirty-six patients were included. The most compelling aspects related to risk escalation of FNI were as follows: (1) location, in the mid-portion of the gland, near to or above the main trunk of the facial nerve and at the top part, over the frontal or the orbital branch of the facial nerve; (2) tumor volume in the anteroposterior axis; (3) the necessity to simultaneously dissect more than one level; and (4) the requirement of an extended resection compared to a lesser extended resection. By contrast, in accordance with the ML analysis, the size of the tumor (>3 cm), as well as gender and age did not result in a determining favor in relation to the risk of FNI. Discussion: The findings of this research conclude that ML models such as RF and ANN may serve evidence-based predictions from multicentric data regarding the risk of FNI. Conclusion: Along with the advent of ML technology, an improvement of the information regarding the potential risks of FNI associated with patients before each procedure may be achieved with the implementation of clinical, radiological, histological, and/or cytological data.

Complications after Functional Neck Dissection in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: An Observational, Retrospective, Single-Centre Study.

INTRODUCTION: Functional neck dissection (FND) represents a surgical procedure usually associated with less morbidity. METHODS: An observational, retrospective, analysis of patients diagnosed with any type of head and neck malignancy was designed to summarize and report the incidence of postoperative complications in patients undergoing FND including just those levels described for selective neck dissections in a tertiary university hospital between June 2016 and June 2019. RESULTS: 131 patients met the inclusion criteria. The total number of sides studied was 200. 40.5% of the patients suffer a complication in the postoperative period, being the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) injury the most common complication (10%). We did not find any statistical -correlation between the previous organ-preservation treatments and surgical complications (p = 0.207). An advanced T stage (p = 0.009) and the need of bilateral FND (p = 0.034) were significantly correlated with a higher risk of surgical complications. CONCLUSION: FND represents a useful technique. In this study, 40.5% of the patients suffer a complication in the postoperative period, being the SAN injury the most common complication. However, these data contribute to increasing our knowledge about surgical complications related to FND.

Monitorización intraoperatoria del nervio facial durante la cirugía de la glándula parótida en servicios de otorrinolaringología - cirugía de cabeza y cuello / Intraoperative monitoring of the facial nerve during parotid gland surgery in Otolaryngology services - Head and Neck Surgery

Introducción: La lesión del nervio facial continúa siendo la complicación más grave de la cirugía de la glándula parótida. Debido a la creciente evidencia sobre las ventajas del uso de la monitorización intraoperatoria del nervio facial, se distribuyó una encuesta entre los miembros de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello con el objetivo de determinar los patrones de uso en nuestro medio.Material y métodosSe distribuyó un cuestionario que incluía 12 preguntas separadas en 3 secciones en formato e-mail a través del correo oficial de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello. La primera sección de preguntas evaluaba las características demográficas, la segunda sección estaba relacionada con el patrón de uso de los sistemas de monitorización intraoperatoria del nervio facial y la tercera sección se refería a los litigios relacionados con la parálisis facial.ResultadosSe enviaron un total 1.544 cuestionarios anónimos. Recibimos un total de 255 encuestas, para una tasa de respuesta global del 16,5%. De estos, 233 (91,3%) realizaban cirugía de glándula parótida y 94% usaban monitorización intraoperatoria del nervio facial. Un 94% de los encuestado usaba la monitorización intraoperatoria del nervio facial si realizaba menos de 10 parotidectomías por año y un 93,8% si realizaban más de 10 parotidectomías por año (OR, 1,02; IC del 95%, 0,68-1,45; p=0,991).ConclusiónNuestros datos demuestran que la mayoría de los otorrinolaringólogos y cirujanos de cabeza y cuello en España están empleando la monitorización del nervio facial durante la cirugía de la glándula parótida. Casi todos coinciden en que esto busca mejorar las medidas de seguridad quirúrgica y consideran que la monitorización del nervio facial es útil para prevenir lesiones inadvertidas. (AU)

Introduction: Facial nerve injury remains the most severe complication of parotid gland surgery. Due to the increasing evidence about the advantage of the use of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring, a survey was distributed among members of the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery with the objective of determining patterns of its use.Material and methodsA questionnaire which included 12 separate questions in 3 sections was distributed via email through the official email of the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. The first section of questions was in relation to demographic characteristics, the second section was related to the pattern of monitoring use and the third section referred to litigation related to facial palsy.Results1544 anonymous questionnaires were emailed. 255 surveys were returned, giving an overall response rate of 16.5%. From these, 233 (91.3%) respondents perform parotid gland surgery. Two-hundred nineteen (94%) respondents use intraoperative facial nerve monitoring. Of the respondents,94% used intraoperative facial nerve monitoring if in their current practice they performed fewer than 10 parotidectomies per year and 93.8% if they performed more than 10 (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.68-1.45; p=.991). With regard to lawsuits, just 3 (1.2%) of the respondents had a history of a parotid gland surgery–associated lawsuit and in just one case the facial nerve monitor was not used.ConclusionOur data demonstrate that most otolaryngologists in Spain use intraoperative facial nerve monitoring during parotid gland surgery. Almost all of them use it to improve patient safety and consider that facial nerve monitoring should be helpful preventing inadvertent injury. (AU)

Pedicled Supraclavicular Artery Island Flap Versus Free Radial Forearm Flap: Perioperative Outcomes in Head and Neck Reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Radial forearm free flap (RFFF) and supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) are some of the most common fasciocutaneous flaps used for head and neck (H&N) reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of clinical data and outcomes of 31 consecutive patients who underwent H&N reconstruction using either SCAIF or RFFF over a three-year period, aiming to compare the surgical outcomes of the SCAIF and the RFFF in H&N reconstruction. RESULTS: Thirty-two flaps were performed in 31 patients (17 SCAIFs and 15 RFFFs). There was no difference in patient demographics between both groups. Hospital stay was longer in the SCAIF group (30.7 ± 18.2 days (min: 9/max: 60) versus 19.2 ± 15.8 days (min: 7/max: 72). Patients who underwent reconstruction with a SCAIF had shorter reconstructive procedure time; 74.4 min (min: 60/max: 93) versus 147.8 min (min: 140/max: 187). Overall morbidity was not significantly different (SCAIF 52.7% vs RFFF 39.9%, p = NS). Global flap survival was higher without statistical significance in the RFFF group (100%) versus the SCAIF group (70.7%). CONCLUSION: Despite the advantages related to the use of SCAIF like regarding the time spent in the reconstructive procedure. In our experience, the RFFF continues to be the most successful technique with similar perioperative outcomes and fewer complication rates. In this vein, both techniques can be reasonably used to reconstruct post-ablative H&N defects. However, in our experience, the use of SCAIF may lengthen hospital length of stay probably due to the augmented risk of flap failure.

Functional Results of Transverse Extended Incision in Cervical Neck Dissection.

Introduction Multiple incisions have been described for the surgical approach of cervical neck nodes. All of these descriptions are associated with better or worse exposure of the surgical field as well as with different functional and aesthetic results, which are not always satisfactory. Objective Compare the transverse cervical incision with the classic incision in J or U. Methods This is a retrospective study of 47 patients who required cervical neck dissection between June 15, 2016 and June 15, 2017.A transversal incision was made in these surgeries, and their results were then compared with those of a group of 57 patients treated between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2012, in whose cases an incision in J or U was made. Results Regarding the incision type, complications were present in 4 (8.5%) cases in the transversal incision group, and in 7 (12.2%) patients of the group of traditional incisions in J or U, without statistical differences ( p = 0.078). The only variables associated with complications of healing in the two groups was body mass index (BMI) < 18.5. The patients showed subjective satisfaction with the aesthetic result of the transverse incision, with an average of 7.51 vs 6.20 in the J or U incision. Conclusion The transverse incision represents a safe, aesthetic, and oncologically adequate option, associated with a lower cicatricial retraction rate, without significant complication rate and allowing adequate exposure of the surgical field, similar to the obtained with the classic incision in J or U.

Machine Learning Models for Predicting Facial Nerve Palsy in Parotid Gland Surgery for Benign Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing use of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring during parotid gland surgery (PGS) and the improvement in the preoperative radiological assessment, facial nerve injury (FNI) remains the most severe complication after PGS. Until now, no studies have been published regarding the application of machine learning (ML) for predicting FNI after PGS. We hypothesize that ML would improve the prediction of patients at risk. METHODS: Patients who underwent PGS for benign tumors between June 2010 and June 2019 were included. RESULTS: Regarding prediction accuracy and performance of each ML algorithm, the K-nearest neighbor and the random forest achieved the highest sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value F-score, receiver operating characteristic (ROC)-area under the ROC curve, and accuracy globally. The K-nearest neighbor algorithm achieved performance values above 0.9 for specificity, negative predictive value, F-score and ROC-area under the ROC curve, and the highest sensitivity and positive predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that ML prediction models can provide evidence-based predictions about the risk of FNI to otolaryngologists and patients. It is hoped that such algorithms, which use clinical, radiological, histological, and cytological information, can improve the information given to patients before surgery so that they can be better informed of any potential complications.

Functional Results of Transverse Extended Incision in Cervical Neck Dissection

Abstract Introduction Multiple incisions have been described for the surgical approach of cervical neck nodes. All of these descriptions are associated with better or worse exposure of the surgical field as well as with different functional and aesthetic results, which are not always satisfactory. Objective Compare the transverse cervical incision with the classic incision in J or U. Methods This is a retrospective study of 47 patients who required cervical neck dissection between June 15, 2016 and June 15, 2017.A transversal incision was made in these surgeries, and their results were then compared with those of a group of 57 patients treated between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2012, in whose cases an incision in J or U was made. Results Regarding the incision type, complications were present in 4 (8.5 %) cases in the transversal incision group, and in 7 (12.2 %) patients of the group of traditional incisions in J or U, without statistical differences (p = 0.078). The only variables associated with complications of healing in the two groups was body mass index (BMI) < 18.5. The patients showed subjective satisfaction with the aesthetic result of the transverse incision, with an average of 7.51 vs 6.20 in the J or U incision. Conclusion The transverse incision represents a safe, aesthetic, and oncologically adequate option, associated with a lower cicatricial retraction rate, without significant complication rate and allowing adequate exposure of the surgical field, similar to the obtained with the classic incision in J or U.

A Pilot Study to Assess the Sialendoscopy-Assisted Transfacial Approach in Parotid Gland Sialolithiasis.

INTRODUCTION: Twenty percent of the total lithiasis that affect a major salivary gland will be found in the parotid gland. An exclusive sialoendoscopic approach has achieved success rates close to 80%. In a significant percentage of these remaining cases, combined transfacial approaches assisted by sialendoscopy are presented as an option to be taken into account. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective analysis of cases treated by combined transfacial approach assisted by sialendoscopy for lithiasis of the parotid gland and the impact of the facial nerve stimulator used during surgery. RESULTS: Five patients were included; all of them operated satisfactorily. In 4 of them, the approach proposed by McGurk and modified by Capaccio was used, and in 1 of them, the approach proposed by Nahlieli was used. We suffered a complication in just case due to the appearance of postoperative sialocele. CONCLUSION: According to our results and those previously published, the transfacial approach assisted by sialendoscopy can be considered a useful technique. Proper planning ensures an optimal result in the treatment of parotid gland lithiasis. The use of facial nerve stimulator guarantees extra security when working near to a branch of the facial nerve is suspected.

Intraoperative Surgical Complications in Transoral Laser CO2 Microsurgery of the Larynx: An Observational, Prospective, Single-Center Study.

INTRODUCTION: Despite good outcomes of CO2 laser of the larynx, a lack of prospective data related to intraoperative complications in the indexed literature is evident. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, prospective, nonrandomized study. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria. The total rate of intraoperative complications was 14.8% (19/128). The rate of complications according to anatomical location was 7 (38.8%) of 18 for supraglottic tumors and 11 (10.3%) of 107 for glottic tumors, and 1 (33.3%) of 3 for subglottic tumors (P = .001). We do not found difference in complications according to severity (minor vs major complication). CONCLUSION: Previous studies reported good oncologic outcomes and low complication rates with CO2 transoral laser microsurgery (TOLMS) compared to traditional open surgery. However, it is important to consider the different intraoperative surgical, major and minor complications related to CO2 TOLMS and discuss this with our patients during the preoperative assessment, especially in those patients who need a supraglottic tumor resection.

Intraoperative monitoring of the facial nerve during parotid gland surgery in Otolaryngology services - Head and Neck Surgery. / Monitorización intraoperatoria del nervio facial durante la cirugía de la glándula parótida en servicios de otorrinolaringología - cirugía de cabeza y cuello.

INTRODUCTION: Facial nerve injury remains the most severe complication of parotid gland surgery. Due to the increasing evidence about the advantage of the use of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring, a survey was distributed among members of the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery with the objective of determining patterns of its use. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire which included 12 separate questions in 3 sections was distributed via email through the official email of the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. The first section of questions was in relation to demographic characteristics, the second section was related to the pattern of monitoring use and the third section referred to litigation related to facial palsy. RESULTS: 1544 anonymous questionnaires were emailed. 255 surveys were returned, giving an overall response rate of 16.5%. From these, 233 (91.3%) respondents perform parotid gland surgery. Two-hundred nineteen (94%) respondents use intraoperative facial nerve monitoring. Of the respondents,94% used intraoperative facial nerve monitoring if in their current practice they performed fewer than 10 parotidectomies per year and 93.8% if they performed more than 10 (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.68-1.45; p=.991). With regard to lawsuits, just 3 (1.2%) of the respondents had a history of a parotid gland surgery-associated lawsuit and in just one case the facial nerve monitor was not used. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that most otolaryngologists in Spain use intraoperative facial nerve monitoring during parotid gland surgery. Almost all of them use it to improve patient safety and consider that facial nerve monitoring should be helpful preventing inadvertent injury.

Sialendoscopy-assisted transoral approach for parotid gland lithiasis.

INTRODUCTION: Although lithiasis represents more than 60% of all cases of salivary gland obstruction, only 20% occurs in the Stensen´s duct. Nonetheless, the potential complications related to parotid gland surgery due to facial nerve injury, makes the development of minimally invasive techniques highly relevant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pilot study was conducted to assess results of patients treated by sialendoscopy-assisted trans-oral approach to treat Stensen´s duct lithiasis. RESULTS: Eight patients were included; all of them operated satisfactorily. Six of them were male, and 2 were female. The mean size of the stones was 9.6 mm (Min: 6 mm/Max: 16 mm). Regarding to lithiasis location: it was anterior to the masseter line in the distal third of the Stensen's duct in seven patients and in another patient was immediately below the buccinator muscle. During the follow-up, all patients presented a healthy functioning of the gland after the compressive massage. Regarding complications, one patient presented a Stensen's duct stenosis, which required reintervention. CONCLUSION: The transoral Stensen´s duct approach represents a safe technique for lithiasis bigger than 3 mm in the distal portion of the Stensen´s duct, anterior to the Masseter Muscle line and when other minimal invasive techniques fail.

Transoral Carbon Dioxide Microsurgery of the Larynx as a Day-Case Outpatient Procedure: An Observational, Retrospective, Single-Center Study.

INTRODUCTION: Despite good results of transoral laser CO2 microsurgery (CO2TOLMS) of the larynx, a lack of data related to the safety of this technique as a day-case procedure across the literature is evident. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, retrospective, non-randomized study. RESULTS: One hundred four (62.6%) patients met the inclusion criteria, 96 (92.3%) patients were male, and 8 (7.7%) patients were female. The mean age of the study group was 66 ± 11 years (min: 34/max: 90). All the patients underwent CO2TOLMS were treated as an outpatient procedure. The glottis was the most common location affecting 97 (93.3%) patients, regarding the need of readmission, just 4 (3.8%) patients needed to be readmitted after surgery due to dyspnea secondary to laryngeal edema in 2 cases by laryngeal bleeding, and cervical emphysema in one case, respectively. Being just necessary to reintubate 1 patient (<1%) to control the bleeding. We didn't find any statistical correlation between variables and the need for readmission of reintubation. CONCLUSION: According to our results, CO2TOLMS of the larynx can be safely performed as an outpatient procedure. To establish a proper protocol and to perform a careful preoperative assessment are essential to increase our success rate and to prevent any potential complication.

Artificial Neural Network as a Tool to Predict Facial Nerve Palsy in Parotid Gland Surgery for Benign Tumors.

(1) Background: Despite the increasing use of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring during parotid gland surgery or the improvement in the preoperative radiological assessment, facial nerve injury (FNI) continues to be the most feared complication; (2) Methods: patients who underwent parotid gland surgery for benign tumors between June 2010 and June 2019 were included in this study aiming to make a proof of concept about the reliability of an artificial neural networks (AAN) algorithm for prediction of FNI and compared with a multivariate linear regression (MLR); (3) Results: Concerning prediction accuracy and performance, the ANN achieved the highest sensitivity (86.53% vs 46.23%), specificity (95.67% vs 92.59%), PPV (87.28% vs 66.94%), NPV (95.68% vs 83.37%), ROC-AUC (0.960 vs 0.769) and accuracy (93.42 vs 80.42) than MLR; and (4) Conclusions: ANN prediction models can be useful for otolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons-and patients to provide evidence-based predictions about the risk of FNI. As an advantage, the possibility to develop a calculator using clinical, radiological and histological or cytological information can improve our ability to generate patients counselling before surgery.

Reconstrucción mediante colgajos basados en el sistema de la arteria facial. Un sistema vascular para múltiples usos en cirugía reconstructiva de cabeza y cuello / Reconstruction using facial artery system-based flaps. One vascular system for multiple purposes in head and neck reconstructive surgery

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo del siguiente trabajo es la revisión de las modificaciones y avances en cirugía reconstructiva de tejidos blandos de la cavidad oral basándonos exclusivamente en los principales colgajos que dependen de arterias nominadas del sistema de la arteria facial. MÉTODOS: Revisión de la literatura y la experiencia propia respecto a reconstrucciones de cavidad oral basadas en colgajos del sistema de la arteria facial. DISCUSIÓN: La reconstrucción de la cavidad oral basada en colgajos dependientes del sistema de la arteria facial ofrece resultados satisfactorios y permite realizar reconstrucciones limitadas evitando la utilización de colgajos pediculados regionales o de colgajos libres. CONCLUSIONES: El conocimiento de las opciones reconstructivas utilizando el sistema de la arteria facial en cirugía de la cavidad oral permitirá a los cirujanos de cabeza y cuello ampliar las opciones de reconstrucción, adaptar de forma efectiva las reconstrucciones a los defectos quirúrgicos, permitiendo un abordaje de alta calidad, seguro y con menor consumo de recursos

INTRODUCTION: to review the modifications and advances in reconstructive surgery of the soft tissues of the oral cavity exclusively based on flaps that depend on the facial artery system. METHODS: review of the literature regarding oral cavity reconstructions based on main facial artery system flaps. DISCUSSION: The reconstruction of the soft tissues of the oral cavity, based on facial artery system flaps, offers satisfactory results and allows limited reconstructions avoiding the use of pedicled regional flaps or free flaps. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of reconstructive options using the facial artery system in oral cavity surgery allows expanding reconstructive options for head and neck surgeons, enabling safe, high quality and effective reconstructions, with limited resources consumption

Reconstruction using facial artery system-based flaps. One vascular system for multiple purposes in head and neck reconstructive surgery. / Reconstrucción mediante colgajos basados en el sistema de la arteria facial. Un sistema vascular para múltiples usos en cirugía reconstructiva de cabeza y cuello.

INTRODUCTION: to review the modifications and advances in reconstructive surgery of the soft tissues of the oral cavity exclusively based on flaps that depend on the facial artery system. METHODS: review of the literature regarding oral cavity reconstructions based on main facial artery system flaps. DISCUSSION: The reconstruction of the soft tissues of the oral cavity, based on facial artery system flaps, offers satisfactory results and allows limited reconstructions avoiding the use of pedicled regional flaps or free flaps. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of reconstructive options using the facial artery system in oral cavity surgery allows expanding reconstructive options for head and neck surgeons, enabling safe, high quality and effective reconstructions, with limited resources consumption.

Porcine experimental model for gracilis free flap transfer to the head and neck area with novel donor site description.

INTRODUCTION: Functional free tissue transfer in the form of muscle free flap is a challenging surgical procedure and needs a steep learning curve. A porcine model for free muscle transfer and insetting in a distant area is of great interest in reconstructive microsurgery due to the experience and learning curve necessary to perform these surgeries. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a swine model for gracilis muscle free transfer and to describe the donor site anatomy. METHODS: Ten gracilis free flap transfer surgery models were performed under general anesthesia in a porcine model, based on a vascular pedicle depending of the external iliac vessels and a branch of the obturator nerve with microsuture mediated connection to head and neck nerves and vessels. RESULTS: The gracilis myocutaneous or muscle-only free flap was successfully transferred in all cases using as receptors the vagus nerve, the common carotid artery, and the external or internal jugular veins. In two cases, nervous connection had to be redone. All vascular anastomoses were correctly functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the anatomical and design variations, porcine gracilis free flap transferred to the head and neck area with microvascular anastomosis and nerve connection provides a suitable training model for functional reconstructive microsurgery.

Sialolitectomía transoral combinada con sialoendoscopia versus submaxilectomía abierta para el manejo de litiasis hiliares de la glándula submaxilar / Transoral sialolitectomy combined with sialoendoscopy versus open submaxilectomy for the management of hilar lithiasis of the submandibular gland

Introducción: El tratamiento de la enfermedad obstructiva salival mediante técnicas mínimamente invasivas ha sido objeto de valoración por diferentes estudios desde hace décadas. Las litiasis a nivel del conducto salival serán la causa más frecuente de obstrucción, representando más del 50% de la enfermedad de las glándulas salivales mayores afectando hasta en un 80% de casos al conducto de Wharton. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo, comparando los resultados de las técnicas de sialolitectomía transoral combinada (STC) y submaxilectomía abierta mediante cervicotomía en 2 grupos de pacientes tratados por cálculos a nivel del hilio de la glándula submaxilar. Resultados: Veintidós pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio, 16 (72,7%) eran hombres y 6 (27,3%) eran mujeres, la edad promedio fue de 54,41 años ± 12,75 (mín: 30/máx: 77). En cuanto a las variables asociadas a la enfermedad: promedio de litiasis, tamaño medio de la litiasis, tiempo medio de estancia, alteración del nervio lingual o complicaciones para ambas técnicas, no se encontraron diferencias para ambos grupos. Existiendo solo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la estancia promedio a favor de la STA (p = 0,001). Conclusión: Los abordajes mínimamente invasivos al sistema ductal salival, asociados o no a sialoendoscopia, han demostrado una eficacia contrastada y un menor número de complicaciones en su variante submaxilar transoral. La tendencia natural debería ir dirigida a sustituir paulatinamente las técnicas de sialoadenectomía abierta, reservando su indicación para el tratamiento de enfermedad tumoral

Introduction: The treatment of salivary obstructive pathology by minimally invasive techniques has been an object of assessment by different studies for decades. Lithiasis at the level of the salivary duct will be the most frequent cause of obstruction, representing more than 50% of the pathology of the major salivary glands and almost 80% of these affecting the Wharton duct. Material and methods: A prospective study comparing the results of combined transoral sialolitectomy (CTS) and open submaxillectomy techniques by cervicotomy in 2 groups of patients treated by lithiasis at the level of the hilum of the submaxillary gland. Results: 22 patients were included in the study 16 (72.7%) were men and 6 (27.3%) were women, the average age was 54.41 years ± 12.75 (Min: 30/Max: 77). Regarding the variables associated with the disease: average lithiasis, size of the stone, hospital stay, lingual nerve alteration or complications for both techniques, differences were not found between both groups. There were only statistically significant differences in the average stay in favor of the CTS (P=.001). Conclusion: The minimally invasive approaches to the salivary ductal system, associated or not with sialoendoscopy, can be efficacy and can be associated with lower number of complications. The natural tendency should be aimed to gradually replacing open sialoadenectomy techniques, reserving its indication for the treatment of tumor pathology

Radiomics and Texture Analysis in Laryngeal Cancer. Looking for New Frontiers in Precision Medicine through Imaging Analysis.

Radiomics and texture analysis represent a new option in our biomarkers arsenal. These techniques extract a large number of quantitative features, analyzing their properties to incorporate them in clinical decision-making. Laryngeal cancer represents one of the most frequent cancers in the head and neck area. We hypothesized that radiomics features can be included as a laryngeal cancer precision medicine tool, as it is able to non-invasively characterize the overall tumor accounting for heterogeneity, being a prognostic and/or predictive biomarker derived from routine, standard of care, imaging data, and providing support during the follow up of the patient, in some cases avoiding the need for biopsies. The larynx represents a unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians due to its complex tridimensional anatomical structure. Its complex regional and functional anatomy makes it necessary to enhance our diagnostic tools in order to improve decision-making protocols, aimed at better survival and functional results. For this reason, this technique can be an option for monitoring the evolution of the disease, especially in surgical and non-surgical organ preservation treatments. This concise review article will explain basic concepts about radiomics and discuss recent progress and results related to laryngeal cancer.

CO2 Transoral Laser Microsurgery in Benign, Premalignant and Malignant (Tis, T1, T2) Lesion of the Glottis. A Literature Review.

Carbon Dioxide transoral laser microsurgery represents a reliable option for the treatment of early glottic carcinoma (Tis-T2), with good functional and oncological outcomes, nowadays representing one of the main options in larynx preservation protocols. The development and improvement of laser devices means surgeons are able to use more precise instruments compared with classic cold dissection in laser-assisted phonosurgery. Secondary effects on voice, swallowing, or quality of life as well as complications have been well documented. Also, with the introduction of a new proposal for staging systems following the principle of the three-dimensional map of isoprognostic zones, the use of narrow-band imaging in clinical evaluation and intraoperative, and the implementation of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance during preoperative evaluation, the development of new tools to improve surgical quality and preliminary reports regarding the use of carbon dioxide laser in transoral robotic surgery suggests an exciting future for this technique.

Transoral Sialolitectomy as an Alternative to Submaxilectomy in the Treatment of Submaxillary Sialolithiasis.

INTRODUCTION: Sialolithiasis is the most common pathology in the submaxillary gland. The introduction of minimally invasive techniques isolated or associated with sialoendoscopy is replacing glandular resection as a treatment. The conservation of the gland is justified by the recovery of function and a low recurrence rate. The rate of complications is lower in conservative techniques than in submandibular gland resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients with fixed stones in the hilum of the submaxillary gland were treated by transoral sialolitectomy between July 2015 and July 2018, demographic data of the patients such as the number of stones, size, time of hospital stay, complications, pre- and postoperative lingual nerve function, and lithiasis recurrence were collected. RESULTS: The average volume of the stones was 1.02 cm. Complete removal of the stone was possible in 32 patients. All the patients were operated in the outpatient clinic. Seven (21%) patients reported some degree of alteration of the lingual nerve function, of which the only one presented a persistence of more than 4 weeks due to an inadvertent injury that required a microsurgical anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: Transoral sialolitectomy is a reproducible technique with good results and lower complication rates than submandibular gland resection. Our results in the first 33 cases encourage us to maintain the combined techniques as standard in the treatment of submaxillary sialolithiasis. Current experience guides the definitive substitution of submandibular gland resection by conservative techniques in obstructive pathology.