99mTc-Tilmanocept vs. Sulfur Colloid for Sentinel Node Biopsy for Melanoma in the Head and Neck.

The objective of the study is to compare sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification rates and performance characteristics of lymphoscintigraphy using 99mTc-sulfur colloid (SC) and 99mTc-tilmanocept (TL) for head and neck cutaneous melanoma. This study is a retrospective study, conducted at a single, tertiary care cancer center. Patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for head and neck cutaneous melanoma, using SC or TL, between October 2014 and February 2019. Differences in SLN identification rates and performance characteristics between the groups were examined using the Mann-Whitney, or Fisher's exact test. Sixty patients underwent SLNB, of which 19 employed TL. There were no significant differences between SC vs. TL in operative duration (116 vs. 127 min, P = 0.97), radiation dose (530 vs. 547 µCi, P = 0.27), median number of SLNs removed (3 vs. 2, P = 0.32), or median follow-up (46.3 vs. 38.4 months, P = 0.11). The rates of positive SLNs (17% vs. 37%, P = 0.11), intraoperative non-localization (12% vs. 16%, P = 0.70), and false-negative SLNB (5% each, P = 1.00) were not significantly different between groups. In patients with head and neck melanoma undergoing SLNB, 99mTc-tilmanocept may not differ from 99mTc-sulfur colloid in identifying SLNs or other performance characteristics. The added expense related to 99mTc-tilmanocept and lack of favorable performance data should urge caution in its adoption and promote further examination of its value in similar patient cohorts.

Association of multimodal analgesia with perioperative safety and opioid use following head and neck microvascular reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: This study examines the association of multimodal analgesia (MMA) protocol for head and neck microvascular reconstruction with postoperative safety and opioid use. METHODS: Retrospective, intention-to-treat analysis of 226 patients undergoing head and neck microvascular reconstruction between January 1, 2014 and August 30, 2018 at a tertiary-care hospital following MMA protocol implementation. Multivariable models examined outcomes of interest. RESULTS: There were no differences between groups in frequency of bleeding, return to operating room, complete flap loss, readmissions, wound complications, and 30-day mortality. Patients in MMA protocol experienced reduced likelihood of partial flap loss (OR 0.18, confidence interval 0.04-0.91), meaningful reduction in postoperative opioid use (cumulative inpatient morphine equivalents [64 vs 141 mg; P < .001], daily morphine equivalents [8 vs 22 mg/d; P < .001]; and 22.5% lower frequency of opioid prescription at discharge [55.6% vs 78.1%; P = .001]). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing head and neck microvascular reconstruction, MMA is safe and associated with reduced postoperative opioid use.

Analysis of Patients Diagnosed with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and the Corresponding Incidence and Patterns of Electric Toothbrush Use.

Objective To investigate whether mechanical vibrational energy from using an electric toothbrush may cause an increase in the incidence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and prevent successful treatment of BPPV with canalith repositioning procedure. Methods This was a retrospective study conducted at an otolaryngology private practice. A survey of 111 patients who were diagnosed with BPPV in an otolaryngology practice between May 2012 and January 2017 was conducted using a questionnaire that included questions regarding demographics, inner ear pathology, treatment method, and use of an electric toothbrush. The results were recorded and compared using a chi-square test of analysis or Fisher's exact test. Results Overall, 47 (42.3%) of the 111 BPPV patients used an electric toothbrush, whereas 64 of the 111 (57.6%) patients did not. Six (12.7%) of the 47 patients experienced dizziness with electric toothbrush use. Of the 47 patients using an electric toothbrush, 33 (70.2%) had a resolution of symptoms after Epley treatment, whereas 14 (23.4%) of 47 patients did not. Of the 64 patients who did not use an electric toothbrush, 15 (23.4%) did not have resolution after Epley treatment. Of the 47 patients using an electric toothbrush, 6 (12.8%) had a recurrence of BPPV diagnosed in the office, whereas 41 (82.2%) did not. Seven (10.9%) of those who did not use an electric toothbrush had a recurrence of BPPV, whereas 57 (89.1%) of the 64 patients did not. These results were not statistically significant (p = 0.77). Conclusions This study suggests that the mechanical vibrations from electric toothbrush use do not have an association with recurrent BPPV. The results align with some publications demonstrating that vibrations in the head and neck area from the use of an electric toothbrush can initiate dizziness; however, it does not appear that this modality of vibration is significant for inducing recurrent BPPV.

Incidental mastoid effusion diagnosed on imaging: Are we doing right by our patients?

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To investigate whether radiologist-produced imaging reports containing the terms mastoiditis or mastoid opacification clinically correlate with physical examination findings of mastoiditis. Additionally, to investigate whether and how often otolaryngology was unnecessarily consulted and inappropriate antibiotic therapy was initiated. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review within a large community hospital setting. METHODS: A retrospective review of 160 patients who had imaging tests performed for nonotolaryngology indications from January 2011 to March 2017 at our facility. Indications, patient demographics, otolaryngology consultations, and new antibiotics started were recorded. Physical examinations were documented. RESULTS: Physical examination revealed that only 14 of 160 patients (8.8%) had clinical evidence of otologic disease. However, of the 160 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 18 (11.3%) received an otolaryngology consultation, and 18 (11.3%) had antibiotics started. Eleven of the 18 patients in each group (61.1%) had a normal physical examination, two (11.1%) had serous otitis media, one (5.6%) had chronic otitis media, and four (22.2%) had acute otitis media. No patients were found to have clinical mastoiditis. χ2 analysis revealed no significance in the radiologic diagnosis of mastoiditis versus mastoid opacification in relation to physicians requesting otolaryngology consultations (P = .241) or starting patients on antibiotics (P = .951). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the prevalence of incidental but clinically insignificant opacification of the mastoid cavity. We believe that nonotolaryngology physicians are, overall, competent to correlate such radiologic findings clinically and to prevent unnecessary consultations and inappropriate treatment, which add significant costs to our overstretched healthcare system. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:852-857, 2019.

Visualized ethmoid roof cerebrospinal fluid leak during frontal balloon sinuplasty.

Balloon sinus dilation (BSD) is generally accepted as a safe alternative to traditional sinus surgery. It is a unique technique designed to potentially minimize complications associated with traditional functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). We present a case in which a 65-year-old man experienced a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in the ethmoid roof that was visualized instantly after balloon dilation in a revision sinus surgery. In this case report, we discuss the causes of CSF leaks and explain in detail the immediate endoscopic repair with a collagen matrix. Also, literature is reviewed on the safety of BSD versus traditional FESS. Postoperatively, the patient has been without CSF leak and remains symptom free. CSF leak is a rare but major complication during both FESS and BSD. As BSD use increases, its complication profile will become clearer when used alone, in conjunction with FESS, and/or during revision surgery. Although BSD is considered a benign procedure, one should be cautious when using it in revision sinus surgery.

Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Reconstruction for Revision Parathyroidectomy.

A 57-year-old man presented with persistent hyperparathyroidism following primary parathyroidectomy. A four-dimensional computed tomography scan with three-dimensional reconstruction showed two parathyroid glands (one right and one left) and anatomic variation from previous surgery. Revision surgery was performed revealing the parathyroid glands as expected from the preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction. After surgery, the patient recovered well, and preoperative symptoms resolved. The use of three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction provided accurate localization of the parathyroid glands and surrounding anatomic structures. This resulted in decreased preoperative planning cost, operative time, and estimated blood loss typical for patients who have multiple preoperative imaging studies.