Functional Outcomes After Transoral Plus Lateral Pharyngotomy Approach for Advanced Oral and Oropharyngeal Tumors.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate our institutional experience with the combined transoral plus lateral pharyngotomy (TO+LP) approach in a subset of patients with advanced or recurrent oral and oropharyngeal malignancy. Study Design: A retrospective study of procedures utilizing TO+LP for cancer resection between January 2007 and July 2019. Setting: Tertiary academic medical center. Methods: Thirty-one patients underwent a TO+LP approach for the resection of oral and oropharyngeal tumors. Functional and oncologic outcomes were analyzed. Results: Eighteen (58.1%) patients were treated with TO+LP for recurrent disease. Twenty-nine required free tissue transfer and 2 (6.5%) had positive margins. The median time to decannulation was 22 days (range 6-100 days). Thirteen (41.9%) patients still required enteral feeding at their most recent follow-up. Patients without a history of prior radiation were decannulated sooner (p = .009) and were less likely to require enteral feeding at the first postoperative follow-up (p = .034) than those who had prior head and neck radiotherapy. Conclusion: A TO+LP approach can be used to achieve good functional and oncologic results for selected patients with advanced or recurrent oral and oropharyngeal cancer when minimally invasive options such as transoral robotic surgery, transoral laser microsurgery, or radiotherapy are not possible.

Current perspectives on recurrent HPV-mediated oropharyngeal cancer.

In the recent years, the prevalence of HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has increased significantly. Currently, nearly 80-90% of all oropharynx tumors are HPV-positive. In addition, it is now recognized that HPV-positive tumor status is associated with good prognosis and improved response to chemoradiation. However, within this setting, there are still patients with HPV-positive OPSCC who will experience recurrence. With the increasing incidence of HPV-mediated OPSCC, recurrent HPV disease is also becoming more prevalent and there is an increasing need to understand the unique presentation and treatment of recurrent HPV-mediated disease. In this review, we will discuss epidemiology of recurrent HPV-positive OPSCC, role of surgical salvage, re-irradiation, and the role of upcoming novel treatments and immunotherapy. Historically, recurrent oropharyngeal disease has been associated with poor prognosis and high morbidity. However, recent advances have transformed the landscape for salvage treatment of HPV-mediated OPSCC. Liquid biomarkers offer potential for early detection of recurrence, robotic techniques may reduce morbidity of surgical salvage, improvements in re-irradiation approaches reduce toxicities, and novel immune based therapies on the horizon are offering promising results. These advances combined with the improved prognosis of HPV-positive disease offer to transform our approach to recurrent disease of the oropharynx.

Perineal reconstruction supplemented by abdominal advancement following recurrent penile cancer: Two cases.

Reconstruction after excision of locoregionally recurrent penile cancer can be a surgical challenge. In this short study, we present two cases of perineal reconstruction using bilateral gracilis flaps supplemented by abdominal advancement for salvage of recurrent penile cancer, reviewing relevant literature and outlining our local approach to the perineum.

Comparison of Outcomes of Hybrid and Surgical Correction for De Novo Arteriovenous Graft Occlusion.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare surgical revisions and balloon angioplasty after surgical thrombectomy on thrombosed dialysis access as a first event. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of patients undergoing creation of arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) at the Gachon University Gil Medical Center between March 2008 and February 2016 were reviewed. Among them, patients who underwent treatment on first-time thrombotic occlusion after AVG creation were identified. Outcomes were primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency. The patency was generated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and patency rates were compared by log-rank test. RESULTS: A total of 59 de novo interventions (n=26, hybrid interventions; n=33, surgical revisions) for occlusive AVGs were identified. The estimated 1-year primary patency rates were 47% and 30% in the surgery and hybrid groups, respectively. The estimated primary patency rates were not different between the two groups (log-rank test, P=0.73). The Kaplan-Meier estimates of 6 and 12 months for primary-assisted patency rates were 68% and 57% in the surgery group and 56% and 56% in the hybrid group. The Kaplan-Meier estimates of 12 and 24 months secondary patency rates were 90% and 71% in the surgery group and 79% and 62% in the hybrid group. There were no differences in the estimated primary-assisted and secondary patency rates between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our results showed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of primary patency (P=0.73), primary-assisted patency (P=0.85), and secondary patency (P=0.78). However, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty can give more therapeutic options for both surgeons and patients.

Comparison of Outcomes of Hybrid and Surgical Correction for De Novo Arteriovenous Graft Occlusion

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare surgical revisions and balloon angioplasty after surgical thrombectomy on thrombosed dialysis access as a first event. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of patients undergoing creation of arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) at the Gachon University Gil Medical Center between March 2008 and February 2016 were reviewed. Among them, patients who underwent treatment on first-time thrombotic occlusion after AVG creation were identified. Outcomes were primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency. The patency was generated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and patency rates were compared by log-rank test. RESULTS: A total of 59 de novo interventions (n=26, hybrid interventions; n=33, surgical revisions) for occlusive AVGs were identified. The estimated 1-year primary patency rates were 47% and 30% in the surgery and hybrid groups, respectively. The estimated primary patency rates were not different between the two groups (log-rank test, P=0.73). The Kaplan-Meier estimates of 6 and 12 months for primary-assisted patency rates were 68% and 57% in the surgery group and 56% and 56% in the hybrid group. The Kaplan-Meier estimates of 12 and 24 months secondary patency rates were 90% and 71% in the surgery group and 79% and 62% in the hybrid group. There were no differences in the estimated primary-assisted and secondary patency rates between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our results showed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of primary patency (P=0.73), primary-assisted patency (P=0.85), and secondary patency (P=0.78). However, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty can give more therapeutic options for both surgeons and patients.

Capecitabine after Surgical Salvage in Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck.

Due to the high incidence of recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and the toxicity profile of current salvage regimens, there is a need for tolerable and effective treatment options. We performed a retrospective matched case series to report our experience with recurrent high-risk patients who received capecitabine (CAP) therapy in the adjuvant setting after salvage therapy. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rates for the CAP and control cohorts were 54% (95% CI, 0.27%-0.75%) and 27% (95% CI, 0.09%-0.50%), respectively. Multivariable Cox modeling showed a significant improvement in recurrence-free survival in the CAP cohort (hazard ratio, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.04-0.92; P = .0392). While this was a respective analysis that could not control for all variables, these exploratory findings offer insights that may inform a prospective study to determine CAP efficacy.

Patterns of failure after reirradiation with intensity-modulated radiation therapy and the competing risk of out-of-field recurrences.

PURPOSE: To describe patterns of failure (POF) after reirradiation (reRT) with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for recurrent/second primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. METHODS: From 08/2004-02/2013, 75 consecutive patients received reRT with IMRT. Gross tumor was generally treated with a 5mm planning target volume (PTV) margin. For postoperative cases, a 5mm PTV was added to the clinical target volume which included the postoperative bed. Elective neck coverage was not standard. POF were characterized by correlating the recurrent tumor location on CT-imaging with the reRT IMRT plan. RESULTS: Patients received definitive reRT (55%) or postoperative reRT (45%) to a median 60Gy (range, 59.4-70Gy). Most patients (88%) received concurrent chemotherapy including induction (16%). The median overall survival was 1.8years. Isolated local-regional recurrence (LRR) was the most common failure-type (2-year cumulative incidence [CI] 22.5% [95% C.I. 13.6-32.7%]), but concurrent LRR and distant-failure occurred frequently (2-year CI LRR+distant-failure 19.6% [95% C.I. 11.3-29.5%]); isolated distant-failure was rare (2-year CI 5.7% [95% C.I. 1.8-12.8%]). The 2-year in-field control was 65% (95% C.I. 52-81%) reflecting encouraging control within the irradiated target. Patients with gross disease were more likely to recur in-field (p=0.02), whereas postoperative patients were more likely to recur out-of-field/marginally than in-field (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: POF after reRT differ when treating gross disease or postoperatively and should be considered when delineating reRT targets. Aggressive local therapy resulted in favorable in-field control, yet there remains a high competing risk of regional and distant micrometastatic disease. Better systemic agents are needed to control clinically occult local-regional and distant disease.

Outcomes after surgical salvage for recurrent oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Compare human papillomavirus (HPV) status and outcomes in patients undergoing salvage surgical resection for a recurrent oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). METHODS: Case series with chart review (2005-2013). RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients were identified who underwent salvage surgical resection for a recurrent OPSCC after primary radiation therapy. There was no difference in the incidence of HPV negative (52%; n=36) and HPV positive (48%; n=33) tumors. The mean time from completion of radiation therapy to salvage surgery was 2.4years. At the time of salvage operation, there was no correlation with HPV status, as assessed by p16 immunohistochemistry, and lymph node metastases (p=0.21), T classification (p=0.22), tracheostomy dependence (p=0.59), gastrostomy tube dependence (p=0.82), or duration from radiation therapy (p=0.63). The majority of patients were either current or former tobacco users (75%) and of the HPV positive patients, 66% were tobacco users. Development of a new recurrence after salvage surgical resection occurred in 33% of patients (n=26), with a higher incidence in patients with HPV negative disease (52%, n=17/33; p=0.05). The overall 2- and 5-year survival rates were 0.47 and 0.23. There was no difference in overall survival rates when stratified by HPV status or tobacco use. Decreased overall 5-year survival rates did correlate with cervical lymph node metastases (p=0.01), advanced tumor stage (p=0.04) and dependence on gastrostomy tube postoperatively (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This study found cervical lymph node metastases, clinical stage, and dependence on gastrostomy tube for nutrition to have the greatest impact on overall survival for patients with recurrent OPSCC.

Current management strategy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is an unique head and neck cancer. It is common among the southern Chinese and is closely associated with the Epstein Barr virus (EBV). To diagnose the disease in its early stage is infrequent as the symptoms are usually trivial and patients only present in late stages. Testing the blood for elevated EBV DNA has now become a screening test for the high risk group of patients, aiming to diagnose the disease in its early stages. Imaging studies, positron emission tomography scans in addition to clinical examination provide information on the extent of the disease. The confirmation of the disease still depends on endoscopic examination and biopsy. Radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy has been the primary treatment modality. The application of intensity modulated radiotherapy and the use of concomitant chemoradiation have improved the control of nasopharyngeal carcinoma together with the reduction of long term side effects. The early detection of residual or recurrence tumor in the neck or at the primary site has allowed delivery of salvage treatment. The choice of the optimal surgical salvage, either for neck disease or primary tumor depends on the extent of the residual or recurrent disease. The outcome of these patients have improved with the application of the appropriate surgical salvage.

Current Management Strategy of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is an unique head and neck cancer. It is common among the southern Chinese and is closely associated with the Epstein Barr virus (EBV). To diagnose the disease in its early stage is infrequent as the symptoms are usually trivial and patients only present in late stages. Testing the blood for elevated EBV DNA has now become a screening test for the high risk group of patients, aiming to diagnose the disease in its early stages. Imaging studies, positron emission tomography scans in addition to clinical examination provide information on the extent of the disease. The confirmation of the disease still depends on endoscopic examination and biopsy. Radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy has been the primary treatment modality. The application of intensity modulated radiotherapy and the use of concomitant chemoradiation have improved the control of nasopharyngeal carcinoma together with the reduction of long term side effects. The early detection of residual or recurrence tumor in the neck or at the primary site has allowed delivery of salvage treatment. The choice of the optimal surgical salvage, either for neck disease or primary tumor depends on the extent of the residual or recurrent disease. The outcome of these patients have improved with the application of the appropriate surgical salvage.

Surgical Revision and Early Cannulation of the Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients: An Effective Technique.

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) dysfunction is a common problem in hemodialysis patients. After surgical revision for malfunction, we used AVFs early to avoid complications associated with central venous catheters. In this study, we report experience with surgical revisions of native AVFs with suspected arterial dysfunction as the cause of inadequate arterial inflow for dialysis. Exclusion criteria were presence of a central venous catheter as a hemodialysis access, and clinical or radiologic evidence of stenosis or thrombosis of the distal venous segment of the AVF. We prospectively studied 50 patients (mean age 60.2 ± 10.5 years, 25 men and 25 women) with 59 revisions. The patients were followed until change in the modality of dialysis, transplant, or death. The types of AVFs revised were left wrist radiocephalic in 27 patients (54%), left forearm radiocephalic in 10 (20%), right wrist radiocephalic in 6 (12%), left antecubital brachiocephalic in 3 (6%), right antecubital brachiocephalic in 2 (4%), and right forearm radiocephalic in 2 (4%). The causes of inadequate arterial flow were juxta-anastomotic thrombosis in 20 patients (40%), inadequate arterial anastomotic flow in 16 (32%), inadequate anastomosis in 7 (14%), and juxta-anastomotic venous stenosis in 7 (14%). The primary surgical revision techniques were proximal neo-anastomosis using the semiarterialized vein in 43 patients (86%), thrombectomy and re-anastomosis in 5 (10%), and resection and repair in 2 (4%). Technical success, defined as successful cannulation of the revised AVF for hemodialysis and avoidance of central venous catheter, was achieved in 44 of 50 patients (88%). Technical failure occurred 6 cases, the causes being inadequate arterial flow in 3 patients, failure to cannulate the veins in 2 patients, and steal syndrome in 1 patient. After primary revisions failed, 9 re-revisions were done in 6 patients. The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year primary and overall patency rates were 76.2%, 67.6%, 65.0%, and 85.7%, 75.7%, 65.0%, respectively. In conclusion, surgical salvage of the AVF with inadequate arterial flow is an effective approach that can be performed as an outpatient procedure and allows early cannulation of the semi-arterialized veins, thus avoiding the use of central venous catheters.