Understanding the Relationship Between Facial Nerve Branch Sacrifice and Selective Neurectomy Outcome.

Introduction: While there is great interest in selective neurectomy (SN) for patients with synkinesis, outcomes can be inconsistent. Objective: To examine the relationships between intraoperative facial nerve branch transection and both postoperative outcome and functional deficits. Methods: SN cases, with minimal follow-up of 4 months, were retrospectively identified between 2019 and 2021; outcome was assessed using FaCE instrument, eFACE and Emotrics. Correlations between intraoperative facial nerve branch preservation or transection, and functional outcome and new functional deficits were examined. Results: Fifty-six cases were performed: 88% were females, and median age was 53 years (range 11-81). Mean follow-up was 19.5 months (range 4-42). Oral commissure excursion improved in patients where all smile branches were preserved, no vertical vector smile branches were transected, and more than three smile antagonist branches were transected. A linear trend between smile antagonist branch sacrifice and favorable smile outcome was found. Lower lip movement was improved in patients in whom more than half of the identified lower lip branches were transected. Thirty percent of patients experienced untoward postoperative functional deficits, from which 47% recovered with interventions. Conclusions: Several correlations between SN intra-operative decisions and outcome were identified; new or worsening functional deficit rate can be high. However, chemodenervation or fillers can help diminish these deficits.

Pre-Operative Factors May Predict Outcome in Selective Neurectomy for Synkinesis.

Background: While there has been great interest in offering selective neurectomy (SN) to patients with nonflaccid facial palsy (NFFP), postoperative outcomes are inconsistent. Objective: To assess overall SN outcome in NFFP patients and to examine correlation between preoperative factors and SN outcome. Methods: SN cases were retrospectively identified between 2019 and 2021. Patient factors and facial function were assessed using chart review, the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE), the electronic clinician-graded facial function tool (eFACE), and an automated computer-aided facial assessment tool (Emotrics). Correlations between preoperative factors and patients outcome were established. Results: Fifty-eight SN cases were performed; 88% were females, and median age was 53 years (range 11-81). Outcome assessment was 8 months on average (1-24 months). Postoperatively, multiple eFACE and Emotrics parameters improved significantly, including ocular, perioral, and synkinesis metrics. In preoperative factors assessment, age >50, facial palsy (FP) duration >2 years, poor preoperative facial function, and nontrauma etiology all correlated with greater improvements compared with younger patients, those with shorter duration facial palsy, trauma etiology, and better preoperative facial function. Conclusions: SN can significantly improve facial function; we have identified several preoperative factors that correlated to outcome.

Lower Facial Nerve Nomenclature Clarification: Cervical Branch Controls Smile-Associated Lower Lip Depression and Dental Display.

OBJECTIVE: In head and neck ablative surgery, traditional teaching is that the key facial nerve branch to preserve along the plane of the lower border of the mandible is the marginal mandibular branch (MMb), which is considered to control all lower lip musculature. The depressor labii inferioris (DLI) is the muscle responsible for pleasing lower lip displacement and lower dental display during natural emotive smiling. STUDY DESIGN: To understand the structure/function relationships of the distal lower facial nerve branches and lower lip musculature. SETTING: In vivo extensive facial nerve dissections under general anesthesia. METHODS: Intraoperative mapping was performed in 60 cases, using branch stimulation and simultaneous movement videography. RESULTS: In nearly all cases, the MMb innervated the depressor anguli oris, lower orbicularis oris, and mentalis muscles. The nerve branches controlling DLI function were identified 2 ± 0.5 cm below the angle of the mandible, originating from a cervical branch, separately and inferior to MMb. In half of the cases, we identified at least 2 independent branches activating the DLI, both within the cervical region. CONCLUSION: An appreciation of this anatomical finding may help prevent lower lip weakness following neck surgery. Avoiding the functional and cosmetic consequences that accompany loss of DLI function would have a significant impact on the burden of potentially preventable sequelae that the head and neck surgical patient frequently carries.

Five-Year Experience with Fifth-to-Seventh Nerve Transfer for Smile.

BACKGROUND: Masseteric- or deep temporal-to-facial nerve transfer (five-to-seven nerve transfer) is increasingly used in facial reanimation; however, the indications and clinical variables affecting outcomes for five-to-seven nerve transfer have not been defined. The authors describe their early experience with five-to-seven nerve transfer, reporting function and patient-reported outcomes, to identify potential parameters that are predictive of outcome. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent five-to-seven nerve transfer for smile reanimation from 2012 to 2017. Age, sex, cause of facial paralysis, onset and duration of paralysis, history of adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, donor nerve used, adjunctive procedures, and final excursion were recorded. Standard photographs and videos, and data regarding clinical facial nerve function and patient-reported quality of life, were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Sixty patients were identified. Forty-seven had flaccid facial paralysis and 13 had postparalysis facial palsy. Among flaccid facial paralysis patients, masseteric nerve transfer was successful in 30 patients (88 percent) and deep temporal nerve transfer was successful in three cases (60 percent). Among postparalysis facial palsy patients, five-to-seven nerve transfer was successful in two patients (20 percent). Average quality-of-life scores improved significantly from preoperatively (46) to postoperatively (59) among flaccid facial paralysis patients with successful five-to-seven nerve transfer. CONCLUSIONS: Five-to-seven nerve transfer is a viable option in facial reanimation. Shorter denervation times and preoperative flaccidity are favorable predictors of outcome. Five-to-seven nerve transfer as an adjunct to primary repair appears highly effective for enhancing smile function. Five-to-seven nerve transfer results are not reliable in patients with postparalysis facial palsy. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Worldwide Testing of the eFACE Facial Nerve Clinician-Graded Scale.

BACKGROUND: The electronic, clinician-graded facial function scale (eFACE) is a potentially useful tool for assessing facial function. Beneficial features include its digital nature, use of visual analogue scales, and provision of graphic outputs and scores. The authors introduced the instrument to experienced facial nerve clinicians for feedback, and examined the effect of viewing a video tutorial on score agreement. METHODS: Videos of 30 patients with facial palsy were embedded in an Apple eFACE application. Facial nerve clinicians were invited to perform eFACE video rating and tutorial observation. Participants downloaded the application, viewed the clips, and applied the scoring. They then viewed the tutorial and rescored the clips. Analysis of mean, standard deviation, and confidence interval were performed. Values were compared before and after tutorial viewing, and against scores obtained by an experienced eFACE user. RESULTS: eFACE feedback was positive; participants reported eagerness to apply the instrument in clinical practice. Standard deviation decreased significantly in only two of the 16 categories after tutorial viewing. Subscores for static, dynamic, and synkinesis all demonstrated stable standard deviations, suggesting that the instrument is intuitive. Participants achieved posttutorial scores closer to the experienced eFACE user in 14 of 16 scores, although only a single score, nasolabial fold orientation with smiling, achieved statistically significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The eFACE may be a suitable, cross-platform, digital instrument for facial function assessment, and was well received by facial nerve experts. Tutorial viewing does not appear to be necessary to achieve agreement, although it does mildly improve agreement between occasional and frequent eFACE users.

Test-Retest Reliability and Agreement Between In-Person and Video Assessment of Facial Mimetic Function Using the eFACE Facial Grading System.

IMPORTANCE: Use of a robust high-resolution instrument for grading of facial symmetry would enhance reporting the outcomes of facial reanimation interventions. The eFACE is one such tool. OBJECTIVE: To determine test-retest reliability of the eFACE tool over time and agreement between eFACE assessments made in person vs those made using video of facial mimetic function. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A prospective observational study was conducted among 75 consecutive patients with varying degrees of facial palsy who presented between July 1 and December 31, 2014, to an academic tertiary referral hospital. Facial symmetry of all patients was graded in person and via standardized photographic and video documentation of facial mimetic function at the initial visit. Three months after initial presentation, eFACE scores were reassessed by the same raters using the videos of facial mimetic function documented at the initial visit. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Individual and subset eFACE scores assessed by 2 facial reanimation surgeons. RESULTS: Among the 75 patients in the study (mean [SD] age, 48.18 [16.60] years; 30 men and 45 women), agreement between in-person and video assessments of facial function using the eFACE scale was excellent (static subset score: mean difference, 0.19; 95% CI, -1.51 to 1.88; P = .83; intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.80 to 0.89; dynamic subset score: mean difference, -0.51; 95% CI, -1.72 to 0.71; P = .41; ICC, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94 to 0.97; synkinesis subset score: mean difference, -1.14; 95% CI, -2.87 to 0.59; P = .20; ICC, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.93; and composite score: mean difference, -0.41; 95% CI, -1.30 to 0.47; P = .36; ICC, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.92 to 0.96). Agreement between repeated eFACE assessments of video of facial function was excellent (static subset score: ICC, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.96; dynamic subset score: ICC, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80 to 0.94; synkinesis subset score: ICC, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.96; and composite score: ICC, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93 to 0.98). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Strong agreement exists between eFACE scores of facial function assessed in person and from video recordings. Test-retest reliability of eFACE scores is high. The eFACE is a reliable instrument for high-resolution assessment of facial mimetic function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

Steroid use in Lyme disease-associated facial palsy is associated with worse long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences in long-term facial function outcomes following acute Lyme disease-associated facial palsy (LDFP) exist between patients who received antibiotic monotherapy (MT); dual therapy (DT) with antibiotics and corticosteroids; and triple therapy (TT) with antibiotics, corticosteroids, and antivirals. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. METHODS: All patients with a prior diagnosis of unilateral LDFP who presented to our center between 2002 and 2015 were retrospectively assessed for inclusion. Two blinded experts graded static, dynamic, and synkinesis parameters of facial functions using standardized video documentation of facial function. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were included. The mean time of assessment following LDFP onset was 15.1 months (range 0.3-84 months). Significantly worse facial outcomes were seen among those who received DT and TT as compared to those who received MT, most pronounced among those assessed 12 months or later following onset of LDFP (Dynamic-P = 0.031, post hoc MT vs. TT: mean difference [MD], 15.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.54-30.13; P = 0.030. Synkinesis-P = 0.026, post hoc MT vs. DT: MD, 21.50; 95% CI, 0.68-42.32; P = 0.043, post hoc MT vs. TT: MD, 19.22; 95% CI, 2.23-36.22; P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: An association between corticosteroid use in acute LDFP and worse long-term facial function outcomes has been demonstrated. Care should be taken in differentiating viral or idiopathic facial palsy (e.g., Bell palsy) from LDFP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1451-1458, 2017.

Bilateral Facial Paralysis: A 13-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral facial palsy is a rare clinical entity caused by myriad disparate conditions requiring different treatment paradigms. Lyme disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and leukemia are several examples. In this article, the authors describe the cause, the initial diagnostic approach, and the management of long-term sequelae of bilateral paralysis that has evolved in the authors' center over the past 13 years. METHODS: A chart review was performed to identify all patients diagnosed with bilateral paralysis at the authors' center between January of 2002 and January of 2015. Demographics, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, initial medical treatment, interventions for facial reanimation, and outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 2471 patients seen at the authors' center, 68 patients (3 percent) with bilateral facial paralysis were identified. Ten patients (15 percent) presented with bilateral facial paralysis caused by Lyme disease, nine (13 percent) with Möbius syndrome, nine (13 percent) with neurofibromatosis type 2, five (7 percent) with bilateral facial palsy caused by brain tumor, four (6 percent) with Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, three (4 percent) with bilateral temporal bone fractures, two (3 percent) with Guillain-Barré syndrome, one (2 percent) with central nervous system lymphoma, one (2 percent) with human immunodeficiency virus infection, and 24 (35 percent) with presumed Bell palsy. Treatment included pharmacologic therapy, physical therapy, chemodenervation, and surgical interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral facial palsy is a rare medical condition, and treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach. The authors outline diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms of a tertiary care center to provide clinicians with a systematic approach to managing these complicated patients.

Emerging vs Time-Tested Methods of Facial Grading Among Patients With Facial Paralysis.

IMPORTANCE: Most rehabilitation specialists and many facial reanimation surgeons use the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (FGS) to measure and detect changes in facial function. The eFACE, an electronic and digitally graded facial measurement scale, was recently created to provide similar information to the Sunnybrook FGS, but with scaling uniformity across all categories of facial function, graphical outputs, and easy-to-use visual analog scales. OBJECTIVES: To establish the correlation between the scores on the eFACE and the Sunnybrook FGS among patients with facial paralysis and to compare the reliability of the 2 scales. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective review of medical records identified 109 patients who were evaluated at a facial nerve center by physical therapists using the eFACE and the Sunnybrook FGS on the same day, between November 1, 2014, and May 31, 2015. The level of facial function predicted using the 2 scales was compared to study correlation between the scales. Data analysis was conducted from June 1 to September 1, 2015. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Correlation between the Sunnybrook FGS and the eFACE grading scale. METHODS: Two independent physical therapists evaluated patients using both the eFACE and the Sunnybrook FGS. Scores were compared and the Spearman rank correlation coefficient was calculated between the total scores and each of the 3 subscores, including static, dynamic, and synkinesis scores. The total Sunnybrook FGS synkinesis score (worst score, 15; perfect score, 0) and static score (worst score, 20; perfect score, 0) were normalized to a 100-point scale with the eFACE (perfect score, 100; worst score, 1). RESULTS: eFACE scores ranged from 48 to 100, and Sunnybrook FGS scores ranged from 0 to 100. Among 109 patients, there was a moderately strong correlation between eFACE and Sunnybrook FGS scores in both total and subcategory scores. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient of the total eFACE and Sunnybrook FGS was 0.75 (r < 0.0001). For the static scores, the correlation coefficient was -0.71 (r < 0.0001). The correlation coefficients for the dynamic and synkinesis scores were 0.77 (r < 0.0001) and -0.78 (r < 0.0001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: There is moderately good agreement between the Sunnybrook FGS and the eFACE. Given the ease of using the eFACE on mobile devices, as well as its additional functionality, it may represent a reasonable facial grading option across disciplines in the future. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

Weighting of Facial Grading Variables to Disfigurement in Facial Palsy.

IMPORTANCE: A universal, health care professional-graded scale for facial assessment would be a useful tool for reporting, comparing, and assessing facial function among patients with facial paralysis. OBJECTIVES: To correlate scores of an assessment tool, the eFACE scale, with expert-rated facial disfigurement and to determine the relative contributions of facial features to facial palsy-related disfigurement. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The eFACE scale yields 15 individual variable scores, in addition to subscores for static, dynamic, and synkinesis elements, and a total score that is based on 100-point scales. Two hundred patients with varying degrees of unilateral facial palsy underwent independent eFACE assessment and assignment of a disfigurement score by 2 facial nerve surgeons. The mean scores were determined, and multivariate regression analysis was performed to fit eFACE subset scores (static, dynamic, and synkinesis) to disfigurement ratings. A hybrid regression model was then used to weight each of the 15 eFACE variables, using stepwise regression to control for the effect of the other variables. Scoring was performed during an 8-week period from March 16 to May 8, 2015. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE: Use of the 100-point eFACE variables, together with a 100-point visual analog scale of disfigurement, with 0 representing the most extreme disfigurement possible from a facial nerve disorder and 100 representing no discernible facial disfigurement. RESULTS: In the 200 patients included in analysis (126 [63.0% female]; mean [SD] age, 46.5 [16.4] years]), predicted disfigurement scores based on eFACE subset scores demonstrated excellent agreement with surgeon-graded disfigurement severity (r2 = 0.79). Variable weighting demonstrated that the 6 key contributors to overall disfigurement were (in order of importance) nasolabial fold depth at rest (normalized coefficient [NC], 0.18; P < .001), oral commissure position at rest (NC, 0.15; P < .001), lower lip asymmetry while pronouncing the long /e/ (NC, 0.09; P < .001), palpebral fissure width at rest (NC, 0.09; P < .001), nasolabial fold orientation with smiling (NC, 0.08; P = .001), and palpebral fissure width during attempts at full eye closure (NC, 0.06; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: A mathematical association between eFACE-measured facial features and overall expert-graded disfigurement in facial paralysis has been established. For those using the eFACE grading scale, predictions of the specific effects of various interventions on expert-rated disfigurement are now possible and may guide therapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

Asymmetry of Facial Mimicry and Emotion Perception in Patients With Unilateral Facial Paralysis.

IMPORTANCE: The ability of patients with unilateral facial paralysis to recognize and appropriately judge facial expressions remains underexplored. OBJECTIVE: To test the effects of unilateral facial paralysis on the recognition of and judgments about facial expressions of emotion and to evaluate the asymmetry of facial mimicry. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Patients with left or right unilateral facial paralysis at a university facial plastic surgery unit completed 2 computer tasks involving video facial expression recognition. Side of facial paralysis was used as a between-participant factor. Facial function and symmetry were verified electronically with the eFACE facial function scale. EXPOSURES: Across 2 tasks, short videos were shown on which facial expressions of happiness and anger unfolded earlier on one side of the face or morphed into each other. Patients indicated the moment or side of change between facial expressions and judged their authenticity. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Type, time, and accuracy of responses on a keyboard were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 57 participants (36 women and 21 men) aged 20 to 76 years (mean age, 50.2 years) and with mild left or right unilateral facial paralysis were included in the study. Patients with right facial paralysis were faster (by about 150 milliseconds) and more accurate (mean number of errors, 1.9 vs 2.5) to detect expression onsets on the left side of the stimulus face, suggesting anatomical asymmetry of facial mimicry. Patients with left paralysis, however, showed more anomalous responses, which partly differed by emotion. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The findings favor the hypothesis of an anatomical asymmetry of facial mimicry and suggest that patients with a left hemiparalysis could be more at risk of developing a cluster of disabilities and psychological conditions including emotion-recognition impairments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Clinician-Graded Electronic Facial Paralysis Assessment: The eFACE.

BACKGROUND: The subjective nature of facial aesthetics and the difficulties associated with quantifying facial function have made outcomes analysis in facial paralysis challenging. Clinicians rely on photographs, subjective descriptions, and scales, limiting assessment, communication among providers, and communication between providers and patients. The authors describe the development and validation of a comprehensive, electronic, clinician-graded facial function scale (eFACE), which generates an overall disfigurement score and offers simple graphic output for clinician communication, assessment of various interventions, and patient understanding. The eFACE application may be used in a variety of electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. METHODS: An instrument consisting of 16 items in a visual analogue scale format was developed to assess facial function and symmetry (the eFACE). Video recordings of subjects performing facial expressions were viewed, and the eFACE instrument was applied, along with an overall facial disfigurement score. A multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the best linear relationship between overall expert-determined disfigurement and the eFACE items. The resulting equation was tested by three independent facial nerve clinicians, using an additional series of patients, to determine both interrater and intrarater reliability of the instrument. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis produced good fit of eFACE parameters to overall expert-rated global facial disfigurement when dynamic parameters were weighted twice as heavily as static and synkinesis parameters. eFACE scores demonstrated very high interrater and intrarater reliability. CONCLUSION: The eFACE is a reliable, reproducible, and straightforward digital clinical measure with which to assess facial function and disfigurement in patients with facial paralysis.

Long-term functional recovery after facial nerve transection and repair in the rat.

BACKGROUND: The rodent model is commonly used to study facial nerve injury. Because of the exceptional regenerative capacity of the rodent facial nerve, it is essential to consider the timing when studying facial nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Short-term functional recovery data following transection and repair of the facial nerve has been documented by our laboratory. However, because of the limitations of the head fixation device, there is a lack of long-term data following facial nerve injury. The objective of this study was to elucidate the long-term time course and functional deficit following facial nerve transection and repair in a rodent model. METHODS: Adult rats were divided into group 1 (controls) and group 2 (experimental). Group 1 animals underwent head fixation, followed by a facial nerve injury, and functional testing was performed from day 7 to day 70. Group 2 animals underwent facial nerve injury, followed by delayed head fixation, and then underwent functional testing from months 6 to 8. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the average whisking amplitudes in group 1 and group 2 animals. CONCLUSION: Functional whisking recovery 6 months after facial nerve injury is comparable to recovery within 1 to 4 months of transection and repair, thus the ideal window for evaluating facial nerve recovery falls within the 4 months after injury.

Pediatric facial nerve rehabilitation.

Facial paralysis is a rare but severe condition in the pediatric population. Impaired facial movement has multiple causes and varied presentations, therefore individualized treatment plans are essential for optimal results. Advances in facial reanimation over the past 4 decades have given rise to new treatments designed to restore balance and function in pediatric patients with facial paralysis. This article provides a comprehensive review of pediatric facial rehabilitation and describes a zone-based approach to assessment and treatment of impaired facial movement.

Macrophage Infiltrate Is Elevated in CRSwNP Sinonasal Tissue Regardless of Atopic Status.

OBJECTIVE: Macrophages are major producers of inflammatory cytokines; however, their role in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has not been clearly defined. The aim of this study was to quantify macrophages in sinus tissue of patients with various subtypes of CRS and determine the impact of atopic status on macrophage infiltrate. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective immunohistochemical study of human sinonasal tissue. SETTING: Academic medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Human sinonasal tissue was taken from patients with CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP, n = 8), CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP, n = 8), and controls (n = 8) undergoing surgery for CSF leak repair or endoscopic excision of non-secreting pituitary tumor. Samples were immunohistochemically stained for macrophage/monocyte markers Mac387 and CD68. RESULTS: CRSwNP patients had significantly increased numbers of Mac387 and CD68 cells compared to control patients (P < .05) or CRSsNP patients (P < .01). CRSsNP had significantly increased number of cells staining for CD68 compared to controls (P < .05). The increased presence of macrophages measured by either marker in CRSwNP was independent of atopic status. CONCLUSION: Macrophages are increased in CSRwNP patients regardless of atopic status and may contribute to the immunopathology of CRS.

Differences in skull base thickness in patients with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to determine if differences in overall skull base thickness exist in patients with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (SCSF) leaks and to compare our institution's 10-year experience with the endoscopic repair of these leaks to the existing literature. A retrospective cohort study was performed in a tertiary rhinologic practice. METHODS: A retrospective study by two blinded independent reviewers compared the skull base thickness on computerized tomography (CT) imaging in our SCSF leak patients to nonleaking controls and patients with traumatic CSF leaks. Surgical outcomes were compared with a pooled analysis of the published literature. RESULTS: SCSF leaks were seen most commonly in obese, middle-aged women of African American descent. SCSF leak patients were shown to have thinner skull bases in the region of the ethmoid roof, lateral lamella, and anterior face of the sella (p < 0.05) compared with patients with traumatic leaks and nonleaking controls. No racial difference in skull base thickness was observed when patients were matched according to leak type. The success rate of primary endoscopic intervention in our patients was high at 94% and comparable with the published literature. CONCLUSION: Differences in skull base thickness exist in SCSF patients, but whether this predisposes to such leaks or is a consequence of the underlying pathophysiology remains unknown. The endoscopic endonasal approach provides a highly effective means of repairing such leaks with success rates comparable with the endoscopic repair of other leak types. Adjuvant measures including weight reduction, lumbar drain, and acetazolamide use may increase success rates and should be considered in their management.

Massive flap donor sites and the role of negative pressure wound therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Report our experience with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) applied to massive scapular and latissimus free flap donor sites, in the setting of microvascular reconstruction for extensive head and neck defects. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series with chart review. SETTING: Tertiary academic referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent scapular or latissimus free tissue transfer by the senior author for head and neck reconstruction, over a 5-year period (2006-2011). In addition to NPWT details, comprehensive patient data were abstracted and compiled, including demographics, operative details, hospital stay, postoperative follow-up, and donor site complications. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients underwent reconstruction of extensive postablative head and neck defects using either a scapular or latissimus free flap. Mean harvested flap skin paddle size was 140 cm(2). All donor sites were closed primarily. Fifty-two patients (55%) had NPWT applied over closed donor site incisions postoperatively. The other 42 patients (45%) received only conventional incision care. Major donor site complications occurred in 12% (n = 5) of the patients who did not undergo NPWT, as compared with a 6% (n = 3) complication rate among patients in the NPWT-treated group. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to examine NPWT in the postoperative treatment of closed high-tension wounds following scapular or latissimus dorsi harvest for reconstruction of extensive head and neck defects. Our results suggest that NPWT is a safe technique in the management of massive scapular and latissimus free flap harvest sites that may decrease associated major donor wound complications.

A systematic review of the endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

OBJECTIVES: To provide an up-to-date review of the literature on the safety and efficacy of the endoscopic technique for cerebrospinal (CSF) leak repairs. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Medline/Old Medline, and Cochrane Central databases. REVIEW METHODS: Using the above outlined data sources, studies involving the endoscopic repair of CSF leaks were reviewed independently by 2 researchers. Studies included met the following criteria: full-text article written in the English language, at least 5 human patients undergoing purely endoscopic surgical repair of a CSF leak, and documented follow-up. Data extracted included leak etiology, presentation and location, the use of imaging, intrathecal fluorescein, and adjunctive measures as well as the success rate of the repair. RESULTS: Fifty-five studies, involving 1778 fistulae repairs, were included for analysis. Spontaneous leaks were most prevalent, with the ethmoid roof and sphenoid the most common sites involved. The overall success rate of repair was high at 90% for primary and 97% for secondary repairs. A low complication rate of less than 0.03% was reported. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic repair of CSF fistula is both safe and effective and should be considered the standard of care for most cases. Evidence supporting adjunctive measures such as lumbar drains and antibiotics remains limited despite their common use.

Recurrent posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder involving the larynx and trachea: case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a well-recognized complication of solid organ transplantation and commonly affects upper airway lymphoid tissue. Tracheal and laryngeal involvement in patients with PTLD, however, is rare. We present one such case. METHODS: We report the case of a patient with recurrent PTLD involving the larynx and trachea and describe the presentation, evaluation, management, and outcome. RESULTS: An 11-year-old boy who underwent bilateral nephrectomy and renal transplantation as an infant was admitted to the hospital with chronic cough, fever, stridor, and dyspnea. His post-transplantation course was complicated by PTLD in cervical lymph nodes at 9 years of age that was successfully treated with chemotherapy. A computed tomographic scan during his present admission revealed supraglottic swelling, a distal tracheal mass, and paratracheal lymph node enlargement. The patient underwent laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy with biopsy specimens taken from the right laryngeal ventricle and distal trachea. Pathologic examination yielded a diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus-positive PTLD. The patient was treated with chemotherapy, which resulted in resolution of the airway lesions, as seen on repeat bronchoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report, to our knowledge, of recurrent PTLD involving simultaneous lesions in the larynx and the trachea. PTLD in the head and neck can present as lymphoid hypertrophy, airway obstruction, stridor, or cough. A high degree of clinical suspicion is essential for prompt diagnosis of this life-threatening complication.

Thyroid disease and compressive symptoms.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Compressive symptoms are common in thyroid disease, but few studies have focused on the presence, associated factors, and etiology of compressive symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. METHODS: Patients who underwent thyroidectomy from 2005 through 2009 were reviewed. The data included demographics, indication for surgery, compressive symptoms, complications, diagnosis, volume of thyroid gland, presence of inflammation, and follow-up. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-three patients were identified. The mean age was 51 years, and 82% were female. Fifty-two percent (n=172) of patients experienced compressive symptoms preoperatively, including dysphagia (n=131) and shortness of breath (n=83). Twenty-six percent (n=86) of patients presented with voice changes, and 8% (n=27) complained of odynophagia. Postoperatively, 25 patients (8%) continued to have compressive symptoms (P<.0001), and 10 patients (3%) developed new compressive symptoms. Compressive symptoms were present in 72% (n=21) of patients with lymphocytic thyroiditis, 71% (n=5) of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer, and 60% (n=92) of patients with goiter. The average volume of the gland in patients with compressive symptoms was 75.5 mL compared to 37.1 mL in asymptomatic patients (P<.0001). There was not a significant relationship between compressive symptoms and the presence of inflammation (P=.869). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with thyroid disease frequently present with compressive symptoms, and the majority of patients experience relief postoperatively. The volume of the thyroid gland is associated with compressive symptoms along with additional contributing factors.