3D Printed Larynx as a Novel Simulation Tool for Window Elaboration in Medialization Laryngoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical simulation training in residents has declined due to the limited exposure to cadaveric specimens. Three-dimensional (3D)-printing technology is rapidly taking an important role in different medical areas, especially in surgical specialties. It provides an alternative for resident simulation practices and for developing surgical skills before exposure to real settings. The elaboration of the thyroid window in the medialization laryngoplasty procedure requires high technical precision and experience for better outcomes. METHODS: The computer-based 3D reconstruction model was created using computed tomograph scan images from a standard larynx. The final model was created using a deposition modeling 3D printing technique with polylactic acid filament. The model was tested for surgical simulation practice in three otolaryngology residency programs in Bogotá, Colombia. RESULTS: The model had similar anatomic detail and it was considered very useful, safe, and relevant for surgical simulation. CONCLUSIONS: 3D printed models are a cost-effective alternative for resident training.

Manejo multidisciplinario del carcinoma adenoide quístico de cabeza y cuello de alto grado / Multidisciplinary management of head and neck high grade adenoid cystic carcinoma

Introducción: El carcinoma adenoide quístico es un tumor epitelioide de la cabeza y el cuello poco común, ocurre más frecuentemente en el las glándulas salivares menores del paladar duro; se presenta sobretodo en la sexta década de la vida, exhibe un crecimiento lento, con recurrencia local frecuente y presencia de metástasis a distancia. La probabilidad de invasión perineural de este tumor es alta. El tratamiento actual consiste en cirugía más radioterapia adyuvante ya que la terapia combinada se ha asociado a mejores desenlaces en supervivencia. Objetivo: Presentar el caso de una paciente con diagnóstico de esta enfermedad, manejo y la conducta postoperatoria. Diseño: Reporte de Caso. Materiales y métodos: Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 34 años quien consultó por masa en lengua de 3 años de evolución, refiriendo disartria, otalgia izquierda y disfagia; en quien se diagnosticó carcinoma adenoide quístico, grado histológico 2 e invasión perineural, realizándose posteriormente glosectomía total y hemimandibulectomía izquierda. Resultados: Adecuada evolución, radioterapia postoperatoria con resultado postoperatorio a los 6 meses satisfactorio, periodo en el cual logra emisión de palabras comprensibles, con adecuada comunicación. Conclusiones: Ante la sospecha de un carcinoma adenoide quístico, se debe realizar biopsia, para definir celularidad y grado histológico del tumor, así como la presencia de invasión perineural. El tratamiento debe tener un enfoque multidisciplinario para lograr el mejor desenlace posible. El seguimiento debe ser cercano por lo menos en los 10 primeros años, dado la alta tendencia de este tumor a recidivar.

Introduction: The adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare epithelioid head and neck tumor, which occurs more frequently in minor salivary glands of the hard palate and mainly during the sixth decade of life, showing slow growth rate, with frequent local recurrence and distant metastases. The probability of perineural invasion is high. Current treatment involves surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy because of this has been associated with better outcomes in survival. Objective: To present the case of a patient diagnosed with this disease, management and postoperatory conduct. Design: Case Report. Materials and methods: We present the case of a 34 years old who consulted for mass on her tongue of three years of evolution, referring dysarthria, left otalgia and dysphagia; in whom adenoid cystic carcinoma, histological grade 2 and perineural invasion was diagnosed and subsequently a left hemimandibulectomy and total glossectomy were performed. Results: Adequate evolution, postoperative radiotherapy with satisfactory postoperatory outcome at 6 months, when achieves emission of understandable words, with proper communication. Conclusions: In a suspected adenoid cystic carcinoma, a biopsy should be performed in order to define cellularity and histological grade of the tumor and the presence of perineural invasion. Treatment should have a multidisciplinary approach to achieve the best possible outcome. Monitoring should be close at least the first 10 years, given the high propensity of this tumor to recur.