Idiopathic dilatation of the submandibular gland duct.

Lithiasis and stenosis may cause salivary duct dilatation due to the increased pressure in the duct upstream of the obstruction. Idiopathic dilatations, also called megaducts, with no associated increase in pressure, have only been described in the parotid gland. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of submandibular duct dilatation unrelated to lithiasis, stenosis, or an imperforate duct, to report the existence of submandibular megaducts. This retrospective single-centre study included patients treated at La Conception University Hospital, Marseille, France, between 2007 and 2019. Patients with submandibular duct dilatation of ≥4 mm confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging sialography (sialo-MRI), who also underwent sialendoscopy to identify any associated stenosis, were included. Patients with lithiasis, stenosis, an imperforate ostium, or a history of trauma or surgery to the floor of the mouth were excluded. Five patients (three female, two male) aged 30-76 years with idiopathic duct dilatations in nine submandibular glands were included. The most commonly reported symptoms were submandibular swelling, pruritus, and discomfort, mostly outside mealtimes. Recurrence of symptoms after treatment was frequent. This study is novel in describing submandibular megaducts as opposed to dilatation caused by high pressure associated with stenosis, with confirmation by sialo-MRI and sialendoscopy.

What has the National Cancer Database taught us about oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma?

The wealth of data in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) has allowed numerous studies investigating patient, disease, and treatment-related factors in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC); however, to date, no summation of these studies has been performed. The aim of this study was to provide a concise review of the NCDB studies on OCSCC, with the hopes of providing a framework for future, novel studies aimed at enhancing our understanding of clinical parameters related to OCSCC. Two databases were searched, and 27 studies published between 2002 and 2020 were included. The average sample size was 13,776 patients (range 356-50,896 patients). Four areas of research focus were identified: demographic and socioeconomic status, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. This review highlights the impact of age, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status on the prognosis and management of OCSCC, describes the prognostic factors, and details the modalities and indications for neck dissection and adjuvant therapy in OCSCC. In conclusion, the NCDB is a very valuable resource for clinicians and researchers involved in the management of OCSCC, offering an incomparable perspective on a large dataset of patients. Future developments regarding hospital information management, review of data accuracy and completeness, and wider accessibility will help clinicians to improve the care of patients affected by OCSCC.

Utility of decellularised urinary bladder extracellular matrix in full mucosalisation of a post-oncological maxillectomy defect.

This report highlights the utility of MatriStem Surgical Matrix Thick UBM™ (rebranded as Gentrix® ACell, Inc), a decellularised urinary bladder extracellular matrix in the reconstruction of a post-oncological maxillectomy defect. In utilising this biological construct to serve as a biological dressing, our patient underwent complete mucosalisation of his surgical site without the development of an oroantral fistula and with adequate maxillary vestibule to allow for definitive oral rehabilitation with a removable partial denture.

Facial pressure ulcers in COVID-19 patients undergoing prone positioning: How to prevent an underestimated epidemic?

Prone positioning is an adjuvant therapy used to treat COVID-19 pneumonia complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, prolonged pressure on facial skin at the level of the bony structures may be responsible for facial pressure ulcers. In the context of severe COVID-19 pneumonia, we hypothesized that hypoxemia, microvascular injury and thrombosis can increase the risk of pressure ulcers. We described two cases in order to emphasize the risk of facial pressure ulcers as a result of prone positioning, so as to discuss their physiopathology and highlight the importance of appropriate preventive measures.

Surgical reconstruction of the foramen tympanicum: What is known and how we do it.

Defects affecting the anterior wall of the tympanal bone can result from trauma, infection, neoplasm or previous local surgery. An anatomic variation, namely the persistence of the foramen tympanicum, can also be encountered. When symptomatic, surgical reconstruction may be indicated. The aim of this study was to identify the surgical treatments of symptomatic foramen tympanicum found in the literature and detail our innovative reconstruction technique. A bibliographic research was conducted in PubMed database in March 2020, without time limitation. Papers dealing with surgical management of a foramen tympanicum were included. Data collected were the publication date, the number of patients, their age and gender, the symptoms and the surgical treatment performed. We report, in addition, the case of a symptomatic persistent foramen tympanicum in a 30-year-old man with a follow-up of 18-months. A total of 17 studies (n=23 patients) were included for analysis. The main reconstruction techniques were, in equal proportion, cartilage graft (30%) and insertion of a titanium mesh (30%). We carried out an iliac crest bone graft using a preauricular approach on a patient suffering from chronic tinnitus and fullness in the left ear resulting from a persistent foramen tympanicum, confirmed by clinical and radiological examinations. It allowed the complete resolution of symptoms and no complication such as temporomandibular ankylosis occurred. Based on the review of the literature, we believe this technique has the advantage of providing durable reconstruction thanks to osseointegration.

Tips & tricks for transoral approach for submandibular lithiasis (TASL).

INTRODUCTION: Sialolithiases mainly affect the submandibular gland. More often, the lithiasis is large and located at the junction of the middle and the posterior third of the duct, in the hilum region. In such situation, transoral approach is recommended to avoid sialadenectomy because of its lower morbidity. TIPS AND TRICKS: Because of our experience, with over 300 cases operated with this transoral approach, we have decided to describe the tips and tricks that can help the surgeon who operates large stones impacted in the hilum of the submandibulary gland. DISCUSSION: The benefits of these tips and tricks are exposed. CONCLUSION: These keypoints can help to overcome intraoperative issues and save time.

Repair of gauge earlobe medium defect.

Defects due to earlobe gauging are becoming more and more frequent. Many techniques have been described to repair major defects but very few papers exist about medium defects. The aim of this article is to describe a simple surgical technique to repair medium deformations, based on two opposite crescents on the anterior and posterior sides of the earlobe. It gives a harmonious result to the overall shape of the earlobes with a natural curve along the inferior border which is the most difficult part of this surgery.

Facial necrotising fasciitis following rhytidectomy.

Rhytidectomy is the most common surgical procedure used to rejuvenate the appearance of the aging face and neck. Necrotising fasciitis is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening, bacterial infection of the skin, the subcutaneous tissue, and the fascia. We report a case of necrotising fasciitis of the face caused by a group A streptococcal infection after rhytidectomy on a healthy female patient. An abscess on her hand that had been caused by an infection related to a venous catheter had provided a potential entry for the pathogen, and treatment combined both surgical debridement and antibiotics. The operation had resulted in large tissue losses around the ears, which we treated by healing by second intention.

Botulinum toxin for ductal stenosis and fistulas of the main salivary glands.

This study was performed to present the authors' experience with botulinum toxin therapy for salivary stenosis and salivary fistula in terms of the procedure, dosage, effectiveness, and complications. A retrospective study of all patients treated in the maxillofacial surgery department for salivary stenosis or fistula from January 2014 to September 2018 was performed. Intraglandular injections of incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin) were utilized. The frequency of relapse and the pain recorded before injection and at 3 months after each injection or fistula resolution were assessed. Swallowing dysfunction or any diffusion of toxin into the facial muscles was recorded. This study included 22 patients (mean age 53 years). Botulinum therapy was indicated for parotid duct stenosis in 14 patients, submandibular duct stenosis in four patients, and parotid fistula in four patients. The frequency of relapse (P = 0.0001) and pain level (P = 0.0001) decreased after botulinum therapy. The average duration of the botulinum effect was 4.50±2.00 months after the first injection. No complication was observed. Botulinum therapy with 100 IU of Xeomin proved effective at resolving salivary fistula. Botulinum therapy is an effective treatment for symptoms of salivary duct stenosis in patients for whom minimally invasive procedures have failed. Botulinum therapy can also be used for the treatment of salivary fistulas.

The Stensen's duct line: A landmark in parotid duct and gland injury and surgery. A prospective anatomical, clinical and radiological study.

INTRODUCTION: The parotid duct (PD) is often involved in parotid gland diseases. A skin landmark could help the surgeon to locate its position. The parotid duct line (PDL) joins the tragus-antitragus point to the middle of the half upper lip. The aim of this study was to assess and scientifically validate this landmark. METHODS: A monocentric prospective anatomical, clinical and radiological study was conducted. Six fresh cadavers' PD were dissected. A subcutaneous flap was performed and the PD's position spotted by needle checking through the skin. 10 subjects with parotid obstructive symptoms were included for sialendoscopy, which light through the skin revealed the PDL's position. MRI was conducted on 20 PDs. The radiologist virtually drew the PDL and did a 3D reconstruction of the PD. The distance from the PDL to the PD was measured. RESULTS: Anatomical study: 2 PDs were on the PDL, 2 under and 2 over. Sialendoscopic study: 6 PDs were on the PDL (60%), 3 under and 1 over. MRI study: 13 over 20 PDs crossed the PDL (65%). Maximum mean distance from the PD was 10.44 mm [5.01-15.87] and minimum mean distance from the PD was 2.42 mm [0-5.75]. DISCUSSION: This study sought to assess the relevance of the PDL, which is not parallel to the PD that runs a «S-Shape¼ curve when crossing the PDL. It could be used when evaluating a potential ductal injury in trauma management and when locating proximal parotid lithiasis during sialendoscopy.

Mucoceles of the anterior ventral surface of the tongue and the glands of Blandin-Nuhn: 5 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Mucoceles are cystic diseases of the oral mucosa. The most common are ranula and mococeles of the lower lip. Blandin and Nuhn mucoceles, which develop at the ventral side of the tongue, are rare benign lesions. They are often misdiagnosed and sometimes confused with ranula. The recommended treatment is a complete surgical excision of the gland. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We describe 5 clinical cases managed in service between 2009 and 2016. Clinical cases are presented in order to detail their clinical history, paraclinical and treatment. RESULTS: The clinical appearance is a longitudinal swelling of the ventral surface of the tongue, parallel to the frenulum. The volume of the swelling is variable; it is normally around 30 × 10 mm. The paraclinical (ultrasound, CT, MRI, or ponction) could be performed. CT showed an cyst located on the ventral surface of the tongue, with liquid density. Blandin and Nunh mucocele were strictly anechogenic. MRI confirms the liquid content of this cyst (low T1signal, high T2signal and no post-contrast-enhanced). The resection of Blandin and Nuhn glands should respect the sublingual gland, the lingual nerve and the lingual veins in the mouth floor. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that Blandin and Nuhn mucoceles must be understood and recognised to propose complete excision of the Blandin and Nuhn gland and avoid recurrence.

Hooliganism and maxillofacial trauma: The surgeon should be warned.

INTRODUCTION: With more than 270 million spectators, football - or soccer - is the most popular sport in the world. International football events generate many risky situations, including hooliganism and are an opportunity to analyze the incidence and the particularities of associated trauma. We sought to underline the potential rapid and brutal increase in maxillofacial trauma during a world-class competition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study of the epidemiology of maxillofacial traumas during the UEFA 2016 Cup was conducted. All the medical data from each UEFA 2016 World Cup matches from 10 June 2016 to 10 July 2016 were collected. Only the maxillofacial traumas requiring a surgery under general anesthesia and a hospitalization were included. RESULTS: 11 patients from 3 different cities were included. The main etiology was interpersonal violence (7/11), followed by road accidents (3/11). Open reduction with internal fixation of a mandibular fracture was the most performed surgery (9/11). Patients were 18 to 50 year-old, with an average age of 30.6 years. DISCUSSION: This study underlines the violence of riots between "ultra" supporters during the 2016 UEFA cup. We noticed an upsurge of maxillofacial trauma severe enough to require a surgery under general anesthesia. Hooligan behaviors should be known by every practitioner dealing with trauma care, and may requires transitional adjustment of public health policy.

Retrograde approach for parotid benign tumours: A review.

INTRODUCTION: Parotidectomy for benign tumours is usually performed after facial nerve trunk discovery through an anterograde approach (AA) of the nerve. More recently, a retrograde approach (RA) toward the facial nerve, which begins on the facial nerve branches and ends on the nerve trunk, has been described. A literature review of the RA was conducted to evaluate the RA and to compare it with AA. METHODS: A literature review was conducted for the years 1980 through 2016. Nine studies out of 216 were included, including 558 parotidectomies and 370 RA. We studied the operative time (OT), the postoperative complications including facial paralysis (FP), tumour recurrences, and possibilities for reoperation. RESULTS: Operative time was shorter in RA than in AA. Transitory FP significantly less frequent in RA than in AA in only one studies and not significantly in four studies. Incidence of Frey syndrome was similar in RA and AA. Tumour relapses were reported in 1.8% of cases with RA, comparable to AA. CONCLUSION: Retrograde parotidectomy is recommendable. OT was significantly shorter for the RA. The FP rate was lower for RA than for AA, but the difference was not significant. The recurrence rate appeared to be similar between RA and AA. Possibilities of reoperation were better after RA.

Development and validation of an optimized finite element model of the human orbit.

INTRODUCTION: The authors' main purpose was to develop a detailed finite element model (FEM) of the human orbit and to validate it by analyzing its behavior under the stress of blunt traumas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pre-existing 3D FEM of a human head was modified and used in this study. Modifications took into account preliminary research carried out on PubMed database. Data from a CT scan of the head were computed with Mimics® software to re-create the skull geometry. The mesh production, the model's properties and the simulations of blunt orbital traumas were conducted on Hyperworks® software. RESULTS: The resulting 3D FEM was composed of 640 000 elements and was used to perform blunt trauma simulations on an intact orbit. A total of 27 tests were simulated. Fifteen tests were realized with a metallic cylinder impactor; 12 tests simulated a hit by a closed fist. In all the tests conducted (27/27), the orbital floor was fractured. Fracture patterns were similar to those found in real clinical situations according to the buckling and hydraulic theories of orbital floor fractures. DISCUSSION: The similitude between the fracture patterns produced on the model and those observed in vivo allows for a validation of the model. This model constitutes, at the authors knowledge, the most sophisticated one ever developed.

Impact of antithrombotic treatment in orbital haematoma.

INTRODUCTION: Orbital haematomas threaten the visual prognosis, but no treatment guidelines have been proposed. Antithrombotics could affect their prognosis and treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of antithrombotics in the management of orbital haematomas and to suggest a standardised protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study by sending a standardised questionnaire to 20 French maxillofacial surgery university departments to collect all the cases of orbital haematoma. RESULTS: Twenty-five cases from 10 centres were collected, including five patients treated with anticoagulant and one patient treated with dual antiplatelet. Antithrombotics increased the risk of amaurosis and ocular disorders significantly. Surgery was performed for 66.7% of patients treated with antithrombotic and for 89.5% of other patients. Surgical delay was longer in patients treated with antithrombotic. Surgical drainage was used in most of the cases, whereas canthotomy with inferior cantholysis was the least-used technique. CONCLUSION: Antithrombotics appear to worsen the functional prognosis of orbital haematomas. A surgical management of orbital haematoma in patients treated with antithrombotics is not contraindicated. Surgical delay must be shortened as much as possible. A lateral canthotomy with inferior cantholysis seems to be an appropriate solution.