Depth of Invasion: Influence of the Latest TNM Classification on the Prognosis of Clinical Early Stages of Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Association with Other Histological Risk Factors.

BACKGROUND: The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), in its 8th edition, introduces modifications to the previous TNM classification, incorporating tumour depth of invasion (DOI). The aim of this research is to analyse the prognosis (in terms of disease-free survival and overall survival) of clinical early stage (I and II) squamous cell carcinomas of the oral tongue according to the DOI levels established by the AJCC in its latest TNM classification to assess changes to the T category and global staging system and to evaluate the association between DOI and other histological risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal observational study of a series of cases was designed. All patients were treated with upfront surgery at our institution between 2010 and 2019. The variables of interest were defined and classified into four groups: demographic, clinical, histological and evolutive control. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out and survival functions were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Statistical significance was established for p values below 0.05. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were included. The average follow-up time was 47.42 months. Fifteen patients presented a loco-regional relapse (24.59%) and five developed distant disease (8.19%). Twelve patients died (19.67%). Statistically significant differences were observed, with respect to disease-free survival (p = 0.043), but not with respect to overall survival (p = 0.139). A total of 49.1% of the sample upstaged their T category and 29.5% underwent modifications of their global stage. The analysis of the relationship between DOI with other histological variables showed a significant association with the presence of pathological cervical nodes (p = 0.012), perineural invasion (p = 0.004) and tumour differentiation grade (p = 0.034). Multivariate analysis showed association between depth of invasion and perineural invasion. CONCLUSIONS: Depth of invasion is a histological risk factor in early clinical stages of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Depth of invasion impacts negatively on patient prognosis, is capable per se of modifying the T category and the global tumour staging, and is associated with the presence of cervical metastatic disease, perineural invasion and tumoural differentiation grade.

Clinical and Surgical Outcomes in Extensive Scalp Reconstruction after Oncologic Resection: A Comparison of Anterolateral Thigh, Latissimus Dorsi and Omental Free Flaps.

Microsurgical scalp reconstruction is indicated in patients with large scalp defects. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of scalp reconstruction in oncologic patients reconstructed with latissimus dorsi (LD), anterolateral thigh (ALT), and omental (OM) free flaps. Thirty oncologic patients underwent scalp reconstruction with LD (10), ALT (11), and OM (9) flaps. The length of the vascular pedicle, the operation time, the possibility of a two-team approach, the length of hospital stays, the complications, and the aesthetic results were evaluated. The OM flap was the flap with the shortest vascular pedicle length with a mean of 6.26 ± 0.16 cm, compared to the LD flap, which was 12.34 ± 0.55 cm and the ALT flap with 13.20 ± 0.26 cm (p < 0.05). The average time of surgery was 6.6 ± 0.14 h in patients reconstructed with OM, compared to the LD flap, which was 8.91 ± 0.32 h and the ALT flap with 7.53 ± 0.22 h (p < 0.05). A two-team approach was performed in all patients for OM flaps and ALT flaps, but only in two patients reconstructed with the LD flap (p < 0.001). In patients reconstructed with the OM flap, a very satisfactory or satisfactory result was reported in seven patients (77.8%). Eight patients reported a very unsatisfactory or unsatisfactory result with LD flap (80%) and 10 patients with ALT flap (90.9%) (p = 0.002). The mean hospital stay after surgery was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). As for complications, two patients reconstructed with OM flap, five LT flaps, and two ALT flaps developed complications, not statistically significant (p = 0.235). Omental flap, latissimus dorsi flap, and anterolateral thigh flap fulfill most of the characteristics for complex scalp reconstruction. The decision on which flap to use should be based on clinical aspects of the patients taking into account that the three flaps show similar rates of complications and length of hospital stay. Regarding the aesthetic outcome, OM flap or LD flap should be considered for reconstruction of extensive scalp defects.

Virtual Surgical Planning, Stereolitographic Models and CAD/CAM Titanium Mesh for Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Fibula Flap with Iliac Crest Graft and Dental Implants.

Mandibular reconstruction with fibula flap shows a 3D discrepancy between the fibula and the remnant mandible. Eight patients underwent three-dimensional reconstruction of the fibula flap with iliac crest graft and dental implants through virtual surgical planning (VSP), stereolitographic models (STL) and CAD/CAM titanium mesh. Vertical ridge augmentation and horizontal dimensions of the fibula, peri-implant bone resorption of the iliac crest graft, implant success rate and functional and aesthetic results were evaluated. Vertical reconstruction ranged from 13.4 mm to 10.1 mm, with an average of 12.22 mm. Iliac crest graft and titanium mesh were able to preserve the width of the fibula, which ranged from 8.9 mm to 11.7 mm, with an average of 10.1 mm. A total of 38 implants were placed in the new mandible, with an average of 4.75 ± 0.4 implants per patient and an osseointegration success rate of 94.7%. Two implants were lost during the osseointegration period (5.3%). Bone resorption was measured as peri-implant bone resorption at the mesial and distal level of each implant, with a variation between 0.5 mm and 2.4 mm, and with a mean of 1.43 mm. All patients were rehabilitated with a fixed implant prosthesis with good aesthetic and functional results.

Functional and esthetic restorative treatment with preheated resins in a patient with ectodermic dysplasia: A clinical report.

Ectodermal dysplasia is a heterogeneous genetic condition affecting 1.6 to 22 per 100000 people. Oral manifestations associated with this condition include hyperdontia, hypodontia, microdontia, and conical teeth. Traditional treatment consists of a combination of orthodontic and rehabilitation therapies. The initial treatment stage uses removable prostheses and interim crowns for long periods, thus increasing risks for developing secondary caries. This clinical report describes the use of direct composite resin bonding with preheated compactable resins applied to vacuum-formed trays filled with clear silicone. This restorative treatment provides predictable, inexpensive, minimally invasive, functional, and esthetic recovery before orthodontic treatment.

Basic interventional radiology in the abdomen. / Intervencionismo básico en abdomen.

This article describes the different basic nonvascular interventional techniques in the abdomen that all general radiologists should be familiar with. It explains the indications and approaches for the different procedures (punctures, biopsies, drainage of collections, cholecystostomies, and nephrostomies). It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the different imaging techniques that can be used to guide these procedures (ultrasound, CT, and fluoroscopy) as well as the possible complications that can develop from each procedure. Finally, it shows the importance of following up patients clinically and of taking care of catheters.

Intervencionismo básico en abdomen / Basic interventional radiology in the abdomen

En este artículo se exponen las diferentes técnicas básicas de intervencionismo no vascular en el abdomen con las cuales todo radiólogo general debería estar familiarizado. Para ello se describen las indicaciones y las vías de abordaje de los diferentes procedimientos: punciones, biopsias, drenajes de colecciones, colecistostomías y nefrostomías. Además, se valoran las ventajas y los inconvenientes de las diferentes técnicas de imagen para el guiado: ecografía, tomografía computarizada y fluoroscopia; así como las posibles complicaciones de los procedimientos descritos. Además, se pone de manifiesto la importancia del seguimiento clínico del paciente y de los cuidados de los catéteres (AU)

This article describes the different basic nonvascular interventional techniques in the abdomen that all general radiologists should be familiar with. It explains the indications and approaches for the different procedures (punctures, biopsies, drainage of collections, cholecystostomies, and nephrostomies). It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the different imaging techniques that can be used to guide these procedures (ultrasound, CT, and fluoroscopy) as well as the possible complications that can develop from each procedure. Finally, it shows the importance of following up patients clinically and of taking care of catheters (AU)

Quimioembolización de hepatocarcinoma mediante TACE-precisión: resultados al 2° año en un hospital general / Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma using Precision Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE): results of two years’ experience in a general hospital

Objetivos. Presentar nuestra experiencia a 2 años con el uso de microesferas precargadas de adriamicina (DC Bead(R)) en la quimioembolización (TACE) de hepatocarcinoma, en un estudio prospectivo, consecutivo y multidisciplinar, valorando la eficacia, seguridad y tolerancia de este procedimiento. Material y métodos. Desde mayo 2007 hasta enero 2010 se han realizado 30 procedimientos de TACE en 17 pacientes (media de procedimientos:1,76), 3 mujeres/14 varones, con una edad media de 68 años (56–85 años) mediante el protocolo TACE de precisión, valorando los resultados con los criterios RECIST-EASL, controles TC/RM y clinicoanalíticos al mes, 3 y 6 meses, y luego al año. Resultados. Éxito técnico inicial en todos los casos. Se empleó la dosis total en 7 casos, y en el resto no se llegó a esta, con una media de 80mg. Se obtuvo una respuesta completa en el 29,41% de los pacientes, una respuesta parcial en el 35,29%, estabilización de la enfermedad en el 23,52% y progresión de la enfermedad en el 11,76%; con una respuesta objetiva de 64,7%. Hemos recogido 2 casos de absceso/necrosis, una colecistitis isquémica y ningún fallecimiento ni fallo hepático relacionado con el procedimiento. Conclusiones. La TACE con microesferas precargadas de adriamicina (DC Bead(R)) es un procedimiento seguro y efectivo, dada la baja tasa de complicaciones, buena tolerancia de los pacientes y aumento de la tasa de respuesta tumoral (AU)

Objectives. To present our experience in the use of microspheres preloaded with adriamycin (DC Bead(R)) in the transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma, in a two-year prospective multidisciplinary study in consecutive patients to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerance of this procedure. Material and methods. From May 2007 to January 2010, we performed 30 TACE procedures in 17 patients (3 women and 14 men; mean age, 68 years; age range, 56–85 years). We performed a mean of 1.76 procedures per patient using the precision TACE protocol. Outcomes were evaluated using the RECIST-EASL criteria by clinical, laboratory, CT, and MRI follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results. The procedure was considered an initial technical success in all cases. The total dose was delivered in seven cases; in the remaining cases, the total dose was not reached (mean dose, 80mg). An objective response was observed in 64.7% of patients: a complete response was observed in 29.41% and a partial response in 35.29%. Disease was stabilized in 23.52% and progressed in 11.76%. We observed two cases of abscess/necrosis and one of ischemic cholecystitis. There were no deaths or cases of liver failure related with the procedure. Conclusions. TACE using microspheres preloaded with adriamycin (DC Beads(R)) is safe and effective, given the low rate of complications, good tolerance in patients, and increased tumor response (AU)

[Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma using precision transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE): results of two years' experience in a general hospital]. / Quimioembolización de hepatocarcinoma mediante TACE-precisión: resultados al 2.° año en un hospital general.

OBJECTIVES: To present our experience in the use of microspheres preloaded with adriamycin (DC Bead(®)) in the transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma, in a two-year prospective multidisciplinary study in consecutive patients to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerance of this procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From May 2007 to January 2010, we performed 30 TACE procedures in 17 patients (3 women and 14 men; mean age, 68 years; age range, 56-85 years). We performed a mean of 1.76 procedures per patient using the precision TACE protocol. Outcomes were evaluated using the RECIST-EASL criteria by clinical, laboratory, CT, and MRI follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: The procedure was considered an initial technical success in all cases. The total dose was delivered in seven cases; in the remaining cases, the total dose was not reached (mean dose, 80mg). An objective response was observed in 64.7% of patients: a complete response was observed in 29.41% and a partial response in 35.29%. Disease was stabilized in 23.52% and progressed in 11.76%. We observed two cases of abscess/necrosis and one of ischemic cholecystitis. There were no deaths or cases of liver failure related with the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: TACE using microspheres preloaded with adriamycin (DC Beads®) is safe and effective, given the low rate of complications, good tolerance in patients, and increased tumor response.

Acupuncture and rehabilitation of the painful shoulder: study protocol of an ongoing multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial [ISRCTN28687220].

BACKGROUND: Although the painful shoulder is one of the most common dysfunctions of the locomotor apparatus, and is frequently treated both at primary healthcare centres and by specialists, little evidence has been reported to support or refute the effectiveness of the treatments most commonly applied. According to the bibliography reviewed, physiotherapy, which is the most common action taken to alleviate this problem, has not yet been proven to be effective, because of the small size of sample groups and the lack of methodological rigor in the papers published on the subject. No reviews have been made to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating this complaint, but in recent years controlled randomised studies have been made and these demonstrate an increasing use of acupuncture to treat pathologies of the soft tissues of the shoulder. In this study, we seek to evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy applied jointly with acupuncture, compared with physiotherapy applied with a TENS-placebo, in the treatment of painful shoulder caused by subacromial syndrome (rotator cuff tendinitis and subacromial bursitis). METHODS/DESIGN: Randomised controlled multicentre study with blind evaluation by an independent observer and blind, independent analysis. A study will be made of 465 patients referred to the rehabilitation services at participating healthcare centres, belonging to the regional public health systems of Andalusia and Murcia, these patients presenting symptoms of painful shoulder and a diagnosis of subacromial syndrome (rotator cuff tendinitis and subacromial bursitis). The patients will be randomised into two groups: 1) experimental (acupuncture + physiotherapy); 2) control (TENS-placebo + physiotherapy); the administration of rescue medication will also be allowed. The treatment period will have a duration of three weeks. The main result variable will be the change produced on Constant's Shoulder Function Assessment (SFA) Scale; as secondary variables, we will record the changes in diurnal pain intensity on a visual analogue scale (VAS), nocturnal pain intensity on the VAS, doses of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken during the study period, credibility scale for the treatment, degree of improvement perceived by the patient and degree of improvement perceived by the evaluator. A follow up examination will be made at 3, 6 and 12 months after the study period has ended. Two types of population will be considered for analysis: per protocol and per intention to treat. DISCUSSION: The discussion will take into account the limitations of the study, together with considerations such as the choice of a simple, safe method to treat this shoulder complaint, the choice of the control group, and the blinding of the patients, evaluators and those responsible for carrying out the final analysis.