Primary surgical treatment versus salvage surgery: Results of free flap reconstruction performed in 100 patients with oropharyngeal cancer.

This research sought to analyze the functional results of free flap reconstruction in two groups of patients with head and neck cancer: first group started with radiochemotherapy followed by reconstructive surgery, second group underwent initiative surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a group of 100 patients, surgery was used as the primary form of treatment in 55 (55%) patients, and the remaining 45 patients (45%) had chemoradiotherapy introduced first. Statistical analysis was performed with Statistica v. 12. The chi-square test and test of proportion were used for categorical data. Student's t-test was used for continuous data. Probability of survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method where the censoring variable was time to death. To compare survival between cohorts, we used the Cox's test. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Initial radiochemotherapy prior to surgical treatment indicated an increased risk of local tumor recurrence, flap degeneration, and other local complications.

Functional results after total cricoidectomy with medial femoral condyle free flap reconstruction.

Our goal was to describe a laryngeal-preserving single-stage procedure for the treatment of low-grade chondrosarcomas of the larynx: a total cricoidectomy with medial femoral condyle flap reconstruction. The study was designed as a case series of three consecutive patients with low-grade chondrosarcomas of the cricoid cartilage lamina, diameter 4.4, 5.2, 3.8 cm, respectively, who underwent total cricoidectomy in 2012. Single-staged reconstruction of the defect with medial femoral condyle flap including the periosteum and thin underlying cortical layer of the bone was conducted. Oncologic and functional results were observed during 3 years of follow-up. No evidence of tumor recurrence was detected during follow-up. One month after surgery, all patients were able to tolerate a soft diet and to speak satisfactorily. None of the patients reported aspiration after surgery nor experienced aspiration-related problems, which was confirmed by means of the Leipzig-Pearson scale. The speech ability was good, maximum phonation time was 14, 18, 21 s, respectively, and the voice handicap index scores ranged from 24 to 36 and had improved noticeably at 1, 3 and 6 months follow-up. Two patients were ultimately decannulated, and one female still has a tracheostomy; however, she is able to keep the tracheostoma closed for most of the time, maintaining good phonatory and swallowing functions. Total cricoidectomy with reconstruction by means of medial femoral condyle flap may replace the total laryngectomy in large low-grade chondrosarcomas of the cricoid cartilage.

The reconstruction of large laryngeal defect with medial condyle femur corticoperiosteal free flap--a case report.

The larynx is a complicated organ with very important functions. Reconstructive operations of the larynx often result in some function reduction caused by scars and stenoses. The aim of this report is to present the results of the one-stage reconstructive operation after a large excision of the chondrosarcoma of the larynx. The patient was male, aged 48 with the history of the operation of the highly mature cartilaginous sarcoma of the thyroid on the right side with tumor recurrence. The one-stage reconstructive surgery using medial condyle femur corticoperiosteal free flap which reshaped the cartilage scaffold and restored an inner layer as the mucosa was made. The flap survived without local and systemic complications. Six months follow-up revealed no local recurrence and good breathing results. There was no restriction of movement of the lower limbs. The patient returned to work previously performed. Results were shown in endoscopic examinations and computer tomography. The medial condyle femur corticoperiosteal free flap may be an option for reconstruction of large laryngeal defect with restoring its shape and inner layers.

The pathophysiological role of bacterial biofilms in chronic sinusitis.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a very common disorder that remains poorly understood from a pathogenic standpoint. Recent research on the pathogenesis of CRS has been focused on the potential role of biofilms in this chronic infection. The aim of this study was to assess the sinuses' microflora and biofilm formation on the sino-nasal mucosa in patients with CRS. Paranasal sinus mucosa specimens were harvested at the time of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Classical microbiology techniques for the isolation and identification of sinus mucosa microbial flora were used. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to detect biofilm on the surface of mucosa. A microtiter plate assay for in vitro biofilm formation was employed, divided into three aliquots. One part was assessed for bacterial presence, utilizing an API manual system and the Vitek(®) 2 Compact system. The two remaining aliquots were tested by in vitro conventional microbiological assay with the use of the Infinite M200 (Tecan) microtiter plate reader, and also by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A microbiological examination of mucosal specimens had taken during FESS operation revealed the presence of various types of bacteria in 29 out of 30 tested samples. Out of 62 different strains isolated from patients with CRS, 23 strains of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus epidermidis and 6 strains of Escherichia coli were the most frequently isolated microorganisms, accounting for 37.1 and 9.7 %, respectively. Among the 62 isolated strains, 58 were used to assess biofilm formation. From the total of 58 isolates, 8.6 % were strong biofilm producers, 20.7 % were moderate, and 70.7 % of isolates were considered to be non- or weak biofilm producers. SEM of the 30 nasal concha mucosal samples taken from patients with CRS revealed biofilm in 23 specimens. A marked destruction of the epithelium was observed, with variation in degrees of severity, from disarrayed cilia to complete absence of cilia. The vast majority of nasal concha mucosal samples of patients affected by chronic sinusitis presented with biofilm formation. Our study showed that 76.7 % of patients having FESS for CRS had evidence of biofilms on SEM micrographs. Although certain detection methods could lead to various discrepancies in the amount of biofilm produced, the consistent demonstration of biofilms in patients with CRS suggests that this convoluted three-dimensional structures might play a significant role in either the pathogenesis or persistence of chronic rhinosinusitis.

The double opposing myomucosal cheek flap in hard palate reconstruction.

Limited defects in the oral cavity can be treated with local and pedicled cheek flaps. It allows to preserve the functions of the resected organ. Large defects in the midline of the hard palate can be reconstructed with double opposing myomucosal cheek flaps. The aim of this study was to discuss the methodology of the flap harvest and to show our experiences of treatment in a group of 15 patients with oral cavity cancer. In 1 patient the double opposing myomucosal cheek flap was harvested due to the wider local defect. The small size of the flap with ability to use the double opposing cheek flap in more extended defects as well as short duration of the surgery procedure can lead to reduced risk of postoperative complications. Finally, cheek flaps form an effective method of treatment of defects in the oral cavity.

Supraclavicular artery pedicled flap in reconstruction of pharyngocutaneous fitulas after total laryngectomy.

The aim of the study was to analyze the efficacy of treatment of closure of cutaneopharyngeal fistulas, following total laryngectomy, using a fasciocutaneous flap. In the group of 6 patients treated in years 2013-2014, in 4 (67%) patients the healing process was successful, in one patient complete flap necrosis was noted on the 6th day, in another patient a small cutaneopharyngeal fistula was recognized, which closed secondarily with no intervention. Flaps of this type, having a small risk of local complications at donor site and satisfactory functional and aesthetic results, may be an alternative form of flap to others used in the reconstruction of superficial deficits in the head and neck areas.

[Subglottic stenosis in Wegener's granulomatosis--a diagnostic and therapeutic problem]. / Zwzenie podglosniowe w ziarniniakowatosci Wegenera--problem diagnostyczny i terapeutyczny.

Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a disease caused by necrotising vasculitis of small and middle blood vessels of upper and lower respiratory tract and kidneys of unknown etiology. ENT symptoms develop in more than 90% of patients and tracheobronchial involvement occurs in about 20% of patients, most often as a subglottic stenosis. Subglottic stenosis occurs usually as a late complication of disease, but sometimes it may be an early isolated symptom. It is usually irregular, no longer than 2-4 cm and affects mucosa and submucosa but sometimes also cartilage. The diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, X-ray of the chest, urine analysis, c-ANCA detection and histological examination of the granulation from the stenosis. The main treatment of subglottic stenosis in WG is a causal immunosuppressive treatment, however an equally important is a preservation of respiratory tract passage, because a dominant symptom in this form of WG is problem with breathing or even dyspnoea. In this publication basing on literature review different methods of treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis and its importance in WG are described and discussed. In literature presently less invasive operations are recommended. The treatment of choice is endoscopic treatment with repeated dilatations and injections of steroid into the stenosis. In big stenosis in immunologically active disease patient sometimes requires tracheotomy and after remission of disease and maturation of the subglottic scar laryngotracheal resection can be considered.

[Early glottic cancer--treatment results]. / Wyniki leczenia wczesnych raków glosni.

INTRODUCTION: Early glottic cancer (stage T1, T2) is connected with very good prognosis as well as organ and function preservation. The aim of the study was the assessment of early glottic treatment results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1999-2005 1007 patients with larynx cancer were treated in Dept. of Otolaryngology Head Neck Oncological Surgery Poznan University of Medical Sciences. The majority constitute the patients with II and III stage of clinical advancement of the disease. Early glottic cancer was diagnosed in 43 patients (4.3%). The diagnose of the larynx cancer was set upon indirect and direct laryngoscopy, histological examination of larynx samples and neck ultrasonography. In all 43 patients CO2 laser surgery in Klein1 sasser microlaryngoscopy set was performed. RESULTS: In all cases, confirmed in histological examination the resection was radical. Follow-up was conducted every month in the first year of observation, then every 2-3 months. The time of follow-up ranged from 40 to 64 month, mean 51 month. In 4 patients (9.3%) treated for early glottic cancer with CO2 laser surgery the local relapse occurred after 10, 15, 19 and 28 month respectively. In two patients total laryngectomy, in one reconstructive partial laryngectomy and in one radiotherapy was performed. The mean time of observation after salvage treatment is 29 months. All patients are alive and free of disease. CONCLUSION: The laser surgery is an effective and non-invasive treatment of early glottic cancer but the strict follow-up regimen is demanded.

[9-years results of the functional endoscopic sinus surgery in ENT department in Poznan--from microscope to four hands technique]. / 9-letnie doswiadczenia Kliniki Poznanskiej w chirurgii czynnosciowej zatok przynosowych--od mikroskopu operacyjnego do techniki czterech rak.

Surgical procedure is used in chronic rhinosinusitis and aims at restoring proper drainage and ventilation. For this reason the surgery of this region is referred to as functional and in English literature is termed as FESS. It supplanted classical method of Caldwell-Luc or Denker. In the study nine years experience in the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Surgery University of Poznan in the treatment of chronic sinusitis has been presented. 1463 patients treated with FEES were analyzed. Moreover, the method of selecting patients for the surgery, the diagram showing surgeries performed step by step as well as a list of various surgeries and intraoperative complications were presented. This work is the first part of the study. In the other part the results of the treatment based on the questionnaires sent to patients will be presented.

[The importance of postoperative care after functional endoscopic sinus surgery]. / Znaczenie postepowania pooperacyjnego w operacjach czynnosciowych nosa i zatok przynosowych.

INTRODUCTION: In this work we wish to emphasize the importance of postoperative care of patients who underwent FESS in ENT Department Medical University in Poznan. We feel that too little attention is still being paid to this treatment as we mostly focus on surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our observation are based on nine year experience in functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The analysis covers patients hospitalized in our Department from January 1998 to August 2007. The schedule of postoperative care has been presented. RESULTS: 1463 FESS operation were carried out in our Department from January 1998 to August 2007. Similar postoperative procedures were used with each patient. Full recovery of mucous membrane depended on a few parameters such as: if the patient underwent FESS for the first time, what kind of changes were observed: polips or chronic infection, as well as the method of surgery ("aggressive" versus "delicate"). Healing time ranged from 6 week to 3 month. CONCLUSIONS: The scheme of procedures employed comes useful in postoperative treatment after FESS.

[The problems and question marks in precancerous lesions of the larynx]. / Post powanie w stanach przedrakowych krtani - dylematy i znaki zapytania.

BACKGROUND: Development of the laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma is taking place on the base of well-documented precancerous lesions. In histological examination precancerous lesions show dysplasia which may be reversible. The quick and proper diagnosis allows for applying the adequate and successful treatment. AIM: Aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of precancerous lesions of the larynx, their potential to evolve in relation to grade of dysplasia and discuss the pathologic findings. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective analysis of histopathological documentation and ambulatory cards gathered in ENT Department between 1994-2003 was performed. The 173 patients with dysplasia and carcinoma in situ of vocal cord were analyzed. RESULTS: The 2719 directoscopies were performed in 10 year period. Two out of 117 patients with moderate and 5 out of 27 with severe dysplasia were treated for laryngeal cancer during the follow up period. Out of these 117 patients the group of 46 patients was chosen, in whom more then 2 microlaryngoscopies were performed (more then 3 in 71,7%) with mean follow up period 4,2 years (from 4 month to 10 years). This group of 45 males and 1 female with dysplasia was carefully analyzed. The mean age was 59,6. Hoarseness from 2 weeks to 20 years (mean 17,5 month) was observed, but most often the patients were seen by the doctor in 2 month duration of complaints. The time between first presentation in Outpatient Department and direct laryngoscopy was from 1 day to 1,5 year, but as routine 2 week period was established. In 10 cases the up-grading of dysplasia was observed. The pathologic findigs were presented. CONCLUSIONS: Quick, adequate (sensitive, specific) diagnostics of premalignancy in the glottis allows for effective and not humiliating treatment (phonosurgery, laser, partial laryngectomy). The rigid schedule of precancerous patient's treatment and follow-up should be drowning. The further diagnostic directions should attempt to find more sensitive methods than the routine histological examination for the assessment of the dysplastic lesions, allowing better evaluation of the risk for cancer development.

[Tracheotomy as a bedside procedure in the Intensive Care Unit: is it safe?]. / Czy tracheotomia wykonywana na oddziale Intensywnej Opieki Medycznej (IOM) jest procedura bezpieczna?

BACKGROUND: The authors would like to present the problem of performing bedside tracheotomy in the Intensive Care Unit. The tracheotomy have been done in the highly specific group in poor or fatal general condition, so the complication rate according to the general status of the patients is discussed. MATERIAL: 92 patients were treated with tracheotomy between I 2003-XII 2005 and in this number 13 complications occurred. The general status of the patients (shock, stroke, sepsis, pneumonia, hypoalbuminemy) in the time of procedure was taken into consideration. RESULTS: In early complications dominated the bleeding--in 7 patients (7.9%) and wound infections--in 4 patients. Tracheal strictures, the only late complication found in our group, were stated during the follow up period in 2 patients (1.1%). The time of performing the tracheotomy i.e. day of the intubation (range from 0-13; mean--5.7) and day of the decaniulation (range from 3-65; mean--16) were analyzed. CONCLUSION: Tracheotomy performed in the Intensive Care Unit as a bedside procedure is safe, quick and effective. Complication rate in the group of patients in poor general condition is comparable both to the average population and to the percutaneous technique.