Faruque Riffat

Pediatric caustic ingestion: 50 consecutive cases and a review of the literature

Caustic injury to the aerodigestive tract remains a significant medical and social concern despite various efforts to minimize hazards of caustic household products. Agents with a pH less than two or greater than 12 are extremely corrosive, causing damage that can range from mild to extensive, including esophageal perforation leading to mediastinitis and death at the extreme scale. Methods include retrospective case note review of all admissions to the otolaryngology unit with caustic injury that underwent esophagoscopy to the Childrens Hospital Westmead between 1990 and 2007. A protocol-based management system with antibiotics and steroids together with esophagoscopy at 48 hours was implemented. A total of 50 admissions were identified with an average follow-up of 5 years. There were a total of 28 males and 22 females with a median age of 22 months. Forty-nine cases (98%) were accidental. Thirty-eight cases (76%) occurred within the interiors of the family home with the kitchen being the common location. Another seven (14%) occurred within the external environment of the home, usually in the garage or pool shed. The causative agents were varied with 37 (74%) being alkali, three cases (6%) being acidic, and other agents, such as chlorine bleach, being the remainder. The most frequently ingested alkalis were dishwashing powder and disinfectants closely followed by degreasers. Twenty-five children (50%) drank directly from a container with the remainder ingesting granules or powder directly. At esophagoscopy, 17 cases (34%) had grade 1 injury and 10 (20%) had grade 2 injury. Fifty percent of patients of grade 2 injury subsequently developed strictures requiring multiple dilatations. Importantly, six cases (12%) had evidence of esophageal injury without oral injury. Caustic injuries continue to be a significant morbidity in the pediatric patient group. Most cases are still happening as a result of accidental ingestion from unmarked containers within reach of children at home. Oral injury is not always a useful marker of more significant distal injury. A protocol-based management can identify children at risk for long-term stricture earlier.

A systematic review of 1143 parapharyngeal space tumors reported over 20 years

Parapharyngeal space tumours are rare and most clinicians will only see a small number during their career. We performed a systematic review of 1143 parapharyngeal space tumors published in the past 20 years to increase cumulative experience. A systematic literature review was performed and data on histological diagnosis, presentation, surgical approach and postoperative complications of cases published between 1989 and 2009 were compiled and reviewed. The systematic review identified a total of 1143 parapharyngeal space tumors presented in 17 studies. A majority (82%) were benign and 18% were malignant. The most common presentation was a cervical mass (50%) or an intraoral mass (47%). Approximately 70 different histologic subtypes of parapharyngeal space tumors were reported in the cumulative series. The most common primary lesion was a pleomorphic adenoma (34%). Ninety-five percent of patients underwent surgery. The most frequent approach and used to excise the lesions was the cervical approach (48%) and the commonest complication was the vagus nerve injury seen in 14% of the cases.

Radiologically Predicting When a Sternotomy May Be Required in the Management of Retrosternal Goiters

Objectives: Surgery remains the most effective treatment for retrosternal goiters. These commonly present as asymptomatic lesions in elderly patients, but may also cause airway and esophageal compression and, less commonly, may also be mali gnant. Although the majority of these goiters are amenable to transcervical thyroidectomy, in a minority of patients sternotomy is required. The ability to predict the need for sternotomy before operation would allow for safer surgery and operative counseling, as well as improved logistical efficiency if coordination with thoracic surgeons is required. In this report, we assess the radiologic factors that might be predictive of the need for sternotomy. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 97 retrosternal goiters for which thyroidectomy was performed within the otolaryngology department at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, between 2001 and 2011. There were a total of 80 cervical excisions and 17 cases in which sternotomy was required. A detailed computed tomographic analysis of these 17 cases was undertaken to assess the predictive factors for the requirement of sternotomy. The factors assessed included posterior mediastinal extension, presence of an ectopic nodule, extension below the carina, extension below the aortic arch, a “conical shape” of the goiter, and tracheal compression. These were compared to the same factors in the control group of 80 patients, and Fishers exact test was used to determine statistical significance. Results: The significant predictive factors for sternotomy were posterior mediastinal extension, extension below the carina, and a “conical” goiter in which the thoracic inlet becomes a ring of constriction (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our results suggest that it is possible to predict on the basis of computed tomographic imaging the need for sternotomy in retrosternal goiters.

Acute Supraglottitis in Adults

Objectives: Adult supraglottitis is a potentially life-threatening airway infection. We reviewed the management and outcome of supraglottitis in 169 adults admitted to Liverpool Hospital between 1999 and 2009. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all admissions with supraglottitis in patients at least 18 years of age. The diagnosis was confirmed by fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy or direct laryngoscopy under general anesthesia. The main outcome measure was the need for intubation or tracheotomy. Univariate analysis was performed to determine factors that led to a worse outcome. Results: There were 80 men and 89 women in the cohort, with a median age of 51 years. Of these, 140 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit for a mean duration of 2 days. The common symptoms and signs at presentation were odynophagia and dysphagia (94%), dysphonia (65%), and stridor (33%). Endotracheal intubation was performed in 16 patients, and an awake tracheotomy was required in 4 patients. Dexamethasone acetate was used in 103 patients. Thirty-five patients had diabetes mellitus as a comorbidity. The presence of diabetes was predictive of the need for intubation or tracheotomy (p < 0.05), and the use of steroids was predictive of an intensive care unit stay of 24 hours or less (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Fiberoptic laryngoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis of supraglottitis, and close airway monitoring is crucial. Conservative management of the airway is a viable option, but the presence of diabetes makes airway intervention more likely. The use of steroids aids in symptom alleviation and hastens resolution of airway swelling, with no negative sequelae.

Prevalence of tonsillar Actinomyces in children undergoing tonsillectomy for sleep disordered breathing compared with recurrent tonsillitis

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of tonsillar actinomycosis in pediatric tonsillectomies performed for sleep disordered breathing (SDB) compared with recurrent infective tonsillitis. METHODS All tonsillectomy specimens performed in a pediatric otolaryngology practice over a 10-year period were sent to the same pathology laboratory for histological analysis for the prevalence of Actinomyces. A database of 1213 children was generated and analyzed to determine any significant differences in Actinomyces carriage between children with a primary diagnosis of sleep disordered breathing, compared with recurrent tonsillitis. Statistical analysis was performed using a 2 way contingency table, and significance analyzed via chi-squared and Fishers exact test. RESULTS Four hundred and sixty five children aged less than 16 underwent tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis and 748 for SDB. Actinomyces were identified in 68 of the group with recurrent tonsillitis (14.6%) and in 153 of the group with SDB (20.5%). This difference was statistically significant with p=0.009 on two-tail Fishers exact test. CONCLUSION There was a statistically significant higher rate of Actinomyces colonization in children undergoing tonsillectomies for SDB compared to recurrent tonsillitis.

Complications after CO2 laser surgery for early glottic cancer: An institutional experience

Transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) of the glottis is increasingly utilized in the current management of early glottic cancer, its advantages being administrative ease, potential to be repeated, ability to keep radiotherapy and open laryngeal surgery available as salvage options, and low complication rates.

Oncological safety of the Hayes-Martin manoeuvre in neck dissections for node-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION The Hayes-Martin manoeuvre involves ligation of the posterior facial vein and superior reflection of the investing fascia below the mandible to preserve the marginal mandibular nerve. The peri-facial nodes thus remain undissected. We perform this manoeuvre routinely during modified radical neck dissection for metastatic oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer. Here, we review the oncological safety and marginal mandibular nerve preservation rates of this manoeuvre from 2004 to 2009. METHOD Retrospective review of the head and neck oncology database (2004-2009) at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK, a tertiary referral centre for head and neck oncology. RESULTS Thirty-four patients underwent modified radical neck dissection for metastatic oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The primary tumour included the tonsil in 19 cases, base of tongue in 10 and posterior pharyngeal wall in 5. The neck nodal status was N1 in 4 cases, N(2a) in 11, N(2b) in 10, N(2c) in 4 and N(3) in 5. All patients had adjuvant radiotherapy. Median follow up was four years (range, two to five). No peri-facial nodal region recurrences were seen. Four patients had temporary marginal mandibular nerve weakness; beyond two months, no weakness was seen. CONCLUSION In neck dissections for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, the marginal mandibular nerve and accompanying facial nodes can be safely preserved without oncological risk using the Hayes-Martin manoeuvre.

The laryngeal mask airway and otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery

Objectives/Hypothesis: To review the use of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in otorhinolaryngology, as well as the advantages and disadvantages across the range of procedures typically performed. Study Design: Contemporary review. Methods: Published articles identified through PubMed, Medline, and conference proceedings were reviewed. Results: With only minimal stimulation of the oropharyngeal airway at the time of insertion and removal, the LMA provides safe, hands-free airway maintenance and is ideally suited to many of the procedures performed in otorhinolaryngology. Conclusions: The relationship between surgeon and anesthetist is particularly strong in otorhinolaryngology. The impact of airway management on the surgical field and perioperative conditions requires the surgeon to be aware of contemporary tools and techniques available. The LMA has been shown to be safe and efficacious by both the literature and clinical practice. Its use in selected patients should be encouraged.To review the use of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in otorhinolaryngology, as well as the advantages and disadvantages across the range of procedures typically performed.

Endoscopic or external approach revision surgery for pharyngeal pouch following primary endoscopic stapling: which is the favoured approach?

This study aimed to assess outcomes of revision endoscopic stapling and external excision of pharyngeal pouch. A 5-year prospective study was performed on all patients requiring revision pouch surgery following primary endoscopic stapling. Data were collected retrospectively. Eighteen patients underwent revision pouch surgery. In seven patients, pouch size was down-graded from 3 to 2, and these were stapled endoscopically. Two leaks resulted. Eleven patients with grade 1 or 3 pouches underwent external excision of pouch, with no post-operative complications. As per results external excision of pouch is safe for grade 1 and 3 pouches. It avoids risking redundant mucosa and recurrence of symptoms which can complicate stapling and enables a myotomy to be performed to reduce cricopharyngeal hypertonicity. The highest predictable success is with grade 2 pouches, whose size is amenable to adequate endoscopic stapling. However, the “staple over staple” effect of revision stapling leads to unpredictable fibrosis, which can contribute to risk of perforation.

Swallowing assessment and management pre and post head and neck cancer treatment.

Purpose of reviewHead and neck cancer (HNC) imposes significant structural, functional, and cosmetic burdens upon those affected. Although advances in multimodality organ preservation therapy have assisted in ameliorating a number of previous treatment-related sequelae, dysphagia remains a foremost concern for members of the multidisciplinary team. Given its acute and long-term impact on physical and psychological wellbeing, and subsequent bearing on delivery of treatment, treatment-related morbidity and overall mortality, prompt recognition, and accurate assessment and optimization of management are pivotal. Recent findingsQualitative research has provided greater insight into the psychosocial burdens dysphagia imposes on HNC patients and carers, highlighting the need for holistic strategies of management. There is a growing body of evidence to support dietary alterations and preventive swallowing exercise regimens for maintenance of oral intake throughout and following HNC therapy. The role of prophylactic enteral feeding, however, remains uncertain, with conflicting institutional data and lack of high-quality prospective studies for meaningful systematic literature assessment. Endoscopic surgical techniques hold promise in relieving stricture-related dysphagia; however, multiple treatments are required and recurrence is common. SummarySwallowing rehabilitation encompassing education, dietary modification, and swallowing exercises comprise the mainstay of current evidence-based dysphagia management in HNC patients.