Mahesh Bhat

Role of concomitant chemoradiation in locally advanced head and neck cancers.

Standard therapy for advanced head and neck cancer consists of a combination of surgery and radiation. However, survival of this patient population has not improved during the past 20 years. Many different multimodality treatment schedules have been proposed, and chemotherapy is often used with the intent of organ preservation. The present study was intended to establish the efficacy of concomitant chemoradiation with a single agent carboplatin in advanced head and neck cancers.The objectives were to investigate the feasibility of concomitant administration of carboplatin, monitor acute toxicity during radiotherapy, and determine subacute side effects, such as wound healing following surgery after chemoradiotherapy. A prospective study was conducted wherein a total of 40 patients with stage III and IV squamous cell carcinomas of oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx were enrolled. All patients were treated with external beam radiotherapy and weekly carboplatin area under curve (AUC of 5). Radiotherapy was given in single daily fractions of 1.8-2 grays (Gy) to a total dose of 66-72 Gy. Salvage surgery was performed for any residual or recurrent locoregional disease. Neck dissection was recommended for all patients with neck disease showing less than a complete response after chemoradiation. A total of 40 patients were enrolled of whom 32 were males and 8 were females. Highest incidence of cancer was seen in the 5th-6th decades of life with a median age of 47.7 years. Oropharyngeal tumours constituted a maximum of 21 patients followed by hypopharynx in 10, larynx in 7 and oral cavity in 2. 80% of the patients had a neck node on presentation of which 40% had N2-N3 nodal status. TNM staging revealed that 58% of patients were in stage III and 43% in stage IV. Evaluation of acute toxicity revealed that 50% had grade II mucositis, 25% grade III mucositis, 2.5% grade IV mucositis. 50% of patients had grade I skin reactions, 65% of patients had grade I thrombocytopenia, and 24% of patients had grade I anaemia. After completion of treatment 65% of patients had complete response at the primary and regional sites, and 35% of patients had a partial response of whom 23% underwent neck dissection and 5% of them underwent salvage surgery at the primary site. At the end of one year there were six deaths and four recurrences and 70% were free of disease. Concurrent chemoradiation with carboplatin provided good locoregional control for locally advanced head and neck cancers. This regimen, although toxic, is tolerable with appropriate supportive intervention. Primary site conservation is possible in many patients. Chemoradiotherapy appears to have an emerging role in the primary management of head and neck cancers.

Postaural incision closure in single layer versus multiple layers: A comparison

Background: By tradition, the postaural incision is closed in single or multiple layers. In this study single layer closure is compared with multiple layer closure. Materials and Methods: Two hundred patients with Chronic suppurative otitis media undergoing ear surgery by post aural approach at our department were included in the study. Results: It was observed that time taken for single layer closure was far less compared with time taken for multiple layer closure, which was of statistical significance. Conclusion: single layer closure is as effective as multiple layer closure of postaural incision, with the distinct advantages of reduced closure time and lesser cost of suture material.

Spectrum of complications in sinusitis

Complications of paranasal sinus infection most often involve the orbit and peri-orbita. Because of widespread use of antibiotics, intracranial extension of paranasal sinusitis is rarely seen today. Nevertheless, the clinician must be aware of the potential of these complications as late recognition of this condition and delay in treatment can increase morbidity and mortality rates. An interesting case of sinusitis with orbital and intracranial complication is presented, which was radiologically evaluated and was comprehensively managed. Unparallel role of radiological investigations cannot be over emphasized as it played a very important role in both assessment and timing of the surgical intervention. The key to successful treatment is aggressive management and timely surgical intervention. We have extensively reviewed literature and comprehensively discussed pathophysiology and radiological assessment of such cases.