Maurits Boon

Vagal paraganglioma: The Jefferson experience☆

Vagal paraganglioma is a rare tumor of neural crest origin. Although the literature is in agreement with regard to epidemiology, diagnosis, and tumor biology, there is some controversy over treatment modalities for these patients. We performed a non-randomized retrospective study in a large single-institution series of patients (n = 19) in whom vagal paraganglioma was diagnosed. General statistics included age, male/female ratio, tumor size, and duration of follow-up. Other variables such as signs and symptoms at presentation, family history, multicentricity, metastatic disease, and secretion of catecholamines were included. CT scan, MRI, and angiography were used in combination for diagnostic purposes as well as for treatment planning. Preoperative embolization was performed in 5 of the more recently treated patients. Current issues regarding the use of preoperative embolization and choice of surgical approach were analyzed. In this article the possibility and sequela of vagus nerve–sparing procedures will be presented. Operative complications and postoperative morbidity related to cranial neuropathies will be discussed. The rationale for performing adjunct procedures, including cricopharyngeal myotomy and vocal fold medialization, to facilitate the rehabilitation of patients with postoperative cranial nerve deficits will be given. Our findings and recommendations will be compared with currently accepted treatment protocols in conjunction with a review of the literature.

Updates of operative techniques for upper airway stimulation.

Selective upper airway stimulation has been established as an additional treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Essential for the treatment is the precise placement of the cuff electrode for select branches of the hypoglossal nerve, which innervate the protrusors and stiffeners of the tongue. A direct approach to the distal hypoglossal nerve has been established to achieve this goal. For surgeons, detailed knowledge of this anatomy is vital. Another decisive step is the placement of the sensing lead between the intercostal muscles. Also, the complexity of follow‐up care postoperatively should be kept in mind. The aim of this article is to provide the latest knowledge on the neuroanatomy of the hypoglossal nerve and to give surgeons a step‐by‐step guide on the current operative technique. Laryngoscope, 126:S12–S16, 2016

Postoperative Complications of Powered Intracapsular Tonsillectomy and Monopolar Electrocautery Tonsillectomy in Teens versus Adults

Objectives This study was performed to determine whether teens have different rates of posttonsillectomy hemorrhage, admission for dehydration, or recurrent tonsillitis compared to adults. Specifically, these parameters were compared within two groups: patients who underwent powered intracapsular tonsillectomy (PIT) and those who underwent monopolar electrocautery tonsillectomy (MET). Methods In a retrospective review of 579 patients at least 12 years of age from January 2000 to July 2006 in a tertiary referral center, outcome measures of reoperation for hemorrhage, readmission or emergency room visit for dehydration, and postoperative tonsillitis were compared for 200 patients 12 to 19 years of age and 379 patients more than 19 years of age. These outcome measures in teens were compared to those in adults who had tonsillectomy by the same technique (101 teens who underwent PIT compared to 117 adults who underwent PIT, and 99 teens who underwent MET compared to 262 adults who underwent MET). Outcome measures were also compared within the PIT and MET groups based on the indication for surgery (chronic tonsillitis, tonsillar hypertrophy, or both). Results In comparing teens to adults who underwent the same technique (PIT versus PIT, or MET versus MET), no statistically significant differences existed in the incidence of hemorrhage, dehydration, or postoperative tonsillitis. Greater hemorrhage rates for adults who underwent MET compared to teens, however, almost met statistical significance (p = 0.053). Analyzing complication rates by indication within the PIT and MET groups exclusively revealed higher rates of hemorrhage in adults who underwent the MET technique for the indication of chronic tonsillitis. Within the PIT comparison, no significant differences were found on the basis of indication for surgery. Conclusions Teenage patients who undergo tonsillectomy should be considered unique as far as complication rates are concerned. Comparison of technique-specific complication rates between adults and teens showed no significant differences in either the PIT or MET groups, although adults who underwent MET had greater hemorrhage rates that almost met significance (p = 0.053). Adults who were undergoing tonsillectomy for chronic tonsillitis were more likely than teens to encounter postoperative hemorrhage if they underwent the MET technique.

Lingual abscess from a grill cleaning brush bristle

1) Describe the clinical presentation of a lingual abscess secondary to a foreign body. 2) Discuss the workup of glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GN). 3) Review existing literature.

Efficacy of large‐diameter dilatation in cricopharyngeal dysfunction

To investigate patient outcomes with large‐diameter bougienage in isolated cricopharyngeal dysfunction and understand how esophageal dilatation can be used as an effective diagnostic and therapeutic modality in treating dysphagia.

Tracheal Stenosis After Placement of Percutaneous Dilational Tracheotomy

Objectives: Percutaneous dilational tracheotomy procedures have been used successfully as a bedside alternative to open surgical tracheotomy. At our institution, we have seen patients with tracheal injuries following this procedure. In this paper, we review those cases to demonstrate that tracheal stenosis is a potential long‐term complication of percutaneous dilational tracheotomy.

Parotid gland trauma.

Parotid trauma can lead to both short and long-term complications such as bleeding, infection, facial nerve injury, sialocele, and salivary fistula, resulting in pain and disfigurement. Facial injuries inferior to a line extended from the tragus to the upper lip should raise concern for parotid injury. These injuries can be stratified into three regions as they relate to the masseter muscle. Injuries posing the greatest risk of damage to Stensens duct include those anterior to the posterior border of the masseter and necessitate exploration. When the duct is disrupted, emphasis should be placed on primary repair or re-creation of the papilla; however, proximal ductal lacerations can be treated by ligation of the proximal segment. Isolated parenchymal injury can be treated with more conservative means. Sialocele and salivary fistula can frequently be managed nonoperatively with antibiotics, pressure dressings, and serial aspiration. Anticholinergic medications and the injection of botulinum toxin represent additional measures before resorting to surgical therapies such as tympanic neurectomy or parotidectomy.

Endostitch‐assisted endoscopic Zenker's diverticulostomy: a tried approach for difficult cases

The aim was to describe a tried approach to endoscopic Zenkers diverticulostomy, especially in those patients with unfavorable anatomy or smaller pouches who may otherwise be relegated to open repair. The study design was a retrospective case series The setting was an urban, tertiary care university medical center There were seven patients, both inpatient and outpatient, with chief complaints of dysphagia. All had a documented Zenkers diverticulum (ZD) on barium swallow. All of the patients were deemed by the primary surgeon to have some anatomic factor that limited exposure of the diverticulum. The patients underwent Endostitch-assisted endoscopic Zenkers diverticulostomy. Records were retrospectively reviewed, including preoperative and postoperative swallowing status, radiographic findings, operative findings, and follow-up results. Seven patients were reviewed, each of whom had successful endoscopic treatment of ZD. Notably, in each case, an anatomical factor precluded the seating of the gastrointestinal anastomosis (GIA) stapler on the cricopharyngeal bar without the use of endoscopic retention sutures. The majority of the patients were discharged on postoperative day one. All but one patient noted a marked improvement in swallowing function immediately following the procedure and at their outpatient follow-up visit. Endoscopic Zenkers diverticulostomy has been well-described and established as a reliable technique in a majority of cases. We report on our experience using a previously described technique specifically for difficult, unfavorable, or contraindicated cases and suggest the employment of this technique as an alternative method to facilitate endoscopic repair and possibly limit the need for an open approach.

Technical tips during implantation of selective upper airway stimulation

Selective upper airway stimulation is now well‐established in the United States and in several European countries, with more than 1,000 patients implanted since U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in April 2014. The authors herein, all head and neck surgeons, account for approximately one of every five implants completed to date. Several of the authors also provide comprehensive longitudinal care of their patients as dual‐specialty sleep medicine physicians.

Cervical Discitis and Epidural Abscess After Tonsillectomy

Approximately 6 weeks after an uncomplicated tonsillectomy for chronic tonsillitis, a 37‐year‐old woman presented to our emergency department with complaints of odynophagia and cervical pain persistent since surgery. Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging revealed cervical spinal osteomyelitis with epidural abscess at C2 to 3. The patient underwent treatment with intravenous antibiotics, operative debridement, and cervical spinal stabilization. She recovered with no neurologic deficit.