Michael K. Gupta

Sialendoscopy for the Management of Obstructive Salivary Gland Disease A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the efficacy and safety of sialendoscopy in the treatment of obstructive diseases of the salivary glands in adults. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (no lower limit to October 2010). Reference lists were searched for identification of relevant studies. STUDY SELECTION Prospective or retrospective studies of adult patients treated with interventional sialendoscopy for the management of salivary gland obstruction were selected. Outcome measures included rates of success (symptom-free and absence of residual obstruction), sialadenectomy, and complications. Non-English publications were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION Two independent review authors screened eligible studies, extracted relevant data, and resolved discrepancies by consensus when applicable. Weighted pooled proportion, 95% confidence intervals, and test results for heterogeneity are reported. DATA SYNTHESIS Twenty-nine studies were included in the analysis. The weighted pooled proportion of success rates were 0.86 (95% CI, 0.83-0.89) for studies involving 1213 patients undergoing sialendoscopy alone and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.89-0.96) for the 374 patients undergoing sialendoscopy with a combined surgical approach. Outcomes following interventional sialendoscopy for radioiodine-induced sialadenitis were reported in 3 studies, and success rates were variable. Rates of sialadenectomy were low, and few major complications were reported. CONCLUSION Findings from the present systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that sialendoscopy is efficacious, safe, and gland preserving for the treatment of obstructive major salivary gland disease.

Smoking cessation interventions and cessation rates in the oncology population: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives To evaluate tobacco smoking cessation interventions and cessation rates in the oncology population through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Data Sources The literature was searched using PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (inception to October 2012) by 3 independent review authors. Review Methods Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or prospective cohort (PCs) studies evaluating tobacco smoking cessation interventions with patients assigned to a usual care or an intervention group. The primary outcome measure was smoking cessation rates. Two authors extracted data independently for each study. When applicable, disagreements were resolved by consensus. Results The systematic review identified 10 RCTs and 3 PCs. Statistical analysis was conducted using StatsDirect software (Cheshire, UK). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) for smoking cessation interventions were calculated in 2 groups based on follow-up duration. The therapeutic interventions included counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, buproprion, and varenicline. Smoking cessation interventions had a pooled odds ratio of 1.54 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.909-2.64) for patients in the shorter follow-up group and 1.31 (95% CI, 0.931-1.84) in the longer follow-up group. Smoking cessation interventions in the perioperative period had a pooled odds ratio of 2.31 (95% CI, 1.32-4.07). Conclusion Our systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that tobacco cessation interventions in the oncology population, in both the short-term and long-term follow-up groups, do not significantly affect cessation rates. The perioperative period, though, may represent an important teachable moment with regard to smoking cessation.

Evaluating Smoking Cessation Interventions and Cessation Rates in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. Tobacco smoking cessation interventions in the oncology population are an important part of comprehensive treatment plan. Objectives. To evaluate through a systematic review smoking cessation interventions and cessation rates in cancer patients. Search Strategy. The literature was searched using Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (inception to November 2010) by three independent review authors. Selection Criteria. Studies were included if tobacco smoking cessation interventions were evaluated and patients were randomized to usual care or an intervention. The primary outcome measure was cessation rates. Data Collection and Analysis. Two authors extracted data independently for each paper, with disagreements resolved by consensus. Main Results. The systematic review found eight RCTs investigating smoking cessation interventions in the oncology patient population. Pooled relative risks were calculated from two groups of RCTs of smoking cessation interventions based on followup duration. In both groups, the pooled relative risk did not suggest a statistically significant improvement in tobacco cessation compared to usual care. Conclusions. Our review demonstrates that recent interventions in the last decade which are a combination of non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches yield a statistically significant improvement in smoking cessation rates compared to usual care.

The Proportion of Malignancy in Incidental Thyroid Lesions on 18-FDG PET Study: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective To evaluate through a systematic review and meta-analysis the malignancy rates of thyroid incidentalomas identified in adults by 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, computed tomography (18-FDG PET-CT) imaging studies. Data Sources The literature search was conducted using OVID Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Pubmed, and reference list review (inception to April 2013) by 2 independent review authors. Review Methods Studies with adults undergoing 18-FDG PET scan identifying a thyroid incidentaloma with definitive histological or cytological results reported were included. Results Thirty-one studies with a total of 197,296 PET studies and 3659 focal thyroid incidentalomas were identified with 1341 having definitive cytopathology or histopathology. The pooled proportion of malignancy was calculated as 19.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 15.3%-24.7%) with 15.4% (95% CI, 11.4%-20.0%) of the total cases being papillary thyroid cancer. Distant metastases represented 1.1% (95% CI, 0.6%-1.8%) of the total cases. Conclusions Our systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that the incidence of malignancy is high in thyroid incidentalomas identified through 18-FDG PET imaging studies. Thyroid incidentalomas identified through 18-FDG PET require thorough investigation.

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis after congenital cardiothoracic surgery: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There is variation in the literature in regard to the occurrence of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) after congenital cardiothoracic surgery. The objective of this study was to identify and appraise the evidence for the occurrence of UVFP after congenital cardiothoracic surgery in a meta-analysis. METHOD: A comprehensive search strategy in Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted, limited to English publications. Two independent reviewers screened studies for eligibility criteria. Of the 162 identified studies, 32 (20%) met the inclusion criteria. Using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines, 2 reviewers appraised the level of evidence, extracted data, and resolved discrepancies by consensus. Weighted pooled proportion and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported. RESULTS: Thirty-two studies (n = 5625 patients) were included. Levels of evidence varied from level 3 to 4. Among all studies, the weighted pooled proportion of UVFP was 9.3% (95% CI, 6.6% to 12.5%), and among 11 studies (n = 584 patients) that postoperatively evaluated patients with flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy to document presence of UVFP, the weighted pooled proportion of UVFP was 29.8% (95% CI, 18.5% to 42.5%). Twenty-one studies (n = 2748 patients) evaluated patients undergoing patent ductus arteriosus ligation surgery, and the weighted pooled proportion of UVFP was 8.7% (95% CI, 5.4% to 12.6%). Six of these (n = 274 patients) assessed all patients postoperatively, and the weighted pooled proportion of UVFP was 39% (95% CI, 18% to 63%). Pooled analyses of risk factors and comorbidities are reported. Heterogeneity and publication bias were detected. CONCLUSIONS: UVFP is a demonstrated risk of congenital cardiothoracic surgery. Routine postoperative nasopharyngolaryngoscopy for vocal fold assessment by an otolaryngologist is suggested.

Treatment of Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease with a Low Salicylate Diet A Pilot Crossover Study

Objective Aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is comprised of aspirin/acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) sensitivity, bronchial asthma, and nasal polyposis. Treatment of this condition is challenging and may include topical/systemic steroids, endoscopic sinus surgery, and/or aspirin desensitization. Study Design A prospective crossover pilot study (n = 10) was conducted in which patients were randomized into either of 2 groups with 6 weeks of regular diet (R) or 6 weeks of a low salicylate diet (LS). Setting The study was conducted in a tertiary otolaryngology clinic. Subjects Patients with AERD were enrolled in the study. Methods Subjective (Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 [SNOT-22], Nasal Sinus Symptom Scale [NSSS], and the Asthma Control Questionnaire-7 [ACQ-7]) and objective outcome instruments (Peri-Operative Sinus Evaluation [POSE] and Lund-Kennedy Endoscopic Score [LKES]) were used to evaluate patients at baseline, 6 weeks (at crossover), and 12 weeks. Results Wilcoxon rank sum tests demonstrated that patients on the low salicylate diet had improved scores compared to their regular diet when evaluated by 4 of the 5 outcome measures (SNOT-22 pLS = 0.0059, NSSS pLS = 0.0195, LKES pLS = 0.0039, POSE pLS = 0.005). Conclusion Results of the pilot study indicate that implementation of a low salicylate diet improves the nasal symptoms and nasal endoscopy findings of individuals with AERD. Further research is required to support these findings.

Sialendoscopy for the management of juvenile recurrent parotitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To determine the effectiveness and safety of sialendoscopy for the treatment of juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP). The study was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines.

A novel treatment adjunct for aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease: the low-salicylate diet: a multicenter randomized control crossover trial

Aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a clinical triad consisting of aspirin/acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) sensitivity, bronchial asthma, and nasal polyposis. Although respiratory reactions following ingestion of ASA and other nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are considered a hallmark of the condition, respiratory inflammation persists despite patients’ avoidance of NSAIDs. Treatment of this condition remains challenging and includes both medical and surgical options.

Incisionless otoplasty: a retrospective review and outcomes analysis.

OBJECTIVE To report outcomes following incisionless otoplasty, a minimally invasive surgical technique that can be used to treat protruding ears. METHODS Two independent review authors retrospectively reviewed the electronic charts of consecutive patients (n=19) who underwent incisionless otoplasty by a single surgeon between October 2007 and June 2011 at McMaster Childrens Hospital. Main outcome measures were pre- and post-operative protrusion measurements, and complication rates. Research Ethics Board approval was granted through Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University. Descriptive statistics were reported. RESULTS Nineteen children (mean age 8.8 ± 3.7 years) underwent incisionless otoplasty with an average follow-up of 43.9 ± 9.3 weeks (95% CI, 24.4-64.4 weeks). Pre- and post-operative measurements, respectively, for both ears combined were 24.2 mm and 15.0 mm at the level of the most superior helical point, 26.3 mm and 15.7 mm at the superior conchal attachment, 25.5 mm and 16.6 mm at the inferior conchal attachment, and 15.0 mm and 14.1 mm at the lobule. Two patients exhibited asymmetry necessitating revision surgery. Three patients extruded sutures, two of which experienced localized suture abscesses. No patients developed post-operative haematomas or perichondritis. CONCLUSIONS Among our cohort of patients, otoplasty using an incisionless technique seems to be successful in improving ear protrusion among children and is associated with few complications.

Management of the radial forearm free flap donor site using a topically applied tissue expansion device

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to prospectively assess clinical outcomes in patients undergoing a new method of donor site management for radial forearm free flaps. METHODS 177 patients underwent reconstruction of ablative defects of the head and neck using a radial forearm free-flap. All patients had topical tissue expansion tapes applied to their forearms preoperatively. Closure rates, healing time and complications associated with the technique were assessed. RESULTS Ninety-five percent of patients had their donor sites closed primarily with a locally harvested full thickness skin graft. Complications related to the tissue expansion device included a loss of device adhesion (19.3%) requiring reapplication and minor pruritic reactions (4.1%). CONCLUSIONS This system of donor site management has resulted in a significant reduction in the requirement of a split thickness skin graft for coverage of the donor site in a radial forearm free flap without any significant economic cost or patient morbidity.