Shaun C. Desai

Intraoperative qRT-PCR for Detection of Lymph Node Metastasis in Head and Neck Cancer

Purpose: Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) has been shown to accurately stage the regional lymphatics in oral carcinoma. However, intraoperative pathology is only moderately sensitive and final pathology takes several days to complete. The purpose of this study was to develop a rapid, automated, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay that can match final pathology in an intraoperative time frame. Experimental Design: Four hundred forty-eight grossly tumor-negative lymph nodes were evaluated for expression of 3 markers [PVA (pemphigus vulgaris antigen), PTHrP (parathyroid hormone-related protein), and TACSTD1 (tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 1)]. Conformity of metastasis detection by qRT-PCR was determined using hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry staining as the gold standard. PVA and TACSTD1 were then multiplexed with β-glucuronidase to develop a rapid, automated single-tube qRT-PCR assay using the Cepheid GeneXpert system. This assay was used to analyze 103 lymph nodes in an intraoperative time frame. Results: Four hundred forty-two nodes produced an informative result for both qRT-PCR and pathologic examination. Concordance of qRT-PCR for individual markers with final pathology ranged from 93% to 98%. The best marker combination was TACSTD1 and PVA. A rapid, multiplex assay for TACSTD1 and PVA was developed on the Cepheid GeneXpert and demonstrated an excellent reproducibility and linearity. Analysis of 103 lymph nodes demonstrated 94.2% accuracy of this assay for identifying positive and negative nodes. The average time for each assay to yield results was 35 minutes. Conclusions: A rapid, automated qRT-PCR assay can detect lymph node metastasis in head and neck cancer with high accuracy compared to pathologic analysis and may be more accurate than intraoperative pathology. Combined, SNB and rapid qRT-PCR could more appropriately guide surgical treatment of patients with head and neck cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 17(7); 1858–66. ©2011 AACR.

Scalp Reconstruction An Algorithmic Approach and Systematic Review

IMPORTANCE Reconstruction of the scalp after acquired defects remains a common challenge for the reconstructive surgeon, especially in a patient with a history of radiation to the area. OBJECTIVE To review the current literature and describe a novel algorithm to help guide the reconstructive surgeon in determining the optimal reconstruction from a cosmetic and functional standpoint. Pertinent surgical anatomy, considerations for patient and technique selection, reconstructive goals, as well as the reconstructive ladder, are also discussed. EVIDENCE REVIEW A PubMed and Medline search was performed of the entire English literature with respect to scalp reconstruction. Priority of review was given to those studies with higher-quality levels of evidence. FINDINGS Size, location, radiation history, and potential for hairline distortion are important factors in determining the ideal reconstruction. The tighter and looser areas of the scalp play a major role in the potential for primary or local flap closure. Patients with medium to large defects and a history of radiation will likely benefit from free tissue transfer. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Ideal reconstruction of scalp defects relies on a comprehensive understanding of scalp anatomy, a full consideration of the armamentarium of surgical techniques, and a detailed appraisal of patient factors and expectations. The simplest reconstruction should be used whenever possible to provide the most functional and aesthetic scalp reconstruction, with the least amount of complexity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA.

Management Controversies in Head and Neck Melanoma: A Systematic Review

Importance Head and neck melanoma is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and is currently increasing in prevalence. While there is a tremendous amount of research published on melanoma, the actual evidence for complex clinical decision-making can be difficult to interpret and to stay up-to-date on current clinical standards. Objective To address, in a systematic and evidence-based approach, the most common clinical controversies with regard to the workup and management of head and neck melanoma. Evidence Review A PubMed and Medline search was performed of the entire English literature with respect to head and neck melanoma. Priority of review was given to those studies with higher-quality levels of evidence. Findings Main topics reviewed in this article include workup for new melanoma, surgical treatment of the primary site, surgical treatment of the neck, adjuvant radiation therapy, and systemic therapy. Levels of evidence are used for each controversial clinical question to help the clinician understand the reliability of the current evidence when making complex clinical decisions for melanoma management of the head and neck. However, much of the work done in melanoma, particularly large randomized clinical trials, includes many other regions of the body. Therefore, these data must be interpreted in light of the potential differences in clinical behavior and draining lymphatics between trunk, limbs, and head and neck subsites. Conclusions and Relevance The management of head and neck melanoma requires a multidisciplinary approach, particularly for advanced-stage disease. An in-depth knowledge of the current evidence available will help guide the surgeon in the management of this difficult disease.

Use of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 for Mandible Reconstruction

BACKGROUND Microvascular osseous free tissue transfer is the standard of care for reconstructing significant mandibulectomy defects; however, this procedure can carry a significant rate of morbidity. OBJECTIVES To describe the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) as an option for segmental or near-complete rim mandibulectomy defects in a select group of patients, precluding the need for free tissue transfer. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of 6 patients who had undergone repair of a mandible defect using rhBMP-2 with beta-tricalcium phosphate matrix or a cadaveric bone graft at a single tertiary care institution. The defects resulted from resection of benign neoplasms or from previous trauma. Reconstruction success was defined as no hardware problems, healing without infection, no need for further surgical procedures, and imaging evidence of healing and union without resorption. The median follow-up period was 37.5 months (range, 12-51 months). RESULTS Five of 6 patients underwent successful restoration of the mandibulectomy defect. One patient with a compromised immune system developed a significant postoperative wound infection requiring further reconstructive surgery. CONCLUSION The use of an rhBMP-2-based reconstructive approach is a feasible option for segmental or near-complete rim mandibulectomy defects in a select group of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.

Endoscopic keel placement to treat and prevent anterior glottic webs.

We performed a retrospective chart review to examine and describe our clinical experience of use of the Lichtenberger technique to place silicone elastomer keels after lysis of existing webs or for prevention of webs following anterior commissure surgery in adults. Twenty-two patients were identified for inclusion, ranging in age from 24 to 80 years. For 18 patients with existing glottic webs, the surgical procedure involved laryngoscopy with complete lysis of the anterior glottic web by laser or sharp technique, followed by placement of a square of silicone elastomer that is sutured in place with the Lichtenberger needle holder and left in place for 3 to 5 weeks. The procedure was well tolerated, and successfully corrected the web in all but 2 cases. For 4 patients, the procedure was performed prophylactically at the time of anterior commissure surgery considered high-risk for web formation. The procedure does not require a tracheotomy, and patients can maintain a normal diet and have functional phonation while the keel is in place. This approach to treating anterior glottic webs offers several advantages over traditional open thyrotomy with keel placement and should be considered to treat or prevent anterior glottic webs.

Revision Rates and Risk Factors of 175 842 Patients Undergoing Septorhinoplasty

IMPORTANCE Estimates of the rate of revision septorhinoplasty and the risk factors associated with revision are unknown because the current published literature is limited to small, retrospective, single-surgeon studies with limited follow-up time. OBJECTIVES To determine the rate of revision for septorhinoplasty surgery and to determine the risk factors associated with revision. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective cohort analysis of 175 842 patients undergoing septorhinoplasty between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2009, from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Projects State Inpatient Databases, State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases, and State Emergency Department Databases from California, Florida, and New York. Revisit information for these patients was then collected from the 3 databases between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2012, with a minimal follow-up time of 3 years; and study analysis done January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2012. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Revision surgery after an index septorhinoplasty was the main outcome measure, and the rate of revision was calculated within subgroups of patients based on different demographic and clinical characteristics. A multivariable model was then used to determine independent risk factors for the performance of revision surgery. RESULTS The study cohort comprised 175 842 participants who underwent septorhinoplasty procedures; mean (SD) age was 41.0 (15.3) years, and 57.0% were male. The overall revision rate for any septorhinoplasty procedure was 3.3% (5775 of 175 842) (99% CI, 3.2%-3.4%). After separating the patients into primary septorhinoplasty and secondary septorhinoplasty groups, the primary group had an overall revision rate of 3.1% (5389 of 172 324), while the secondary group had an overall revision rate of 11.0% (386 of 3518). Patient characteristics associated with an increased rate of revision include younger age (5.9% [633 of 10 727]), female sex (3.8% [2536 of 67 397]), a history of anxiety (3.9% [168 of 4350]) or autoimmune disease (4.4% [57 of 1286]), and surgery for cosmetic (7.9% [340 of 4289]) or congenital nasal deformities (8.9% [208 of 2334]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The study results, derived from a large cohort of patients with long follow-up time, suggest that the rate of revision septorhinoplasty is low, but certain patient characteristics are associated with higher revision rates. These data provide valuable preoperative counseling information for patients and physicians. This study also provides robust data for third-party payers or government agencies in an era in which physician performance metrics require valid risk adjustment before being used for reimbursement and quality initiatives. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.

Lower Lid Malposition: Causes and Correction

Lower lid malposition is a common yet demanding problem that both functional and cosmetic eyelid surgeons will face. It encompasses a spectrum of lower eyelid conditions ranging from lower lid retraction to frank ectropion and entropion. The causes of lower lid malposition are numerous, and the problem can be challenging to correct even for experienced surgeons. Proper treatment of lower lid malpositioning requires a clear understanding of the lower eyelid anatomy, careful preoperative assessment, and appropriate selection of surgical and nonsurgical interventions to have a successful outcome.

Reconstruction of the Lateral Mandibular Defect: A Review and Treatment Algorithm

Reconstruction of the lateral mandibular defect presents a complex challenge to the reconstructive surgeon, often involving interconnected soft-tissue and bone requirements. This review examines the current literature on functional outcomes of lateral mandibular reconstruction and presents an algorithm on selecting an optimal reconstructive choice for patients with lateral mandibular defects resulting from oncologic ablative surgery or trauma. PubMed and Medline searches on reconstructing lateral mandibular defect were performed of the English literature. Search terms included lateral mandibular defect, outcomes of mandibular reconstruction, and free flap reconstruction of mandible. Although most of the articles presented are retrospective reviews, priority was given to the articles with high-quality level of evidence. Restoration of function, including speech and swallow, and acceptable cosmetic result are the primary objectives of lateral mandibular reconstruction. When reconstructing the mandible in a patient following tumor extirpation, the patients overall prognosis, medical comorbidities, and need for adjuvant therapy should be considered. In the patient with aggressive malignant disease and a poor prognosis, a less complex reconstruction, such as soft-tissue flap with or without a reconstruction plate, may be adequate. In a dentate patient with favorable prognosis, a durable reconstruction, such as osseocutaneous microvascular free flap, is often preferred. Various reconstructive options are available for patients with lateral mandibular defects. Depending on the predominance of the soft-tissue or bony components of the defect, with consideration of the patients characteristics and functional and aesthetic goals, the surgeon can wisely select from these reconstructive possibilities.

Extracranial radial forearm free flap closure of refractory cerebrospinal fluid leaks: a novel hybrid transantral-endoscopic approach.

BACKGROUND: Although rare, recalcitrant cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after skull base tumor resection or major head trauma is a difficult therapeutic challenge, often complicated by lack of local vascularized tissue in a scarred, radiated field. Craniotomy with a free tissue transfer has been described for CSF leak repair from these complicated skull base defects. OBJECTIVE: We present our experience with a novel extracranial approach to manage refractory CSF leaks with a radial forearm free flap set in through a transantral and ethmoid sinus approach. METHODS: Five patients with recalcitrant CSF leaks in the anterior skull base underwent radial forearm free tissue transfer via a hybrid transantral-endoscopic approach. RESULTS: There were 4 female patients and 1 male patient. Average age was 58 years (range, 30-72 years). Four patients had previous neurosurgical anterior skull base tumor resections, and 1 patient had significant head trauma leading to a recalcitrant CSF leak. All 5 patients had undergone multiple prior endoscopic and/or open repairs. All 5 patients had successful resolution of their leak after undergoing radial forearm free tissue transfer. Two of 5 patients required a second minor endoscopic procedure. No patients required a craniotomy. CONCLUSION: An extracranial transantral-endoscopic approach for the inset of radial forearm free flap is a safe treatment technique that precludes the need for a craniotomy and promotes effective repair of CSF leaks refractory to traditional endoscopic procedures. ABBREVIATION: RFFF, radial forearm free flap

Surgical Anatomy of the Eyelids.

Slight alterations in the intricate anatomy of the upper and lower eyelid or their underlying structures can have pronounced consequences for ocular esthetics and function. The understanding of periorbital structures and their interrelationships continues to evolve and requires consideration when performing complex eyelid interventions. Maintaining a detailed appreciation of this region is critical to successful cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. This article presents a current review of the anatomy of the upper and lower eyelid with a focus on surgical implications.