26
|
Burks CA, Russell TI, Goss D, Ortega G, Randolph GW, Varvares MA, Brown DJ, Gray ST, Bergmark RW. Strategies to Increase Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Surgical Workforce: A State of the Art Review. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 166:1182-1191. [PMID: 35439084 DOI: 10.1177/01945998221094461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate strategies to increase racial and ethnic diversity in the surgical workforce among trainees and faculty across surgical specialties. DATA SOURCES Embase, OVID/Medline, and Web of Science Core Collection. REVIEW METHODS A review of US-based, peer-reviewed articles examining the effect of targeted strategies on racial and ethnic diversity in the surgical workforce was conducted from 2000 to 2020 with the PRISMA checklist and STROBE tool. Studies without an outlined strategy and associated outcomes were excluded. Eleven studies met inclusion criteria and were completed in general surgery, orthopaedic surgery, and otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. CONCLUSIONS Efforts to increase exposure to surgery through internship programs and required clerkships with efforts to improve mentorship were common (6 of 11 [54.5%] and 3 of 11 [27.3%] studies, respectively). Three (27.3%) studies aimed to diversify the recruitment and selection process for the residency match and faculty hiring, and 2 (18.2%) aimed to increase representation among trainees, faculty, and leadership through holistic review processes paired with departmental commitment. Outcome metrics included surgical residency applications for individuals underrepresented in medicine, interview and match rates, faculty hiring, measures of a successful academic surgical career, and leadership representation. All strategies were successful in increasing diversity in the surgical workforce. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE A convincing yet limited body of literature exists to describe strategies and outcomes that address racial and ethnic diversity in the surgical workforce. While future inquiry is needed to move this field of interest forward, the evidence presented provides a framework for surgical residency programs/departments to develop approaches to increase racial and ethnic diversity.
Collapse
|
27
|
Ma C, Wang F, Han B, Zhong X, Si F, Ye J, Hsueh EC, Robbins L, Kiefer SM, Zhang Y, Hunborg P, Varvares MA, Rauchman M, Peng G. Correction to: SALL1 functions as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer by regulating cancer cell senescence and metastasis through the NuRD complex. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:90. [PMID: 35361217 PMCID: PMC8969247 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01554-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
28
|
Gadkaree SK, McCarty JC, Sajjadi A, Dresner HS, Lindsay RW, Varvares MA, Friedlander DF, Bergmark RW. Disparities in Index of Care for Otolaryngologic Procedures Performed in Ambulatory and Inpatient Settings. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 167:821-831. [PMID: 35230907 DOI: 10.1177/01945998221082550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the same surgical procedure performed in ambulatory and inpatient settings to determine the demographics associated with this selection, the differences in 30-day revisit rates, and the total 30-day cost of care. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort analysis. SETTING Ambulatory and inpatient centers in Florida, New York, and Maryland. METHODS The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, the State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Database, and the State Inpatient Database were used to identify patients undergoing commonly performed otolaryngologic procedures in 2016. The State Emergency Department Database and State Inpatient Database were used to identify 30-day revisits. RESULTS A total of 55,311 patients underwent an otolaryngologic procedure: 51,136 (92.4%) ambulatory and 4175 (7.6%) inpatient. Adjusted odds of receiving care in the ambulatory setting was significantly lower for Black patients (odds ratio, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.55-0.85]; P = .001) and nonspecified other races (odds ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.52-0.95]; P = .001) as compared with White patients. Women had 1.16-higher adjusted odds of undergoing a procedure in the ambulatory setting (95% CI, 1.05-1.29; P = .005). Insurance status and income were associated with location of care in the subcategorization of head and neck surgery. Adjusted inpatient procedure costs were significantly more than ambulatory (median, $59,112 vs $14,899); 30-day adjusted costs were $71,333.07 (95% CI, $56,223.99-$86,42.15; P < .001) more expensive for inpatient procedures vs ambulatory; and the adjusted 30-day odds of revisit were 2.23 times greater (95% CI, 1.44-3.44; P < .001) for ambulatory surgery across all procedures. CONCLUSIONS Disparities exist in the use of ambulatory settings to provide otolaryngologic surgery. Additional research is required to ensure equitable triaging of surgical care setting.
Collapse
|
29
|
Rathi VK, Kozin ED, Naunheim MR, Varvares MA. Misestimating Misattribution of Mortality to Otolaryngology Departments in US News & World Report Rankings. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 166:403. [PMID: 35138978 DOI: 10.1177/01945998211008910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
30
|
Taylor DB, Osazuwa-Peters OL, Okafor SI, Boakye EA, Kuziez D, Perera C, Simpson MC, Barnes JM, Bulbul MG, Cannon TY, Watts TL, Megwalu UC, Varvares MA, Osazuwa-Peters N. Differential Outcomes Among Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer Belonging to Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 148:119-127. [PMID: 34940784 PMCID: PMC8704166 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2021.3425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Importance Approximately 1 in 5 new patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) in the US belong to racial and ethnic minority groups, but their survival rates are worse than White individuals. However, because most studies compare Black vs White patients, little is known about survival differences among members of racial and ethnic minority groups. Objective To describe differential survival and identify nonclinical factors associated with stage of presentation among patients with HNC belonging to racial and ethnic minority groups. Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based retrospective cohort study used data from the 2007 to 2016 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and included non-Hispanic Black, Asian Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic patients with HNC. The data were analyzed from December 2020 to May 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures Outcomes were time to event measures: (HNC-specific and all-cause mortality) and stage of presentation. Covariates included nonclinical (age at diagnosis, sex, race and ethnicity, insurance status, marital status, and a composite socioeconomic status [SES]) and clinical factors (stage, cancer site, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery). A Cox regression model was used to adjust associations of covariates with the hazard of all-cause death, and a Fine and Gray competing risks proportional hazards model was used to estimate associations of covariates with the hazard of HNC-specific death. A proportional log odds ordinal logistic regression identified which nonclinical factors were associated with stage of presentation. Results There were 21 966 patients with HNC included in the study (mean [SD] age, 56.02 [11.16] years; 6072 women [27.6%]; 9229 [42.0%] non-Hispanic Black, 6893 [31.4%] Hispanic, 5342 [24.3%] Asian/Pacific Islander, and 502 [2.3%] American Indian/Alaska Native individuals). Black patients had highest proportion with very low SES (3482 [37.7%]) and the lowest crude 5-year overall survival (46%). After adjusting for covariates, Hispanic individuals had an 11% lower subdistribution hazard ratio (sdHR) of HNC-specific mortality (sdHR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83-0.95), 15% lower risk for Asian/Pacific Islander individuals (sdHR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78-0.93), and a trending lower risk for American Indian/Alaska Native individuals (sdHR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.71-1.01), compared with non-Hispanic Black individuals. Race, sex, insurance, marital status, and SES were consistently associated with all-cause mortality, HNC-specific mortality, and stage of presentation, with non-Hispanic Black individuals faring worse compared with individuals of other racial and ethnic minority groups. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study that included only patients with HNC who were members of racial and ethnic minority groups, Black patients had significantly worse outcomes that were not completely explained by stage of presentation. There may be unexplored multilevel factors that are associated with social determinants of health and disparities in HNC outcomes.
Collapse
|
31
|
Siravegna G, O'Boyle CJ, Varmeh S, Queenan N, Michel A, Stein J, Thierauf J, Sadow PM, Faquin WC, Perry SK, Bard AZ, Wang W, Deschler DG, Emerick KS, Varvares MA, Park JC, Clark JR, Chan AW, Andreu Arasa VC, Sakai O, Lennerz J, Corcoran RB, Wirth LJ, Lin DT, Iafrate AJ, Richmon JD, Faden DL. Cell free HPV DNA provides an accurate and rapid diagnosis of HPV-associated head and neck cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 28:719-727. [PMID: 34857594 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-3151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE HPV-associated Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma(HPV+HNSCC) is the most common HPV-associated malignancy in the United States and continues to increase in incidence. Current diagnostic approaches for HPV+HNSCC rely on tissue biopsy followed by histomorphologic assessment and detection of HPV indirectly by p16 immunohistochemistry. Such approaches are invasive and have variable sensitivity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We conducted a prospective observational study in 140 subjects (70 cases and 70 controls) to test the hypothesis that a non-invasive diagnostic approach for HPV+HNSCC would have improved diagnostic accuracy, lower cost, and shorter Diagnostic Interval compared to standard approaches. Blood was collected, processed for circulating tumor HPV DNA(ctHPVDNA) and analyzed with custom ddPCR assays for HPV genotypes 16,18, 33, 35 and 45. Diagnostic performance, cost and Diagnostic Interval were calculated for standard clinical work up and compared to a non-invasive approach using ctHPVDNA combined with cross-sectional imaging and physical exam findings. RESULTS Sensitivity and specificity of ctHPVDNA for detecting HPV+HNSCC was 98.4% and 98.6%. Sensitivity and specificity of a composite non-invasive diagnostic using ctHPVDNA and imaging/physical exam were 95.1% and 98.6%. Diagnostic accuracy of this non-invasive approach was significantly higher than standard of care (Youden index 0.937 vs 0.707, p=0.0006). Costs of non-invasive diagnostic were 36-38% less than standard clinical work up and the median Diagnostic Interval was 26 days less. CONCLUSIONS A non-invasive diagnostic approach for HPV+HNSCC demonstrated improved accuracy, reduced cost and a shorter time to diagnosis compared to standard clinical workup and could be a viable alternative in the future.
Collapse
|
32
|
Bulbul MG, Genovese TJ, Hagan K, Rege S, Qureshi A, Varvares MA. Salvage surgery for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Head Neck 2021; 44:275-285. [PMID: 34729845 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aims to estimate a pooled hazard ratio (HR) comparing overall survival (OS) for salvage surgery compared to nonsurgical management of recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase-Ovid were searched on March 5, 2020, for English-language articles reporting survival for salvage surgery and nonsurgical management of recurrent HNSCC. Meta-analysis of HR estimates using random effects model was performed. Fifteen studies reported survival for salvage surgery and nonsurgical management of recurrence. Five-year OS ranged from 26% to 67% for the salvage surgery groups, compared to 0% to 32% for the nonsurgical management groups. Six studies reported HRs comparing salvage surgery to nonsurgical management; the pooled HR was 0.25 (95% CI [0.16, 0.38]; p < 0.0001). Selection for salvage surgery was associated with one quarter of the mortality rate associated with nonsurgical management in light of confounding factors including subsite and treatment intent.
Collapse
|
33
|
Yoon BC, Buch K, Cunnane ME, Sadow PM, Varvares MA, Juliano AF. Comparison between computed tomography and ultrasound for presurgical evaluation of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma tumor thickness. Am J Otolaryngol 2021; 42:103089. [PMID: 34087615 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2021.103089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the accuracy of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) tumor thickness (TT) measured on CT to intraoperative ultrasound (US) and histopathology. METHODS AND MATERIALS Twenty-six patients with OTSCC who underwent tumor resection by a single surgeon with simultaneous intraoperative US between 3/2016 and 4/2019 were prospectively identified, and their data reviewed. TT was independently measured in 19 patients who underwent preoperative CT (cTT) by two neuroradiologists blinded to US and histological results. The confidence level of interpretation of cTT was recorded by each reader using a 5-point Likert scale. The degree of dental artifact on CT was also scored. cTT was compared to TT measured on intraoperative US (uTT) and histopathologic assessment of TT (hTT). RESULTS OTSCC was visualized on CT in 52% (10/19) and 63% (12/19) of cases for readers 1 and 2, respectively. Mean Likert score was 0.42 for reader 1 and 0.73 for reader 2. Mean cTT of OTSCCs was 5.8 mm +/- 1.7 mm (n = 11). In comparison, mean uTT and hTT were 7.6 mm±3.5 mm and 7.1 +/- 4.2 mm, respectively. The Pearson coefficient (95% confidence interval) was 0.10 (-0.53-0.66) between cTT and hTT (n = 11) and 0.93 (0.74-0.98) between uTT and hTT. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative CT is not reliable for assessment of TT in OTSCC compared to US and histopathology, particularly for OTSCC under 10 mm. US offers a practical complementary imaging tool with a unique role for primary tumor assessment that can aid in pre-operative planning, especially for small tumors.
Collapse
|
34
|
Abt NB, Miller LE, Mokhtari TE, Lin DT, Richmon JD, Deschler DG, Varvares MA, Puram SV. Nasal and paranasal sinus mucosal melanoma: Long-term survival outcomes and prognostic factors. Am J Otolaryngol 2021; 42:103070. [PMID: 33930681 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2021.103070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine prognostic factors and survival patterns for different treatment modalities for nasal cavity (NC) and paranasal sinus (PS) mucosal melanoma (MM). METHODS Patients from 1973 to 2013 were analyzed using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable cox proportional hazard modeling were used for survival analyses. RESULTS Of 928 cases of mucosal melanoma (NC = 632, PS = 302), increasing age (Hazard Ratio [HR]:1.05/year, p < 0.001), T4 tumors (HR: 1.81, p = 0.02), N1 status (HR: 6.61, p < 0.001), and PS disease (HR: 1.50, p < 0.001) were associated with worse survival. Median survival length was lower for PS versus NC (16 versus 26 months, p < 0.001). Surgery and surgery + radiation therapy (RT) improved survival over non-treatment or RT alone (p < 0.001). Adding RT to surgery did not yield a survival difference compared with surgery alone (p = 0.43). Five-year survival rates for surgery and surgery + RT were similar, at 27.7% and 25.1% (p = 0.43). CONCLUSION Surgery increased survival significantly over RT alone. RT following surgical resection did not improve survival.
Collapse
|
35
|
Workman AD, Varvares MA, Bhattacharyya N. Rate of COVID-19 Infection in Patients Following Otolaryngology vs Non-otolaryngology Outpatient Encounters. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 167:266-267. [PMID: 34582288 DOI: 10.1177/01945998211049702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Routine outpatient otolaryngology visits have been identified as potential vectors for increased transmission of COVID-19 relative to other medical encounters. This is in part due to the inability of patients to mask during comprehensive otolaryngology examination and potential propensity for aerosolization during upper airway procedures, including endoscopy and nasopharyngoscopy. Using a matched-cohort sampling of >20,000 patients seen between April 2020 and January 2021, we found no increased rate of postvisit COVID-19 positivity following an in-office otolaryngology encounter relative to other non-otolaryngology outpatient encounters. This suggests that the perceived elevated risk of provider-to-patient and patient-to-patient transmission during outpatient otolaryngologic care may be unfounded.
Collapse
|
36
|
Bulbul MG, Tarabichi O, Parikh AS, Yoon BC, Juliano A, Sadow PM, Faquin W, Gropler M, Walker R, Puram SV, Varvares MA. The utility of intra-oral ultrasound in improving deep margin clearance of oral tongue cancer resections. Oral Oncol 2021; 122:105512. [PMID: 34564016 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2021.105512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the potential utility of intra-oral ultrasound (IOUS) in guiding deep margin clearance and measuring depth of invasion (DOI) of oral tongue carcinomas (OTC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with T1-T3 OTC who underwent intraoperative ultrasound-guided resection and a comparator group that had undergone resection without the use of IOUS both by a single surgeon. Data was extracted from operative, pathology and radiology reports. Deep margins and DOI were reviewed by a dedicated head and neck pathologist. Correlation between histologic and ultrasound DOI was assessed using Pearson correlation. RESULTS A total of 23 patients were included in the study cohort with a comparator group of 21 patients in the control group. None of the patients in the study cohort had a positive (cut-through) deep margin and the mean deep margin clearance was 8.5 ± 4.9 and 6.7 ± 3.8 for the IOUS and non-IOUS groups respectively (p-value 0.18) showing a non-significant improvement in the IOUS group. As a secondary outcome, there was a strong correlation between histologic and ultrasound DOI (0.9449). CONCLUSION Ultrasound appears to be a potentially effective tool in guiding OTC resections. In this small series, IOUS facilitated deep margin clearance and resulted in a non-statistically significant increase in deep margin clearance. Intraoral ultrasound can accurately measure lesional DOI.
Collapse
|
37
|
Mokhtari TE, Miller LE, Chen JX, Hartnick CJ, Varvares MA. Opioid prescribing practices in academic otolaryngology: A single institutional survey. Am J Otolaryngol 2021; 42:103038. [PMID: 33878642 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2021.103038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Opioids are highly addictive medications and otolaryngologists have a responsibility to practice opioid stewardship. We investigated postoperative opioid prescribing patterns among resident and attending physicians as an educational platform to underscore the importance of conscientious opioid prescribing. METHODS This quality improvement study was designed as a cross-sectional electronic survey. Residents and attending clinical faculty members at a single academic institution were queried from February through April 2020. An electronic survey was distributed to capture postoperative opioid prescribing patterns after common procedures. At the conclusion of the study, results were sent to all faculty and residents. RESULTS A total of 29 attending otolaryngologists and 22 residents completed the survey. Resident physicians prescribed on average fewer postoperative opioid pills than attendings. Among attendings, the largest number of opioids were prescribed following tonsillectomy (dose varied by patient age), neck dissection (12.6 pills), brow lift (13.3 pills), facelift (13.3 pills), and open reduction of facial trauma (10.7 pills). For residents, surgeries with the most postoperatively prescribed opioids were for tonsillectomy (varied by patient age), neck dissection (13.4 pills), open reduction of facial trauma (10.5 pills), parotidectomy (10.0 pills), and thyroid/parathyroidectomy (9.0 pills). The largest volume of postoperative opioids for both groups was prescribed following tonsillectomy. Attendings prescribed significantly more opioids after facelift and brow lift than did residents (p = 0.01 and p = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION There was good concordance between resident and attending prescribers. Improvement in opioid prescribing and pain management should be an essential component of otolaryngology residency education and attending continuing medical education. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.
Collapse
|
38
|
de Koning KJ, Varvares MA, van Es RJJ, Dankbaar JW, Breimer GE, de Bree R, Noorlag R. Response to: Should ultrasound-guided resection be the new norm for oral tongue resections? Oral Oncol 2021; 124:105473. [PMID: 34353729 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2021.105473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
39
|
Koss K, Massey B, Graboyes EM, Pipkorn P, Varvares MA, Puram SV, Zenga J. Anastomosis to the Internal Jugular Vein Stump: A Highly Reliable Technique in Head and Neck Reconstruction. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med 2021; 24:322-323. [PMID: 34197217 DOI: 10.1089/fpsam.2020.0642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|
40
|
Miller AL, Holcomb AJ, Parikh AS, Richards JM, Rathi VK, Goldfarb JW, Remenschneider AK, Bergmark RW, Annino DJ, Goguen LA, Rettig EM, Deschler DG, Emerick KS, Lin DT, Richmon JD, Chan CL, Min LC, Uppaluri R, Varvares MA. Assessment of Preoperative Functional Status Prior to Major Head and Neck Surgery: A Pilot Study. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 166:688-695. [PMID: 34154446 DOI: 10.1177/01945998211019306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To demonstrate feasibility of a recently developed preoperative assessment tool, the Vulnerable Elders Surgical Pathways and Outcomes Analysis (VESPA), to characterize the baseline functional status of patients undergoing major head and neck surgery and to examine the relationship between preoperative functional status and postoperative outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Case series with planned data collection. SETTING Two tertiary care academic hospitals. METHODS The VESPA was administered prospectively in the preoperative setting. Data on patient demographics, ablative and reconstructive procedures, and outcomes including total length of stay, discharge disposition, delay in discharge, or complex discharge planning (delay or change in disposition) were collected via retrospective chart review. VESPA scores were calculated and risk categories were used to estimate risk of adverse postoperative outcomes using multivariate logistic regression for categorical outcomes and linear regression for continuous variables. RESULTS Fifty-eight patients met study inclusion criteria. The mean (SD) age was 66.4 (11.9) years, and 58.4% of patients were male. Nearly one-fourth described preoperative difficulty in either a basic or instrumental activity of daily living, and 17% were classified as low functional status (ie, high risk) according to the VESPA. Low functional status did not independently predict length of stay but was associated with delayed discharge (odds ratio [OR], 5.0; 95% CI, 1.2-21.3; P = .030) and complex discharge planning (OR, 5.7; 95% CI, 1.34-24.2; P = .018). CONCLUSION The VESPA can identify major head and neck surgical patients with low preoperative functional status who may be at risk for delayed or complex discharge planning. These patients may benefit from enhanced preoperative counseling and more comprehensive discharge preparation.
Collapse
|
41
|
Feng AL, Holcomb AJ, Abt NB, Mokhtari TE, Suresh K, McHugh CI, Parikh AS, Holman A, Kammer RE, Goldsmith TA, Faden DL, Deschler DG, Varvares MA, Lin DT, Richmon JD. Feeding Tube Placement Following Transoral Robotic Surgery for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 166:696-703. [PMID: 34154449 DOI: 10.1177/01945998211020302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify factors that may predict the need for feeding tubes in patients undergoing transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in the perioperative setting. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective chart review. SETTING Academic tertiary center. METHODS A retrospective series of patients undergoing TORS for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) was identified between October 2016 and November 2019 at a single tertiary academic center. Patient data were gathered, such as frailty information, tumor characteristics, and treatment, including need for adjuvant therapy. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with feeding tube placement following TORS. RESULTS A total of 138 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 60.2 years (range, 37-88 years) and 81.9% were male. Overall 82.9% of patients had human papilloma virus-associated tumors, while 28.3% were current or former smokers with a smoking history ≥10 pack-years. Eleven patients (8.0%) had a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube placed at some point during their treatment. Five patients (3.6%) had feeding tubes placed perioperatively (<4 weeks after TORS), of which 3 were nasogastric tubes. Six patients (4.3%) had feeding tubes placed in the periadjuvant treatment setting for multifactorial reasons; 5 of which were gastrostomy tubes. Only 1 patient (0.7%) was gastrostomy dependent 1 year after surgery. Multiple logistic regression did not demonstrate any significant predictive variables affecting perioperative feeding tube placement following TORS for OPSCC. CONCLUSIONS Feeding tubes are seldom required after TORS for early-stage OPSCC. With appropriate multidisciplinary planning and care, patients may reliably avoid the need for feeding tube placement following TORS for OPSCC.
Collapse
|
42
|
Bulbul MG, Wu M, Lin D, Emerick K, Deschler D, Richmon J, Goldsmith T, Zenga J, Puram SV, Varvares MA. Prediction of Speech, Swallowing, and Quality of Life in Oral Cavity Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study. Laryngoscope 2021; 131:2497-2504. [PMID: 33881173 DOI: 10.1002/lary.29573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To investigate the impact of specific treatment-related variables on functional and quality of life outcomes in oral cavity cancer (OCC) patients. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective Cohort. METHODS Patients with primary OCC at least 6 months after resection and adjuvant therapy were included. Patients completed surveys including the Speech Handicap Index (SHI), M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck (FACT-HN). Performance Status Scale (PSS) and tongue mobility scale were completed to allow provider-rated assessment of speech and tongue mobility, respectively. Additional details regarding treatment were also collected. These data were used to generate a predictive model using linear regression. RESULTS Fifty-three patients with oral tongue and/or floor of mouth (FOM) resection were included in our study. In multivariable analysis, greater postoperative tongue range of motion (ROM) and time since treatment improved SHI. Flap reconstruction and greater postoperative tongue ROM increased MDADI and PSS (eating and speech). A larger volume of resected tissue was inversely correlated with PSS (diet and speech). Tumor site was an important predictor of PSS (all sections). There were no statistically significant predictors of FACT-HN. CONCLUSIONS In this pilot study, we propose a battery of tools to assess function in OCC patients treated with surgery. Using the battery of tools we propose, our results show that a surgical endpoint that preserves tongue mobility and employs flap reconstruction resulted in better outcomes, whereas those with greater volume of tissue resected and FOM involvement resulted in poorer outcomes. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate our findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Laryngoscope, 2021.
Collapse
|
43
|
Holcomb AJ, Herberg M, Strohl M, Ochoa E, Feng AL, Abt NB, Mokhtari TE, Suresh K, McHugh CI, Parikh AS, Sadow P, Faquin W, Faden D, Deschler DG, Varvares MA, Lin DT, Fakhry C, Ryan WR, Richmon JD. Impact of surgical margins on local control in patients undergoing single-modality transoral robotic surgery for HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck 2021; 43:2434-2444. [PMID: 33856083 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of close surgical margins on oncologic outcomes in HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV + OPSCC) is unclear. METHODS Retrospective case series including patients undergoing single modality transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for HPV + OPSCC at three academic medical centers from 2010 to 2019. Outcomes were compared between patients with close surgical margins (<1 mm or requiring re-resection) and clear margins using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS Ninety-nine patients were included (median follow-up 21 months, range 6-121). Final margins were close in 22 (22.2%) patients, clear in 75 (75.8%), and positive in two (2.0%). Eight patients (8.1%) recurred, including two local recurrences (2.0%). Four patients died during the study period (4.0%). Local control (p = 0.470), disease-free survival (p = 0.513), and overall survival (p = 0.064) did not differ between patients with close and clear margins. CONCLUSIONS Patients with close surgical margins after TORS for HPV + OPSCC without concurrent indications for adjuvant therapy may be considered for observation alone.
Collapse
|
44
|
Chen JX, Shah SA, Rathi VK, Varvares MA, Gray ST. Graduate Medical Education in Otolaryngology: Making Dollars and Sense of Reform. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 165:762-764. [PMID: 33845661 DOI: 10.1177/01945998211004263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Graduate medical education (GME) is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through both direct and indirect payments. In recent years, stakeholders have raised concerns about the growth of spending on GME and distribution of payment among hospitals. Key stakeholders have proposed reforms to reduce GME funding such as adjustments to statutory payment formulas and absolute caps on annual payments per resident. Otolaryngology departmental leadership should understand the potential effects of proposed reforms, which could have significant implications for the short-term financial performance and the long-term specialty workforce. Although some hospitals and departments may elect to reduce resident salaries or eliminate positions in the face of GME funding cuts, this approach overlooks the substantial Medicare revenue contributed by resident care and high cost of alternative labor sources. Commitment to resident training is necessary to align both the margin and mission of otolaryngology departments and their sponsoring hospitals.
Collapse
|
45
|
Akakpo KE, Varvares MA, Richmon JD, McMullen C, Holcomb AJ, Rezaee R, Tamaki A, Curry J, Old MO, Kang SY, Graboyes EM, Gross J, Pipkorn P, Puram SV, Zenga J. The tipping point in oral cavity reconstruction: A multi-institutional survey of choice between flap and non-flap reconstruction. Oral Oncol 2021; 120:105267. [PMID: 33810989 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2021.105267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
46
|
Xiao R, Rathi VK, Kondamuri N, Gadkaree SK, Suresh K, McCarty JC, Bergmark RW, Naunheim MR, Varvares MA. Otolaryngologist Performance in the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System in 2017. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 146:639-646. [PMID: 32437498 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2020.0847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance The Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) for Medicare is the largest pay-for-performance program in the history of health care. Although the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the MIPS in 2017, the participation and performance of otolaryngologists in this program remain unclear. Objective To characterize otolaryngologist participation and performance in the MIPS in 2017. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of otolaryngologist participation and performance in the MIPS from January 1 through December 31, 2017, using the publicly available CMS Physician Compare 2017 eligible clinician public reporting database. Main Outcomes and Measures The number and proportion of active otolaryngologists who participated in the MIPS in 2017 were determined. Overall 2017 MIPS payment adjustments received by participants were determined and stratified by reporting affiliation (individual, group, or alternative payment model [APM]). Payment adjustments were categorized based on overall MIPS performance scores in accordance with CMS methodology: penalty (<3 points), no payment adjustment (3 points), positive adjustment (between 3 and 70 points), or bonus for exceptional performance (≥70 points). Results In 2017, CMS required 6512 of 9526 (68.4%) of active otolaryngologists to participate in the MIPS. Among these otolaryngologists, 5840 (89.7%) participated; 672 (10.3%) abstained and thus incurred penalties (-4% payment adjustment). The 6512 participating otolaryngologists reported MIPS data as individuals (1990 [30.6%]), as groups (3033 [46.6%]), and through CMS-designated APMs (964 [14.8%]). The majority (4470 of 5840 [76.5%]) received bonuses (maximum payment adjustment, +1.9%) for exceptional performance, while a minority received only a positive payment adjustment (1006 of 5840 [17.2%]) or did not receive an adjustment (364 of 5840 [6.2%]). Whereas nearly all otolaryngologists reporting data via APMs (936 of 964 [97.1%]) earned bonuses for exceptional performance, fewer than 70% of otolaryngologists reporting data as individuals (1124 of 1990 [56.5%]) or groups (2050 of 3033 [67.6%]) earned such bonuses. Of note, nearly all otolaryngologists incurring penalties (658 of 672 [97.9%]) were affiliated with groups. Conclusions and Relevance Most otolaryngologists participating in the 2017 MIPS received performance bonuses, although variation exists within the field. As CMS continues to reform the MIPS and raise performance thresholds, otolaryngologists should consider adopting measures to succeed in the era of value-based care.
Collapse
|
47
|
Faden DL, O'Boyle CJ, Lin DT, Deschler DG, Emerick KS, Varvares MA, Faquin WC, Sadow PM, Richmon JD. Prospective assessment of multiple HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. Oral Oncol 2021; 117:105212. [PMID: 33602576 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2021.105212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
48
|
Panth N, Barnes J, Sethi RKV, Varvares MA, Osazuwa-Peters N. Socioeconomic and Demographic Variation in Insurance Coverage Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer After the Affordable Care Act. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 145:1144-1149. [PMID: 31670798 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2019.2724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Importance Health insurance status has a significant association with early diagnosis and stage at presentation, which are the most important predictors of survival among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Literature on the association of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) with changes in insurance status among patients with HNC remains limited. To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated changes in insurance rates across sociodemographic subgroups of patients with HNC. Objective To assess the association of the implementation of the ACA with insurance status across socioeconomic and demographic subpopulations of patients with HNC. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective cohort study using data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB), a hospital-based cancer registry (2011-2015) for adults diagnosed with a malignant primary HNC was carried out. The analyses were conducted from November 2018 through December 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures Changes in the percentage of patients with insurance. Results A total of 131 779 patients with HNC were identified in the pre-ACA (77 071) and post-ACA (54 708) periods. Overall, 98 207 (74.5%) participants were men and 33 572 (25.5) were women, with 73 124 (55.5%) being aged between 50 to 64 years. There was a 2.68 percentage point decrease (PPD) (95% CI, 2.93-2.42) in the percentage of patients with HNC without insurance from the pre-ACA to the post-ACA period. Changes in the percentage of uninsured patients varied significantly by age, with the largest reduction in uninsured status among patients with HNC aged 18 to 34 years (5.12 PPD; 95% CI, 3.18-7.06) and the smallest reduction in uninsured among those aged 65 to 74 years (0.24 PPD; 95% CI, 0.03-0.45). There was a significantly greater reduction in uninsured status in low-income zip codes (3.45 PPD; 95% CI, 2.76-4.14) than in high-income zip codes (1.99 PPD; 95% CI, 1.63-2.36). Conclusions and Relevance There was a significant association between ACA implementation and percentage decrease in uninsured patients. Young adults and those residing in low-income zip codes experienced a significantly higher rate of insurance uptake compared with older adults and residents of high-income areas. This suggests that coverage expansions enacted through the ACA are not only associated with increased access to care among the broader HNC population, but that they may also yield a greater benefit among subpopulations with historically limited insurance coverage.
Collapse
|
49
|
Kondamuri NS, Rathi VK, Naunheim MR, Varvares MA. Financial Implications of Site-Neutral Payments for Clinic Visits in Otolaryngology. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 146:78-79. [PMID: 31647514 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2019.3229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
|
50
|
Feng AL, Zenga J, Varvares MA. Novel voice prosthesis after total laryngectomy with laryngoplasty reconstruction. Head Neck 2020; 43:1321-1330. [PMID: 33372408 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many patients achieve serviceable speech after total laryngectomy (TL), others are limited by un-naturally low pitch. We describe a cadaveric study to provide proof of concept for a novel voice prosthesis after TL with free tissue laryngoplasty. METHODS Devices were implanted into fresh frozen cadavers after TL and free tissue laryngoplasty. Phonation pressures were measured using a custom Blom-Singer Manometer (InHealth Technologies, Carpinteria, CA) and acoustic files were analyzed using Praat, a speech analysis software. RESULTS Two fresh frozen cadavers were implanted with the voice prosthesis. Both prostheses demonstrated appropriate stenting of the laryngoplasty. Successful sound production was achieved after airflow generation at the proximal trachea. An average phonation pressure of 3.5 cmH2 O (SD 1.7 cmH2 O) was necessary to generate a sound intensity of 80.6 dB (SD 0.2 dB) at an average fundamental frequency of 299.5 Hz (SD 112.6 Hz). CONCLUSIONS The novel voice prosthesis described herein offers a feasible voice generation mechanism.
Collapse
|