Tracheal resection with end-to-end anastomosis for isolated postintubation cervical trachea stenosis: long-term results

A 20-year experience with end-to-end tracheal resection and anastomosis for isolated postintubation stenosis of the cervical trachea, in a consecutive series of 32 adult patients, has been reviewed. Surgical death was never encountered. The overall incidences for superficial wound infection, pneumonia, and inferior left laryngeal nerve paralysis were 6.2%, 3.1%, and 3.1%, respectively. One-, 3- and 5-year actuarial anastomosis success rates were 96.7%, 93.3%, and 93.3%, respectively. Successful revision tracheal end-to-end anastomosis was performed once, resulting in an overall 96.9% success rate in our series. None of the following variables-sex, age, cause for intubation, intubation type (laryngotracheal and/or tracheotomy) and duration, delay from initial injury, presence of an open stoma, number of tracheal rings resected, and type of sutures used-were statistically related to the anastomosis success rate or the incidence of complications.

Cisplatin-fluorouracil exclusive chemotherapy for T1-T3N0 glottic squamous cell carcinoma complete clinical responders: five-year results

PURPOSE

To evaluate cisplatin-fluorouracil exclusive chemotherapy (EC) for T1-T3N0 glottic squamous cell carcinoma complete clinical responders (CCR) after cisplatin-fluorouracil induction chemotherapy (IC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of 58 patients with T1-T3N0 glottic squamous cell carcinoma CCR after IC consecutively managed at our department between 1985 and 1992. Twenty-one CCR were managed with EC. Thirty-seven CCR were managed with IC and a conventional laryngeal-preservation modality. Analyses of survival, local control, nodal recurrence, distant metastasis, and metachronous second primary tumor were performed using the Kaplan-Meier actuarial life-table method. In CCR managed with EC, the independent factors of age, tumor classification, exact tumor location, true vocal cord motion, arytenoid cartilage motion, total dosage of drugs delivered, and number of courses received were tested for potential correlation with survival, local recurrence, nodal recurence, and distant metastasis.

RESULTS

The 5-year survival, local control, nodal recurrence, distant metastasis, and metachronous second primary tumor rates in CCR managed with EC were 95.2%, 70.7%, 0%, 0%, and 14.3%, respectively. The 5-year rates of survival, local control, nodal recurrence, distant metastasis, and metachronous second primary tumor in CCR managed with IC and a conventional laryngeal-preservation modality were 86.1%, 97%, 2.7%, 6%, and 14.5%, respectively. Local recurrence was statistically more likely in CCR managed with EC (P = .002). Local recurrence in CCR managed with EC was always salvaged with partial laryngectomy or radiation therapy, which resulted in an overall 100% local control and laryngeal-preservation rate within this group. In CCR managed with EC, none of the variables analyzed was statistically related to survival, local recurrence, nodal recurrence, or distant metastasis.

CONCLUSION

The present retrospective studies demonstrated that within T1-T3N0 glottic squamous cell carcinoma CCR, there is clearly a significant subset of patients with chemocurable tumors who achieved both perfect preservation of structure-supporting voice and long-term survival after EC. Careful monthly follow-up evaluation allowed for timely successful salvage of local recurrence after EC without the need for total laryngectomy. Such management did not appear to increase the risk for subsequent nodal failure, subsequent distant metastasis, or reduced survival.

Cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy and combined resection for ethmoid sinus adenocarcinoma reaching and/or invading the skull base

OBJECTIVE

To review our experience with cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy before en bloc resection via a combined neurosurgical and transfacial approach for ethmoid sinus adenocarcinoma reaching and/or invading the skull base.

DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING

A tertiary care center and university teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Twenty-two patients with primary untreated ethmoid sinus adenocarcinoma reaching and/or invading the skull base consecutively treated between 1984 and 1992 with cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy and combined neurosurgical and transfacial approach.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Statistical analysis of survival, local control, nodal recurrence, distant metastasis, and metachronous second primary tumor incidence based on the Kaplan-Meier actuarial method. Univariate analysis was performed to analyze the relationships between various factors, survival, and local recurrence. Clinical response, histological response, toxic effects of chemotherapy, and postoperative course were also reported.

RESULTS

The Kaplan-Meier 3-year survival, local control, nodal recurrence, and distant metastasis estimates were 68.1%, 65.7%, 5.3%, and 10%, respectively. Metachronous second primary tumor was not encountered in our series. Survival was statistically more likely to be reduced in patients with intrasphenoidal tumor extent (P = .04) and local recurrence (P = .01). Local recurrence was statistically more likely in patients with intrasphenoidal tumor extent (P = .002) and no response to cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

The results achieved suggest that cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy before combined neurosurgical and transfacial approach should be further investigated for the treatment of ethmoid sinus adenocarcinoma reaching and/or invading the skull base.

The role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in planning for conservation laryngeal surgery

Refined laryngeal conservation surgeries have been devised to maintain the voice while eradicating even extensive glottic and hypopharyngeal tumors. The role of diagnostic imaging is to adequately define the extent of disease in conjunction with endoscopy. Critical areas to be evaluated are the tongue base, vallecula, pre-epiglottic space, arytenoid cartilages, postcricoid region, hypopharynx, thyroid cartilage, and subglottis.

Supracricoid partial laryngectomy after failed laryngeal radiation therapy

Twelve patients managed with supracricoid partial laryngectomies (SCPLs) after failed laryngeal radiation therapy (RT) were evaluated. None of the recurrent tumors were amenable to vertical or horizontal partial laryngectomy. Results were analyzed for tracheostomy decannulation, oral alimentation, morbidity, local control, and survival. Major complications included perichondritis (2 patients), laryngeal stenosis (2 patients), and pneumonia from aspiration (1 patient). Mucocutaneous fistula and cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis were not encountered. Margins of resection were uninvolved in all cases. The Kaplan-Meier 3-year actuarial survival and local control estimate was 83.3%. Salvage total laryngectomy allowed for an overall 100% local control rate and a 75% laryngeal preservation rate. This preliminary report suggests that, in patients with failed laryngeal RT not amenable to vertical or horizontal partial laryngectomy, the SCPL procedures should be discussed before advocating salvage total laryngectomy. Further series analyzing the role and limitations of the various SCPL procedures after failed laryngeal RT are warranted.

Glottic carcinoma with a fixed true vocal cord: outcomes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy

Twenty patients with glottic squamous cell carcinoma and a fixed true vocal cord underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy. Phonation, respiration, and deglutition were preserved. Local control was better than has been previously reported for either extended vertical partial laryngectomy or radiation therapy. All patients were monitored for at least 3 years or until death. The Kaplan-Meier 3-year survival, local recurrence, nodal recurrence, distant metastasis, and second primary rates were 75%, 10.8%, 5%, 10.8%, and 10.8%, respectively. Overall local control was achieved in all cases, and laryngeal preservation in 90%. Our experience suggested that neoadjuvant chemotherapy with supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy deserves further consideration in the treatment of glottic tumors with a fixed true vocal cord.

Glottic Carcinoma with a Fixed True Vocal Cord: Outcomes after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy with Cricohyoidoepiglottopexy

Twenty patients with glottic squamous cell carcinoma and a fixed true vocal cord underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy. Phonation, respiration, and deglutition were preserved. Local control was better than has been previously reported for either extended vertical partial laryngectomy or radiation therapy. All patients were monitored for at least 3 years or until death. The Kaplan-Meier 3-year survival, local recurrence, nodal recurrence, distant metastasis, and second primary rates were 75%, 10.8%, 5%, 10.8%, and 10.8%, respectively. Overall local control was achieved in all cases, and laryngeal preservation in 90%. Our experience suggested that neoadjuvant chemotherapy with supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy deserves further consideration in the treatment of glottic tumors with a fixed true vocal cord.

[Laryngectomies and pharyngo-laryngectomies with tracheo-laryngo-pharyngeal shunt of Pearson type. Technique, indications and preliminary results]

The preliminary results achieved in a series of 10 patients consecutively managed at our department with Pearson's subtotal pharyngolaryngectomy, during the year 1995, are presented. The surgical procedure is described. Follow up varied from 6 to 13 months. None of the patients were lost to follow-up. None of the patients recurred locally or died from surgical-related complications. Nine patients achieved successful rehabilitation of speech and voice. One patient refused to use a functional shunt. Speech and voice parameters achieved by the third postoperative month are presented. Postoperative swallowing impairment was not encountered. The preliminary data achieved and the review of the medical literature suggested that Pearson's subtotal pharyngolaryngectomy should be discussed in patients conventionally managed with total laryngectomy or pharyngolaryngectomy and tracheosophageal puncture with voice prosthesis insertion.

[Surgery of primary malignant melanomas of the mucosa of the nasal fossa and facial sinuses]

A retrospective analysis of 22 patients with primary malignant melanoma of the nasal fossa and/or paranasal sinuses consecutively managed with surgery at our department from 1975 to 1993 was conducted. Fifteen patients had negative margins of resection. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and post-operative radiation therapy was associated in 4 and 5 of these 15 patients, respectively. Four patients had positive margins. Adjunctive treatment was chemotherapy and postoperative radiation therapy in 2 and 3 of these 4 patients, respectively. The remaining 3 patients were managed with palliative treatment (debulking surgery and chemotherapy). No patients were lost to follow up. A 3-year follow-up was always achieved. In patients in whom surgical resection achieved negative margins, the 5-year actuarial survival, and local control estimate was 17.9%, and 26.9%, respectively. None of the variables under analysis were statistically related to local recurrence or survival. Death always occurred within 24 months from initial diagnosis in all 7 patients but one in whom surgical resection with negative margins was not achieved or debulking surgery was performed.

[Long-term results of total conservative parotidectomy for pleomorphic adenoma]

OBJECTIVES

Evaluation of the long-term results (10 and 15 years) achieved with total conservative parotidectomy for pleomorphic adenoma.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the files of 127 patients with pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland consecutively treated with a total conservative parotidectomy at our department from 1970 to 1985. Actuarial analysis (Kaplan Meier method) of survival and local recurrence, as well as overall estimation of immediate and definite postoperative facial paresis and paralysis was performed.

RESULTS

Ten- and fifteen-year survival and local control estimations were 90.8% and 99.1%, respectively. Immediate and permanent facial paresis and paralysis overall estimates were 64.6% and 6.3% and 2.1% and 0%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Total conservative parotidectomy for pleomorphic adenoma results in a very high long term local control associated with a very low rate of facial dysfunction.

Acoustic parameters and speech analysis after supracricoid hemilaryngopharyngectomy

Selected characteristics of speech and voice were compared in 10 patients who had undergone supracricoid hemilaryngopharyngectomy (SCHLP) and 20 normal adult laryngeal (NAL) speakers. Durational features of tape-recorded speech samples were measured using a stopwatch. Frequency features were analyzed with the Computerized Speech Lab and the multidimensional voice program. SCHLP speech proved comparable to NAL speech in average fundamental frequency, speech rate, and group phrasing. SCHLP speech and voice were statistically less efficient than NAL speech in fundamental frequency range, jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio, and maximum phonation time. Age, associated cricopharyngeal myotomy, postoperative radiation therapy, and time elapsed from SCHLP completion were not statistically related to the speech and voice parameters of SCHLP speakers.

[Exclusive chemotherapy in T1-T3N0 cancers of the vocal cord with complete clinical response after neoadjuvant treatment with a cisplatin-fluorouracil combination]

OBJECTIVES

Evaluation of cisplatin-fluorouracil exclusive chemotherapy for invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the glottis staged as T1-T3N0 with a complete response after cisplatin-fluorouracil neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the files of 69 patients with a well-differentiated untreated invasive squamous cell carcinoma, staged as T1-T3N0 with a complete response after cisplatin-fluorouracil neo-adjuvant chemotherapy is presented. Actuarial analysis (Kaplan Meier method) of survival and local failure is presented among the group of 25 patients treated with exclusive chemotherapy and the group of 44 patients in whom the local treatment (partial laryngeal surgery or radiation therapy) initially planned was maintained.

RESULTS

Three-year survival and local control estimate was 91.8% and 69.3%, respectively after exclusive chemotherapy and 92.5% and 97.2% if the local treatment was performed as initially planned. Patients with local recurrence after exclusive chemotherapy were always salvaged with partial laryngeal surgery or radiation therapy resulting in an overall 100% local control and laryngeal preservation rate.

CONCLUSION

Exclusive chemotherapy for T1-T3N0 glottic carcinomas with a complete response after cisplatin-fluorouracil neo-adjuvant chemotherapy should be considered especially in patients in whom preservation of voice is of utmost importance.

Reconsidering a paradigm: the spread of supraglottic carcinoma to the glottis

This study was performed to evaluate the spread of supraglottic carcinoma to the glottic level. Whole organ sections of total laryngectomy specimens from 37 patients with previously untreated supraglottic carcinomas were reviewed retrospectively. Of the 37 specimens, 20 (54%) were noted to have extension of cancer to the glottic level. A significant relationship was noted between glottic extension and abnormal cord motion (P = .0002). A statistically significant trend was noted for the relationship between inferior extension along the supraglottic mucosa and glottic level extension (P < .0001). Contrary to the prevailing model of the spread of supraglottic carcinoma, in which there is a distinct barrier to spread at the ventricle, this analysis of selected supraglottic carcinomas revealed a continuum of spread from the supraglottic to the glottis.

Madreporic coral for cranial base reconstruction. 8 years experience

The authors, since 1985, have used 587 Madreporic Coral grafts as bone substitute in a total of 183 patients, among them in 80 cases for repair of cranial base bone defects. They report their long-term results. Partial resorption to about 40% of the initial volume occurred in almost all cases within 8 to 10 months, with complete resorption after about one year. 20% of the coral blocks moved spontaneously or split into pieces, but could easily be withdrawn rhinoscopically through the nostrils. No CSF leakage was noticed afterwards. The local infection rate was only 4%, always close to the basal coral graft. This is lower than the infection rate after using autologous bone harvested from the inner table of the bone flap (20%). Infections were cured by removal of the coral graft. Despite the mentioned draw backs, Madreporic Coral graft implants can be recommended as bone substitute in cranial base surgery: 1. The material simplifies the surgical procedure; 2. Harvesting of autologous bone is no longer necessary; 3. Transmission of infections like AIDS, Hepatitis C or Creutzfeld-Jacob-disease can be avoided with certainty.

CO2 laser posterior transverse cordotomy for isolated type IV posterior glottic stenosis

One case of isolated type IV posterior glottic stenosis successfully treated with CO2 laser posterior transverse cordotomy is presented. This report emphasized the value of the CO2 laser posterior transverse cordotomy in this situation. A review of the various therapeutic options advocated in the medical literature to treat isolated posterior glottic stenosis is also presented.

Duration and frequency characteristics of speech and voice following supracricoid partial laryngectomy

Selected characteristics were compared in the speech and voice of 28 treated with a supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) and of 14 normal adult laryngeal (NAL) speakers. Tape-recorded speech samples were measured for durational features with a stopwatch. Frequency features were analyzed with the Computerized Speech Lab and a multidimensional voice program. The SCPL speech proved comparable to NAL speech in average fundamental frequency. The SCPL speech and voice were statistically less efficient than NAL speech in fundamental frequency range, jitter, shimmer, noise to harmonics ratio, maximum phonation time, speech rate, and phrase grouping. The completion of an arytenoid cartilage resection did not statistically modify the duration and frequency features of SCPL speakers. Among SCPL speakers 1) the average fundamental frequency was statistically higher (p = .02) in patients who underwent a cricohyoidoepiglottopexy when compared to patients who underwent a cricohyoidopexy, 2) the maximum phonation time was statistically related to the patient's age (p = .002), and 3) the jitter and shimmer values were statistically related (p = .01 and p = .005) to the time elapsed since SCPL completion. Explanations and implications of these findings are discussed.

Supracricoid Hemilaryngopharyngectomy: Pathways and Pitfalls

Educational objectives: To understand the surgical technique of supracricoid hemilaryngopharyngectomy and the indications, contraindications, and key perioperative points for oncologic and functional success.

Optimizing Functional Results in Supracricoid Laryngectomy

Educational objectives: To understand the surgical technique of supracricoid laryngectomy, its indications, contraindications, and the keys to optimizing functional outcome.

Evolution of speech and voice following supracricoid partial laryngectomy

The evolution of voice and speech parameters following supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) has been evaluated in a prospective fashion over an 18-month period of time in three patients using the Computerized Speech Lab (from Kay Elemetrics). Preliminary results demonstrate the post-operative instability of voice parameters. Speech parameters remain stable with time. Our data stresses that voice is attained post-operatively even if one arytenoid cartilage is disarticulated at time of resection.