Statistics in scientific articles published in the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Diseases

Impact of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th waves of the COVID-19 pandemic on wait times in head and neck cancer: A retrospective study in a French expert center

BACKGROUND

Treatment delay in head and neck cancer is a major problem, with impact on survival. The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, evolving in waves around the world, caused diagnostic and therapeutic delays in certain cancers. The main objective of the present study was to analyze whether there was a change in wait times during three successive waves in our center.

METHOD

This was a single-center retrospective study of patients with a first diagnosis of head and neck cancer. Three groups, corresponding to waves 2, 3 and 4, were compared to a control group corresponding to a pre-pandemic period. Study data comprised median times between first consultation and tumor board meeting (C1-TB) and between tumor board meeting and treatment (TB-T). The significance threshold was set at P<0.005.

RESULTS

Ninety-six patients were included in the control group, and 154 in the "waves 2-3-4" group. There was no increase in C1-TB interval (respectively 35 and 26days, P=0.046) or TB-T interval (respectively 27 and 28days, P=0.723).

CONCLUSION

Intervals between first consultation and tumor board meeting and between tumor board meeting and treatment did not increase during the 2nd, 3rd and 4th waves of COVID-19 in our center.

Analysis of endonasal sinus surgery in a private outpatient setting in a tropical environment: A STROBE analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate results and failure factors in endonasal surgery in a private outpatient setting in a tropical environment.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A single-center observational study included 337 patients consecutively undergoing endonasal surgery in a private hospital on Réunion Island, a French overseas administrative Département in the Indian Ocean between 2019 and 2021. The main objective was to assess the success rate of the outpatient pathway. Secondary objectives comprised analysis of complications and identification and management of factors for failure of outpatient management. The study was conducted according to the STROBE editorial guideline.

RESULTS

The 337 surgeries notably comprised 112 septoplasties (37.5%), 104 meatotomies (30.3%), 15 unilateral total ethmoidectomies (4.6%), 48 bilateral total ethmoidectomies with sphenoidotomy (14.3%), and 18 Draf procedures (5.5%). Seventy-five percent of patients (252/337) were operated on as outpatients, with a success rate of 90% (227/252 patients). The rate of severe intraoperative complications was 1.5% (5/337). On multivariate analysis, 3 variables were identified as influencing risk of failure of the outpatient pathway: emergency analgesia in the operating room [odds ratio (OR): 91.61; 95% confidence interval (CI): 22.8-540.3], operating time (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01-1.09), and recovery room time (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.03).

CONCLUSION

Our study in a tropical environment found eligibility and success rates for outpatient endonasal surgery similar to those in metropolitan France. This makes surgical and anesthesiological training a key factor in the success of outpatient care, while the location of the care structure and the climate seem to have little impact.

Risk factors for laryngeal lesions in adult acute respiratory distress syndrome: A STROBE-compliant French case-control study

INTRODUCTION

The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to an increased incidence of post-intubation laryngeal injuries in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The primary objective of this study was to identify risk factors for symptomatic laryngeal lesions in patients with Covid-19-related ARDS. The secondary objective was to analyze the progression of these laryngeal lesions.

METHODS

A 21 month nested case-control study was conducted in 3 university hospital centers of the Hospices Civils de Lyon (France). Cases encompassed all patients intubated for Covid-19-related ARDS who presented symptomatic laryngeal pathology. The control group consisted of all patients enrolled during the same period for Covid-19-related ARDS without evidence of laryngeal lesions (no specific ENT intervention). Uni- and multi-variate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for the occurrence of laryngeal lesions.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients were included in the case group and 50 in the control group. The only significant risk factor for symptomatic laryngeal injury was the number of reintubations, with an odds ratio of 5.08 (95% CI, 1.40-22.12; P=0.013). No other predictive factors were identified among the variables analyzed: obesity, number of prone sessions, self-extubation, duration of intubation and number of days of curarization.

CONCLUSION

The number of reintubations was the sole independent risk factor associated with the development of symptomatic laryngeal lesions in patients managed for Covid-19-related ARDS.

Mid-term evaluation of the surgical management of patulous Eustachian tube dysfunction: a STROBE observational study

INTRODUCTION

Patulous Eustachian tube (PET) is a condition affecting approximately 0.3% to 6.6% of the population, with autophony being the predominant complain. The management of PET lacks a well-defined standard in the literature as no effective medical treatments have been documented but various surgical options are available. This study aims to report mid-term outcomes following surgical management of PET.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients who underwent surgical intervention for PET between September 2017 and June 2022 were enrolled. Data encompassing general demographics, quality of life (GBI), and procedure-specific data were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 30 PET cases (in 19 patients) underwent surgical intervention including 9 injections of hyaluronic acid, 13 fat injections, 6 endoscopic shim insertions, 1 cartilage graft, and 1 injection of hydroxy apatite. After an average follow-up of 22 ± 14 months, 16 cases (53%) achieved complete symptom relief, while 8 cases (26.6%) reported partial relief. Additionally, 11(36%) cases required multiple surgeries. No specific surgical technique demonstrated superiority. Quality of life improved in 77% of cases based on 10 out of 13 GBI collected. Recurrence of PET symptoms occurred on average 10.6 ± 9.7 months after initial surgery, with an estimated global risk of 75% at 3 years. Transient serous otitis media was observed in only 4 cases (13.3%).

CONCLUSION

Surgical intervention for PET was found to be effective, achieving complete symptom relief in 53% of cases and significantly improving quality of life 2 years post-surgery. However, a substantial portion of cases necessitated one or more re-interventions. The durability of effectiveness appears to diminish over time.

Minimally invasive ossiculoplasty via an endoscopic transtympanic approach

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of ossiculoplasty via a minimally invasive endoscopic transtympanic approach (ETTA).

CASE SERIES

We investigated the exposure of target structures (incus and stapes) on 4 human temporal bones by placing an endoscope into the middle ear cleft through the 4 tympanic quadrants. Then, on 3 additional specimens, we performed an incudostapedial disjunction and repaired it with a drop of hydroxyapatite cement via ETTA. We measured the size of tympanic perforation, and the acoustic transfer function of the middle ear (125-8000Hz) before and after repair by placing an insert in the external auditory canal and recording the acoustic signal in the utricle by a microphone. The acoustic signal gain was estimated in dB μV. Exposure was similar in all four quadrants but ergonomics was better with a posteroinferior myringotomy. Ossicular chain repair was conducted successfully in all cases and the acoustic transfer function of the middle ear was significantly improved. Residual tympanic perforation (n=3) was 2±0.3mm in diameter.

CONCLUSION

ETTA to reconstruct incudostapedial joint with bone cement was feasible and effective. It opens perspectives for robot-based procedures guided by augmented reality.

Perception of endoscopic endonasal surgery training by French otolaryngology residents: A STROBE analysis of expectations

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the perception of endoscopic endonasal surgery training by French otolaryngology residents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A multicenter retrospective observational study was conducted from March to April 2023. Otolaryngology residents from 7 French regions filled out a 27-item questionnaire on their training in endoscopic endonasal surgery.

RESULTS

Out of 283 residents contacted, 126 (45%) filled out the questionnaire. Seventy-four (59%) had already partially or completely performed the surgeries specified in their diploma course. The level of mastery of the main steps of endonasal surgery and the level of autonomy were higher in the consolidation stage group than in the basic and advanced stages. Seventy residents (56%) felt they had gaps in their level of training. To improve training, 94 (75%) wished for more dissection sessions, surgical skills assessments each semester and simulation sessions. Eighty-nine (71%) felt they needed to find their own teaching aids and other methods to complete their training. One hundred and thirteen (90%) felt that the lack of funding available for congresses and training courses was detrimental.

CONCLUSION

This study highlighted the overall satisfaction of residents with their training in endoscopic endonasal surgery. They expressed a desire for more dissection, simulation and evaluation.

COVID-19 impact on the management of head and neck cancer: a French single-centre experience

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented pressure on medical care resources and access. The aim of this study was to evaluate the time between the cancer symptoms' onset and the first ENT specialist consultation for patients with head and neck (HNC) and salivary glands cancers during the pandemic.

METHODS

The outcome measures evaluated were time to diagnosis, and time to treatment onset, as well as the COVID-19 impact on the proportion of both cancer patient groups: asymptomatic and advanced stages. This is single-centre retrospective cross-sectional study, including 473 patients who were treated in our University Hospital for HNC and salivary gland cancers, 171 in the COVID-19 pandemic group (C +), and 302 patients in the pre-pandemic group (C-).

RESULTS

There were no significant between-group differences in the delays between cancer symptoms' onset and ENT consultation, diagnostic workup and initial treatment onset, respectively. There was a suggestive reduction in the number of diagnostic panendoscopy performed in the C + group (62%) compared to the C- group (73%) as well as a suggestive increase in the delay to adjuvant radiotherapy onset.

CONCLUSION

The median delay between cancer symptoms' onset and ENT specialist consultation was not affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in our centre. Our results suggest an 11% decrease in diagnostic procedures performed independently, a decrease in the delay between the ENT consultation and surgical treatment onset and a 10-day increase in the delay to adjuvant radiotherapy onset.

Writing in the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Diseases. Dos and Don'ts!

Too many articles are still rejected by scientific medical journals due to lack of preparation of the manuscript and of knowledge of the modern editorial rules that govern scientific medical writing. Therefore, the editorial board of the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology Heads & Neck Diseases summarized studies published by its members since 2020 in the columns of the scientific journal of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology and the International Francophone Society of Otorhinolaryngology and data from the PubMed indexed literature dedicated to scientific medical writing in otolaryngology in the 21st century. The authors hope that this review, in the form of a list of "Dos and Don'ts", will provide authors with a practical guide facilitating publication of rigorous, reproducible and transparent scientific studies, in accordance with the movement toward better science that society as a whole has been fighting for since the beginning of this century.

Translation and validation of the PVSQ and DHI-PC questionnaires for pediatric dizziness

AIMS

Validation of the PVSQ self-report questionnaire (diagnosis) and the DHI-PC caregiver report questionnaire (Dizziness Handicap Inventory) aims to improve the management of pediatric vertigo, which is often under-diagnosed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The PVSQ and DHI-PC questionnaires were translated according to the Forward-Backward method and presented to a group of patients consulting for dizziness in a referral center and to a control group. A retest was performed at 2weeks for both questionnaires. Statistical validation consisted in calculating discriminatory capacity, ROC curve, reproducibility and internal consistency. The main study objective was the translation and validation of the PVSQ and DHI-PC questionnaires in French. The secondary objectives were to compare results in two subgroups according to the vestibular or non-vestibular etiology of dizziness and to assess the correlation between the two questionnaires.

RESULTS

In total, 112 children, in two comparable groups (53 cases and 59 controls), were included. Mean PVSQ score was 14.62 for cases and 6.55 for controls (P<0.001). Reproducibility was moderate, and internal consistency and construct validity were satisfactory. A cut-off of 11 corresponded to maximum Younden index. Mean DHI-PC score was 41.6 (cases only). Reproducibility was moderate, and internal consistency and construct validity were satisfactory.

CONCLUSION

The validation of the PVSQ and DHI-PC questionnaires offers two new tools in the management of dizziness, for both screening and follow-up.

Optimizing anterior laryngeal exposure during direct suspension laryngoscopy in adults

An analysis of the literature on laryngeal exposure during direct suspension laryngoscopy in adults summarized the resources available to improve visualization, specifically at the anterior commissure.

Surgical and instrumental options for chronic rhinitis: A systematic review and PRISMA meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus on the role of surgery in the treatment of chronic rhinitis (CR). Should it be considered when nasal symptoms are not controlled by medical treatment? Various targets (turbinates and secretory nerves) and techniques (surgical, laser, cryotherapy, radiofrequency and phototherapy) have been reported, but benefit varies between reports. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate results of surgical and instrumental procedures in CR care.

METHODS

Two systematic reviews of the US National Library of Medicine, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase databases were conducted in October 15, 2021 (registration numbers CRD42021284257 and CRD42021295227). A database watch was performed until submission of the manuscript. The review focuses on total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and quality of life (QoL) after treatment. All controlled studies reporting nasal surgery/instrumental procedures in adult patients with CR were included.

RESULTS

The database search yielded a total of 5628 articles; after eligibility screening, 2091 patients were included from 21 studies. QoL results favored surgery/instrumental procedures over medical treatment (SMD -1.27; 95% CI [-2.38; -0.16]; I2=97%), as did TNSS (SMD -1.40; 95% CI [-2.30; -0.50]; I2=98%). The small number of studies and their heterogeneity did not allow meta-regression to be performed.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review supports the use of surgical/instrumental procedures to improve nasal symptom score and QoL of adult patients with CR poorly controlled by medical treatment.

The comparison of endoscopic septoplasty and conventional septoplasty: A PRISMA analysis

OBJECTIVE

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct the deviated nasal septum (DNS). There are two main approaches to address septoplasty - conventional (CS) and endoscopic septoplasty (ES). This study is aimed to compare the perioperative complications following the two techniques, compare postoperative nasal obstruction between the two approaches, and assess the quality of the available evidence.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was carried out across multiple databases by independent investigators. We extracted relevant articles that compared conventional septoplasty to endoscopic septoplasty. Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB2) and Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used for the quality assessment of randomized and non-randomized studies, respectively. The objectives comprised immediate surgical complications, surgical length, postoperative nasal obstruction, and quality of life. We incorporated follow-up periods into the univariate meta-regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 2055 patients from 28 studies were included in this study. The endoscopic technique showed significantly lower risks of surgical complications. No difference was found in surgical length (3 studies MD 6minutes [95%CI -25-14], P=0.57). Postoperative nasal obstruction was lower in ES but varies with the follow-up periods. Functional assessment scores using NOSE and quality of life were similar between the two approaches. Risk of bias assessment of the included studies showed an overall moderate- to high-risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic septoplasty demonstrates a lower risk of complications. Long-term benefits of nasal obstruction were likely similar in the two techniques. Further high quality of studies is still warranted, and conclusions should be taken with discretion given the low quality of the included studies in this present meta-analysis.

Successful 10-year outcomes after supracricoid partial laryngectomy for selected glottic squamous cell carcinoma classified as T3N0M0: A STROBE analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate long-term oncological outcome for patients with selected glottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) classified as T3N0M0 treated by supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analysis of an inception cohort of 46 patients with isolated untreated SCC classified as T3N0M0 and minimum 10-year follow-up, consecutively treated by SCPL between 1982 and 2012 in a French university teaching hospital. The main endpoint was 5- and 10-year actuarial survival and local control estimates. Accessory endpoints comprised cause of death, screening for variables decreasing survival and increasing risk of local recurrence, oncologic consequences of local recurrence, and laryngeal preservation rate.

RESULTS

Five- and 10-year actuarial survival was 78.1%, and 53.3%, respectively. The main causes of death were intercurrent disease and metachronous second primary, each in 33.3% of cases. Postoperative mortality (aspiration pneumonia) was 2.1%. There were no significant correlations between survival and any study variables. Five- and 10-year local control was 90.5%. Overall local recurrence varied significantly (P=0.003), from 2.3% with negative margins (R0) to 100% with positive margins (R1) and/or dysplasia. Local recurrence was associated with a significantly (P<0.005) increased risk of nodal failure and distant metastasis, and reduced survival. Overall laryngeal preservation was 89.1%.

CONCLUSION

The present results suggest that SCPL should continue to be taught and that this type of partial laryngeal surgery should be included in the various organ-sparing strategies considered in advanced laryngeal cancer.

Persistent post-COVID-19 dysosmia: Practices survey of members of the French National Union of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Specialists. CROSS analysis

INTRODUCTION

Persistent dysosmia more than 3 months after SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) is considered as long-COVID olfactory disease (LCOD). The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic management of LCOD in the daily clinical practice of members of the National Union of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Specialists (Syndicat national des médecins spécialisés en ORL et chirurgie cervico-faciale) (SNORL). The secondary objective was to identify factors influencing management within the descriptive survey data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire was designed (GoogleForm®) and e-mailed to all 715 SNORL members in January 2022.

RESULTS

The response rate was 7.4% (n=53/715). In total, 94.3% of respondents (n=50) had managed LCOD cases, and 56% (n=28) used psychophysical olfactory tests. Specific olfactory medical therapy involved local corticosteroid nasal sprays in 49.1% of cases (n=26) and oral corticosteroids in 32.1% (n=17). Olfactory self-training was prescribed by 81.1% of respondents, with associated speech pathologist therapy in 15.1% (n=8) of cases. No predictive factors for specific management were identified.

CONCLUSION

Olfactometry is currently under-applied. Consistent with guidelines, non-drug therapy (olfactory training) is the first-line treatment for LCOD.

Tracheostomized children tracheal colonization and antibiotic resistance profile - A STROBE analysis

AIMS

To verify the prevalence of Potentially pathogenic bacteria (PPB) and their antimicrobial resistance profile in tracheal aspirates of children with tracheostomy and compare it to clinical data.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients aged 0-18 years who all underwent tracheostomy cannula change (TCC) performed by the Otolaryngology Unit at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil, between October, 2017 and December, 2018. Patients were submitted, at the time of TCC, to a tracheal aspirate through the tracheostomy and secretion was sent to microbiological analysis and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Clinical data were evaluated through available patients' electronic medical records.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients had their tracheostomy aspirate cultured and all but one presented PPB growth (97.7%). Median age was 3 years-old. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most prevalent bacteria (56.9%) and it was resistant to gentamycin, amikacin and cefepime in 36%, 28% and 12% of the culture tests, respectively. P. aeruginosa resistance to gentamycin and to cefepime suggested an association with the number of antibiotic classes used in the 12 months before enrollment (both p=0.04) and with 2 or more hospital admissions in the same period (p=0.03 and p=0.02, respectively). Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 9.1% and there was no MRSA.

CONCLUSION

It was found a 97.7% prevalence of PPB in the cultured aspirates; the most prevalent bacterium was P. aeruginosa and there was no MRSA identification. Data suggest an association between P. aeruginosa antimicrobial resistance with previous use of antibiotic therapy.

Perception of survival/laryngeal preservation trade-off in advanced T-stage laryngeal cancer

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the perception of the survival/laryngeal preservation trade-off in advanced T-stage laryngeal cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The Cochrane, PubMed, Embase, and Science Direct databases were searched using the keywords "cancer, neoplasms, trade-off. One hundred and eighty four articles were found; 176 of these, without data in the Abstract documenting the survival/laryngeal preservation trade-off for advanced T-stage laryngeal cancer, were excluded. Eight articles, totaling 1,052 interviewees, were read to document modalities of evaluation, trade-off thresholds, and variables influencing the perception of trade-off.

RESULTS

Evaluation of trade-off was based on responses in group discussions, interviews and questionnaires and on patient file analysis. One study reported that 28.2% of respondents could not make a decision between options, and in 4 studies 22% to 80% of respondents would not consider jeopardizing survival. A mean 2-3 year gain (range, 6 months to 5 years) in survival was required before preferring total laryngectomy to chemoradiotherapy. The percentage loss of disease-free survival tolerated by respondents who would consider a trade-off to preserve the larynx ranged from 5% to 100%, for a median 30%. Variables influencing trade-off comprised respondent status (patient/healthcare provider/healthy subject) and characteristics (job, having children) and treatment data (amount and modalities of information delivered, survival estimates after radiation therapy, health status after treatment). A time for reflection after diagnosis and good quality information were important for respondents.

CONCLUSION

Several consequences emerge from these data. The first is to consider induction chemotherapy, to give the patient time to make an informed choice. The second is to not to give up teaching total laryngectomy The third is to determine whether the team's own results match the information delivered to patients.

French adaptation and validation of the Stapesplasty Outcome Test (SPOT-25), following COSMIN guidelines

AIMS

Otosclerosis can severely impact quality of life, but no questionnaire is available in French. The present study aimed to adapt and validate a French version of the SPOT-25.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A controlled prospective study was conducted between September 2021 and April 2022. The translation used the "forward-backward" technique and statistical validation was performed in non-operated adult otosclerosis patients (cases) and a control group. Assessment Internal consistency, discrimination performance and test-retest reliability were assessed on global score, subscores and items.

RESULTS

Fifty-one cases and 58 control subjects filled out the test questionnaire and 35 of the 51 cases, also filled out the retest. Internal consistency on Cronbach alpha was 0.95 for the cases. Median total SPOT-25 score was 44 (range, 10-78) for cases and 2 (range, 0-33) for controls (p= P<0.0001). Test-retest reliability on intraclass correlation coefficient was excellent (ICC=0.92; [95% CI, 0.84-0.96]). Individual items all showed satisfactory performance.

CONCLUSION

The French version of SPOT-25 was short and easy to use, with satisfactory performance in assessing quality of life in otosclerosis patients.

Deterioration experienced by French otolaryngology residents in their training during the COVID-19 pandemic: A STROBE analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of the first three waves of COVID-19 on the academic and surgical training of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery residents in France.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Observational, retrospective study. A 55-item survey of academic education and surgical training was sent to ENT residents in five major French regions (Île-de-France, Rhône-Alpes Auvergne, Occitanie, Grand Est, Grand Ouest) from August to October 2021.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine out of 135 residents (66%) responded. Two-thirds considered that surgical training was more affected than academic education, with reductions evaluated of 50-75%, 25-50% and 0-25% for the first three waves, respectively. Residents in Île-de-France, Rhône-Alpes Auvergne and Grand Est were the most affected by the first wave (75-100% reduction in surgical activity, in parallel to increased admissions). Otology, rhinology and functional exploration were the most affected, whereas pediatrics and oncology were spared. Seventy-one of the 89 residents (79.7%) felt that the first wave impacted their career, while this proportion decreased to 39.3% and 44.9% for the second and third waves, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The first wave of COVID-19, compared to the following two waves, severely impacted the surgical training of French ENT residents, especially in regions severely impacted by the pandemic, while academic education was relatively safeguarded by the implementation of e-learning alternatives.

Total laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer 150 years after its first description: A boon more than a calamity: A STROBE analysis

OBJECTIVE

To illustrate the boon rather than a calamity that total laryngectomy can be for a patient with laryngeal cancer in the 21st century.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

An observational retrospective analysis using the STROBE guideline compared two cohorts of patients with previously untreated cancer, managed by total laryngectomy: the first consisting of 123 patients collected by Morell Mackenzie during the fifteen years (1873-1887) following the initial description, and the second consisting of 53 patients consecutively treated in a French university otorhinolaryngology department during the fifteen years (2006-2020) preceding the 150th anniversary of the first performance. The main endpoint was the comparison of survival and locoregional control estimates (Kaplan-Meier life table method). Secondary endpoints comprised mortality estimates and causes, adjuvant treatments, and phonation modalities.

RESULTS

The 26.2%, 13.1%, and 13.1% 1-, 3-, and 5-year actuarial survival estimates in the Makenzie cohort increased to 88.6%, 68.4%, and 60.9% in the recent French cohort (P<0.0001). The 50.1%, 40.4%, and 34.7% 1-, 3-, and 5-year actuarial locoregional control estimates in the Mackenzie cohort increased to 83.7% (P<0.0001). The 77.7% overall mortality in the Mackenzie cohort decreased to 37.7% (P<.0001). In the Mackenzie cohort, 97.8% of deaths were related to postoperative complications and locoregional recurrence, compared to 50% in the recent French cohort. Distant metastasis, metachronous second primary tumor and intercurrent diseases, not mentioned in the Mackenzie cohort, generated 45% of deaths in the French cohort. Adjunctive treatment was not used in the Mackenzie cohort, whereas neck dissection and postoperative radiation therapy were associated in respectively 98.1% and 69.8% of cases in the French cohort. Phonation was not documented in the Mackenzie cohort; 50% of survivors in the French cohort used a phonatory implant.

CONCLUSIONS

The 20th century witnessed an incredible turn-around. Total laryngectomy, with limited indications, has transformed the etiology of deaths and no longer leaves patients "in a state of abject misery" as Morell Mackenzie put it in 1888.

Contribution of the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire and the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System to the evaluation of synkinesis after peripheral facial palsy: A STROBE observational study

OBJECTIVES

The main aim of the study was to determine whether the perception of synkinesis by patients with peripheral facial palsy (PFP) matched their clinician's severity assessment. Secondary objectives comprised: (1) to determine whether objective measurement of synkinesis matched the patient's perception; and (2) is to identify factors influencing patients' perceptions.

METHODS

This retrospective study took place from January to May 2020. Forty patients (8 per PFP grade, I-V/VI; 20 women, 20 men) filled out the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and were assessed on the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS). Photographs were analyzed on MEEI-Facegram software.

RESULTS

Perceived synkinesis (total SAQ) matched objective grades (SFGS) (Z=2.89; P=0.004), especially for smiling (Z=3.84; P<0.001) and lip protrusion (Z=3.79; P<0.001). Synkinesis on lip protrusion was a more sensitive indicator of perceived synkinesis than synkinesis on smiling (Z=2.96; P=0.003). Duration (ρ=0.5137; P<0.001) and grade of PFP (Chi²=13.82; P=0.008) heightened the perception of synkinesis.

CONCLUSION

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) such as the SAQ are relevant for clinical evaluation.

Keys for successful publication in Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis: A STROBE analysis of peer reviews of articles submitted in 2020-2021

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate reviewing and editorial decision for articles submitted to the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was made of reviewers' comments on 1,133 scientific articles (700 original articles, 96 literature reviews, and 337 case reports), originating from 69 countries, consecutively submitted on-line between January 1st, 2020 and December 31st, 2021. The main objective was to document the acceptance rate and decision time. Accessory objectives were to synthesize the main comments and to screen for correlations between acceptance and the main characteristics of first authors, articles and reviewers' comments.

RESULTS

In total, 4.1% of submitted articles were accepted. Median decision time differed significantly (P<0.0001), at 1 month in case of refusal and 4 months in case of acceptance. Reviewers mentioned failure to adhere to the journal's authors' guide, to use the appropriate EQUATOR guidelines and to adopt the recommended P<0.005 significance threshold in 94.8%, 54.2%, and 39.9% of cases, respectively. On multivariate analysis, 3 variables significantly impacted acceptance, which increased from 1.3% to 44.6% (P<0.0001) when an appropriate EQUATOR guideline was used and from 0.3% to 57.4% (P<0.0001) when the significance threshold was set at P<0.005, and decreased from 10.5% to 1.1% (P=0.0001) when the article did not originate from a French-speaking country (member of the Francophonie organization).

CONCLUSION

Adhesion to modern scientific medical writing rules increased acceptance rates for articles in the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Diseases. Teaching modern scientific medical writing needs to be enhanced in otorhinolaryngology.

Randomized trial of the effect of video training on residents' surgical skills in facial skin reconstructive surgery: A SQUIRE study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of facial skin reconstruction training videos for head and neck and maxillofacial surgery residents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This randomized trial, conducted in France, involved residents in head and neck and maxillofacial surgery. A website was created containing facial skin reconstruction training videos. Selected residents performed facial skin flap dissections in the Paris School of Surgery. They were randomized into two groups, one receiving a standard course before the dissection, and the other a standard course plus a video of the flap ("no-video" and "video" groups). Each resident performed 4 facial flaps and was graded (blindly) during dissection. The main study endpoint was intergroup difference in grading score (out of 15). The article was written up following the SQUIRE-EDU (Standards for QUality Improvement Reporting Excellence in EDUcation) criteria.

RESULTS

Eighteen residents were included. For the main endpoint, scores were significantly higher in the "video" than the "no-video" group (6 [IQR, 4: 9] vs. 10 [9: 12]; P<0.001). In addition, as secondary endpoint, "no-video" group residents requested more assistance (3 [2: 4] vs. 1 [1: 2] P<0.001). Power was lacking for any subgroup analysis according to year of residency or to the 4 flaps.

CONCLUSION

Videos improved surgical residents' performance during dissections. However, these results would be difficult to transpose to real clinical conditions. They need validating in a larger study evaluating performance in real-life procedures.

The first wave of COVID-19 did not cause longer wait times in head and neck cancer. Experience of a French expert center

BACKGROUND

Head and neck cancers (HNC) have poor survival prognosis, as tumors are often diagnosed at advanced stages in patients consulting late. The first lockdown linked to the 1st wave of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) disrupted consultation schedules in France.

OBJECTIVE

The principal aim of the present study was to analyze consultation wait time in HNC during and after lockdown, in our university expert oncology reference center, to disclose any increase in treatment wait time.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study included patients with a first diagnosis of HNC. Three groups were distinguished: "lockdown", "post-lockdown", and a "control" group (corresponding to a reference period 1 year earlier). Intervals between first oncologic consultation and multidisciplinary tumor board (FC-MTB) and between MTB and first treatment (MTB-T) were assessed.

RESULTS

One hundred and seven patients were included in the control group, 60 in the lockdown group and 74 in the post-lockdown group. There was no increase in median FC-MTB interval (respectively 35, 29 and 28 days) between the lockdown and post-lockdown groups compared to the control group (respectively P=0.2298 and P=0.0153). Likewise, there was no increase in MTB-T interval (27, 20 and 26 days respectively) (P=0.4203).

CONCLUSION

No increase in wait times was observed during the lockdown and post-lockdown periods in our center.

Positive and negative post stapedotomy effects on cervical VEMP recordings; a STROBE analysis

AIMS

The primary goal of the present study was to compare the pre- and post-stapedotomy elicitation and waveform characteristics of both air- and bone-conduction (AC-, BC-) cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) through an individualized approach. A possible association between audiological characteristics, such as AC- and BC- pure tone audiometry thresholds and air-bone gap and the production of cVEMPs before and after stapedotomy was also investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-five ears were subjected to full audiological evaluation as well as AC- and BC-cVEMPs pre- and post-stapedotomy. Four subgroups were studied; consistently present/absent, post-operatively disappeared and restored cVEMPs.

RESULTS

Post-stapedotomy changes in cVEMP elicitability did not reach significance for either AC-cVEMP (OR=5.41, 95% CI 0.88-33.36, P=0.06) or BC-cVEMP (OR=2.40, 95% CI 0.42-13.60, P=0.3). Normal or abnormal AC-cVEMPs were equally subject to post-operative changes (OR=1.95, 95% CI 0.32-12.01, P=0.5), as were BC-cVEMPs (OR=3.75, 95% CI 0.66-21.25, P=0.1). Neither the audiological characteristics nor the surgical outcome, in terms of ABG results, were relevant to the presence or absence of AC- and BC-cVEMPs before or after stapedotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The presumed changes brought to the sacculus by stapedotomy are minor and beyond the diagnostic abilities of either AC-cVEMPs or BC-cVEMPs, both in terms of cVEMPs elicitability and waveform characteristics. In individual cases, however, which may deserve further investigation, cVEMPs may reappear or disappear after stapedotomy probably following minor changes toward a lower or higher vestibular system resistance for pressure and sound transmission.

Aural tuberculosis at the start of the 21st century. Literature review according to SWiM guidelines. Part 2: Treatment

OBJECTIVES

Systematic review of the scientific literature dedicated to treatment modalities and results for aural tuberculosis published since the start of the 21^st century.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Search of the Medline, Cochrane and Embase databases for the period 2000 - 2020. Selection of articles in English, French and Spanish devoted to clinical cases and series documenting treatment of auricular tuberculosis. Extraction of data on pre-established files documenting treatment modalities and results. Reading of articles by two authors. Analysis performed according to SWiM guidelines, evaluating cure, tuberculosis-related death, treatment-related complications, improvement in facial palsy, and hearing sequelae rates.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty eight articles: 118 case reports (159 patients) and 10 cohorts (177 patients) from 42 countries were analyzed. Female/male sex ratio was 1.2 with ages ranging from 1 month to 87 years. Medical treatment consisted in 5 to 24 months' antitubercular antibiotic treatment using 2 to 8 antibiotics. Mastoidectomy, tympanoplasty and facial nerve decompression were associated to medical treatment in 64.7%, 17.4% and 6.2% of cases, respectively. Overall rates of cure, death, treatment-related complications, facial sequelae and hearing sequelae were 96.8%, 2%, 9.5%, 35.8% and 75.5%. In case reports, BCG vaccination did not appear to protect against facial palsy and severe intracranial complications (P>0.6). There was no significant correlation (P>0.3) between death and the clinical variables tested, and facial nerve decompression did not appear to influence outcome for facial function (P=0.4).

CONCLUSION

Medical treatment is very effective but not without risk of death, complications and sequelae. It is the same as for pulmonary tuberculosis. Indications for and benefit of major auricular surgery during medical treatment deserve further studies.

Aural tuberculosis at the start of the 21st century. Literature review according to SWiM guidelines. Part 1: Clinical and diagnostic data

OBJECTIVES

Review of the scientific literature dedicated to clinical data and diagnosis modalities for aural tuberculosis published since the start of the 21st century.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Search of the Medline, Cochrane and Embase databases for the period 2000-2020. Selection of articles in English, French and Spanish devoted to clinical cases and series documenting clinical data and diagnosis for aural tuberculosis of articles by two authors. Analysis performed according to SWiM guidelines. Extraction of data on pre-established files documenting clinical and diagnostic data.

RESULTS

In total, 173 articles: 163 case reports (228 patients) and 10 cohorts (177 patients) from 49 countries were analyzed. Female/male sex ratio was 1.05, with ages ranging from less than 1 month to 87 years. Tuberculosis involved another site in 35.1% of cases. Aural involvement was bilateral in 19.7% of cases. Clinical presentation corresponded to otitis media (prior antibiotic treatment and auricular surgery in 41.4% and 10.1% of cases, respectively) without any pathognomonic symptoms or signs. Associated severe locoregional complications were seen in 32% of cases, with 23.2% and 13% incidence of peripheral facial palsy and severe intracranial complications, respectively. Time to diagnosis ranged from less than 1 month to 384 months, and was longer than 12 months in 26.5% of case reports, without significant correlation (P=0.29) with severe revelatory locoregional complications. Incidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection ranged from 33.4% of documented cases in auricular secretions to 64.6% in polyps, granulomas, and/or biopsies. In the case reports, diagnosis with certainty was done in 58.3% of cases, while it was based on involvement of another site and on indirect criteria or positive clinical progression after treatment in the other 10.1% and 31.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Aural tuberculous must always be considered in case of unfavorable progression of otitis. Definitive diagnosis is based on multiple auricular sample sites, polymerase chain reaction, and γ interferon blood assay.

Endoscopic modified transseptal bi-nostril approach for pituitary tumors. Efficacy of complex preservation of every turbinate and olfaction: A STROBE analysis

AIMS

Endoscopic modified transseptal bi-nostril approach minimizes turbinate and olfactory mucosal invasion and ensures preservation of the turbinates and bilateral olfaction. The main objective of this study was to investigate the pre- and postoperative variations in olfactory function in patients using this approach, and the secondary objective was to investigate the complications associated with the surgical procedure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study is a single-center prospective cohort study using STROBE analysis. To completely protect the bilateral turbinates and olfactory epithelium, this procedure provided access to the sphenoid sinus by a transseptal approach via the left nasal cavity and by the olfactory cleft approach via the right nasal cavity without any turbinate resection. A T&T olfactometer was used to assess the mean recognition threshold of the left, right, and bilateral nasal passages before and after surgery, and complications associated with the surgical approach were investigated.

OBJECTIVES

We included 27 patients who underwent endoscopic modified transseptal pituitary surgery with an olfactory and turbinate preservation approach at our hospital between April 2018 and December 2019.

RESULTS

The mean postoperative recognition threshold of the right, left, and bilateral nasal cavities did not worsen (P<0.001 for all) relative to the preoperative values, and there was no difference in values between the right and left nasal cavities (P=0.85). The nasal turbinates were preserved in all patients during the study period, and no recurrence was observed.

CONCLUSION

Our modified EETSA could be implemented as an approach for turbinate and olfaction preservation.

Resection and reconstruction of the carotid artery for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a GETTEC study

OBJECTIVES

Main: To describe 1-year overall survival (OS) after primary or salvage management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) invading the common or internal carotid artery (CCA/ICA). Secondary: To assess disease control rate, treatment morbidity, and radio-anatomopathologic correlation.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 67 patients, treated between 1999 and 2020 for N3bM0 HNSCC invading the CCA/ICA as identified by CT-scan. Tumors that could not have been resected with a complete en-bloc resection sacrificing and reconstructing the CCA/ICA were excluded. Patients were separated into two groups (primary or salvage treatment) and studied according to the type of treatment they received: radiotherapy/radiochemotherapy (RT/RCT), surgery, or systemic therapy (ST).

RESULTS

For newly treated patients, the 1-year OS was significantly better after RT/RCT (73%) than after surgery (40%, p < 0.0001). In the salvage setting, the 1-year OS after surgery (40%) was better than after ST (14%, statistically suggestive difference with p = 0.0241). Surgery improved cervical control, but distant metastases occurred in more than 50% of cases regardless of treatment. No neurological complication occurred after carotid reconstruction. Perioperative mortality was 7% (1/15). The carotid invasion was confirmed by pathological examination in all five patients with an arterial deformation on CT-scan, in seven among eight patients with CCA/ICA encasement greater than 270°, and in four out of seven patients with CCA/ICA encasement between 180° and 270°.

CONCLUSION

Neck dissection with carotid resection and reconstruction is technically feasible with acceptable neurovascular morbidity. For newly treated patients, survival is better after RT/RCT. For salvage treatment, surgery could be proposed to selected patients.

Economic analysis of the contribution of sialendoscopy in managing non-tumoral principal salivary gland pathology in the Réunion Island: Economic evaluation following the CHEERS methodology

GOALS

Cost analysis of the contribution of sialendoscopy in the treatment of non-tumoral pathologies of the main salivary glands, in Réunion Island, a French overseas territory.

OBJECTIVES

Calculation and comparison of median pricing (i.e., median payment to the healthcare establishment) per patient before and after the introduction of sialendoscopy, in the only regional establishment practicing sialendoscopy and in the whole of Réunion Island. Material and method A multicenter retrospective cost study was conducted over an 8-year period, before and after the introduction of sialendoscopy (period A: 2011-2014 and period B: 2015-2018), according to the CHEERS guidelines for economic studies, and included inpatients with non-tumoral pathology of the main salivary glands, whether treated by sialendoscopy or not.

RESULTS

Two hundred sixty-five patients were included, 139 of whom were treated by sialendoscopy: 74 in 2011-2014 and 191 in 2015-2018. Between the two periods, median pricing in the only center practicing sialendoscopy did not vary significantly: €3468 vs. €3368 (i.e., +2.9% (P=0.1)). In the Island as a whole, pricing increased significantly: €598 vs. €2332, (i.e., +390% (P<0.0001)).

CONCLUSION

Sialendoscopy is cost-effective in France in the public healthcare sector if outpatient management is optimal, but significantly increases the public health budget. It makes it possible to recruit and manage previously untreated patients (small stones, salivary strictures, etc.).

Tolerance of salivary gland botulinum toxin A injection under local anesthesia for the treatment of sialorrhea in children: An observational study

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this study was to assess tolerance of botulinum toxin A injection into the salivary glands under local anesthesia in a pediatric population. Secondary endpoints comprised efficacy and side-effects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective observational study included children treated between January 2013 and March 2020 for sialorrhea and/or pharyngeal salivary congestion. Children were identified from the botulinum toxin A injection database. The study included 162 injection sessions in 55 children. Injections were performed under local anesthesia with nitrous oxide, after clinical location of the site. Epidemiological and clinical data, injection tolerance on the FLACC scale, treatment response and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

For submandibular gland injections, pain was absent in 81 cases, mild in 64, moderate in 4 and intense in 1. In parotid gland injections, pain was absent in 45 cases, mild in 89, moderate in 17 and intense in 1. Injection tolerance was significantly poorer (P<0.005) in parotid than submandibular glands. Seventy-seven percent of the injections had a positive effect on sialorrhea. Fifteen patients presented transient adverse events: mainly dysphagia and paradoxical increase in sialorrhea.

CONCLUSION

Salivary gland botulinum toxin A injections in under local anesthesia were well-tolerated, safe and effective for children with sialorrhea and/or pharyngeal salivary congestion.