Unplanned readmission following transoral robotic surgery

A Scoping Review of Pain Management After Transoral Robotic Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Pain following transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a driver of adverse outcomes and can lead to readmission and treatment delays. A scoping review was conducted to characterize TORS-related pain and identify key management strategies utilized in the literature.

DATA SOURCES

OVID Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, Pubmed, and Embase databases were queried.

REVIEW METHODS

Two team members independently screened titles and abstracts and completed full-text reviews. Studies examining TORS for OPSCC with quantitative pain data were included. The study followed the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 1467 studies were imported for screening and 25 studies were ultimately included. The average study sample size was 89 participants. 68% were conducted in a single-center academic setting. Pain was assessed on varying timelines up to 3 years using 13 different metrics. Pain peaks days-weeks postoperatively and returns to baseline thereafter. Postoperative pain is a significant cause of morbidity and limited data exist about optimal management.

CONCLUSION

Prospective studies are needed to characterize and address TORS-related pain.

Airway protection and outcomes after staged versus concurrent bilateral neck dissections with transoral base of tongue cancer resection

OBJECTIVES

To assess airway, safety, and resource utilization outcomes between transoral base of tongue (BOT) surgery with staged versus concurrent bilateral neck dissections (BND).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of patients with human papilloma virus (HPV)-related BOT cancer who underwent transoral surgery and BND from January 2015 through June 2022 was conducted. Free flap patients were excluded.

RESULTS

Of 126 patients (46 [37%] staged and 80 [63%] concurrent BND), there were no significant differences in rates of postoperative intubation, tracheostomy, intensive care admission, operative takebacks, gastrostomy, and 30-day readmission. Total operative time (median difference 1.4 [95% CI 0.9-1.8] hours), length of stay (1.0 [1.0-1.0] day), and time between primary surgery and adjuvant therapy initiation (4.0 [0.0-8.0] days) were lower in the concurrent BND cohort.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent BND alongside transoral BOT resection is safe with similar airway outcomes and lower total operative time, length of stay, and time to adjuvant therapy initiation compared to staged BND.

Trends and predictors of unplanned hospitalization among oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients; an 8-year population-based study

PURPOSE

The incidence of oral cancers, particularly HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, is steadily increasing worldwide, presenting a significant healthcare challenge. This study investigates trends and predictors of unplanned hospitalizations for oral cavity cancer (OCC) and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) patients in the province of Alberta, Canada.

METHODS

This retrospective, population-based, cohort study used administrative data collected from all hospitals in the province. Using the Alberta Cancer Registry (ACR), a cohort of adult patients diagnosed with a single primary OCC or OPC between January 2010 and December 2017 was identified. Linking this cohort with the Discharge Abstract Database (DAD), trends in hospitalizations, primary diagnoses, and predictors of unplanned hospitalization (UH) and 30-day unplanned readmission were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 1,721 patients included, 1,244 experienced 2,228 hospitalizations, with 48 % being categorized as UH. The UHs were significantly associated with a higher mortality rate, 18.5 % as compared to 4.6 % for planned, and influenced by sex, age groups, comorbidities, cancer types, stages, and treatment modalities. The rate of UH per patient decreased from 0.69 to 0.54 visits during the study period (P = 0.02). Common diagnoses for UH were palliative care and post-surgical convalescence, while surgery-related complications such as infection and hemorrhage were frequent in 30-day unplanned readmissions. Predictors of UH included cancer stage, material deprivation, and treatment, while cancer type and comorbidity predicted readmissions.

CONCLUSION

The rate of UHs showed a noteworthy decline in this study, which could be a result of enhanced care coordination. Furthermore, identified primary diagnosis and predictors associated with UHs and readmissions, provide valuable insights for enhancing the quality of care for cancer patients.

National Trends in 30-Day Readmission Following Transoral Robotic Surgery for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Importance

As the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) continues to rise in the US, an increasing number of patients are being treated with transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Readmission following surgery can potentially delay initiation of adjuvant treatment and affect survival outcomes.

Objective

To identify risk factors for 30-day postoperative readmission in patients undergoing TORS for OPSCC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective, population-based cohort study used data from the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2017. All patients undergoing TORS for OPSCC were identified using International Classification of Diseases codes and included. Exclusion criteria were age younger than 18 years or incomplete information regarding index admission or readmission. The analysis was performed from April to October 2023.

Exposure

TORS for OPSCC.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with 30-day readmission. Covariates included demographics and medical comorbidities, socioeconomic factors, hospital characteristics, and surgical details. Trends in readmission over time, reasons for readmission, and characteristics of the readmission were also examined.

Results

A weighted total of 5544 patients (mean [SD] age, 60.7 [0.25] years; 4475 [80.7%] male) underwent TORS for OPSCC. The overall readmission rate was 17.5% (n = 971), and these rates decreased over the study period (50 of 211 patients [23.7%] in 2010 vs 58 of 633 patients [9.1%] in 2017). Risk factors associated with readmission included male sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.54; 95% CI, 1.07-2.20) and a diagnosis of congestive heart failure (AOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.28-4.58). Factors associated with decreased rate of readmission included undergoing concurrent selective neck dissection (AOR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.22-0.41). Among the 971 readmissions, the most common readmission diagnoses were bleeding (151 [15.6%]), electrolyte and digestive problems (44 [4.5%]), pneumonia (44 [4.5%]), and sepsis (26 [2.7%]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, readmission rates following TORS for oropharynx cancer decreased over time; however, a subset of patients required readmission most commonly related to bleeding, infection, and electrolyte imbalance. Concurrent neck dissection may be protective against readmission. Elucidation of risk factors for readmission after TORS for OPSCC offers opportunities for evidence-based shared decision-making, quality improvement initiatives, and improved patient counseling.

The effect of dexamethasone on functional pain following Transoral Robotic Surgery: a randomized double blinded clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Pain is prevalent after most TransOral Robotic Surgery (TORS) procedures and may limit function i.e. swallowing. Currently, there is limited knowledge regarding optimal pain treatment in TORS.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

This clinical trial randomized patients to either a high-dose dexamethasone or low-dose dexamethasone treatment in addition to a multimodal basic analgesic protocol. The aim of the trial was to investigate the pain intensity during rest and swallowing using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) after TORS lingual tonsillectomy. Secondary outcomes were acceptable food consistency, nausea, vomiting, opioid rescue usage, length of hospitalization, feeding tube placements, readmissions, blood glucose levels and postoperative complications.

METHODS

The trial was conducted between August 2020 and October 2022. Eligible patients were patients scheduled for TORS-L treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome or as part of the diagnostic work-up of head and neck carcinoma of unknown primary.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were and randomized 1:1. There were overall no significant differences between groups in the reported VAS scores during rest or swallowing (p ≥ .05). Overall, there were no differences in the secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSION

There were no differences in the pain intensity in the two treatment groups allocated to a basic multimodal analgesic package and either high-dose dexamethasone or low-dose dexamethasone treatment. The trial is the first RCT to include pain measurement during a procedure-relevant activity, thus creating a platform for future recovery studies.

Analysis of Otolaryngologic Readmissions at a High-Volume Quaternary Referral Center

OBJECTIVES

To identify common reasons for readmission following otolaryngologic surgery at a high-volume center and identify possible risk factors for readmission.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of readmissions identified by hospital-based electronic medical record reporting mechanism.

RESULTS

From January 2019 to September 2020, there were 87 readmissions following 808 index surgeries. The most common reason for readmission was for planned surgery (23%), followed by post-operative neck infection, bleeding, or pneumonia. Patients with unplanned readmissions had significantly longer index admission duration than patients who were not readmitted (median 7 days vs. median 5 days, resp.; p = 0.0056). Analysis of cases of unplanned readmission for neck infection and bleeding identified the oral cavity/pharynx as the most common site of initial surgery and that a majority of patients had a history of radiation therapy.

CONCLUSION

Neck infection, bleeding, and pneumonia were the most common reasons for unplanned readmission following otolaryngologic surgery, and a large portion of patients required additional procedures during readmission. Unplanned readmissions for bleeding were significantly more costly than readmissions for neck infections. Long-index hospitalizations, index surgery involving the oral cavity and pharynx, and a history of radiation therapy may be useful clinical features that could stratify the risk of readmission.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4, retrospective chart review Laryngoscope, 133:2546-2552, 2023.

Transoral robotic surgery - time for consensus on pain assessment. A review

BACKGROUND

In Head and Neck surgery Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) is evolving as a key treatment option for benign and malignant lesions in the oropharynx. Even so, postoperative pain is one of the primary early complaints following TORS. Well established evidence-based procedure specific pain treatment guidelines are available for a variety of other surgical specialties. However, there are no guidelines for TORS.

AIM

This review describes the available data of early pain intensity following TORS during rest and procedure related activity.

METHODS

Literature concerning pain in the immediate postoperative phase following TORS were obtained from two literature databases.

RESULTS

Most data on pain intensity following TORS are based upon a numeric rating scale, e.g. the Visual Analogue Scale and/or analgesic demands. Only one randomized clinical trial is available reflecting that the literature is mainly based on retrospective and a few prospective studies. Only one study analyzed pain during relevant functionality, i.e. swallowing. Overall, the studies suffer from a non-standardized approach and there is a need for transparent information concerning the timing of pain ratings and methodology.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence for optimal pain control is limited, particularly during surgical relevant activity. Postoperative pain rating during activity is a fundamental element in pain trials in order to enhance recovery thereby calling for future consensus on assessment methodology.

Complications following salvage transoral robotic surgery with and without reconstruction: A systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has been used in the salvage setting for head and neck cancers both with and without reconstruction. The complications of salvage TORS and the effect of reconstruction on complications has not been studied.

OBJECTIVE

To study the complications of salvage TORS and examine the effect of reconstruction on complication rates.

METHOD

An electronic search of the English- language literature using PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane database was conducted and a systematic review performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (CRD42020181057).

RESULTS

A total of 23 studies including 533 patients have been published on salvage TORS.The average patient age was 61.2 years.Prior treatment was described for 420 patients.205 (48.8%) underwent prior definitive radiotherapy (RT).160 (38.1%) underwent definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT).Only 55 (13.1%) had prior surgery.Overall, there were 158 complications with a pooled rate of 33.6% (95%CI: 25.4-42.3%).77 were major complications requiring surgical intervention with a pooled rate of 18.9% (95% CI: 14.8-23.3%).The number of patients undergoing reconstruction among salvage cases in the literature is 59 (9.19%), with 24 local flaps and 25 microvascular free flaps.Reconstruction was associated with lower overall hemorrhage rates but had no impact on major hemorrhage rates.

CONCLUSIONS

The pooled incidence rates of major complications, major POH and emergency tracheostomy following salvage TORS are 18.9%, 10.5%, and 4.4%.The rate of death following salvage TORS is 3.6%. Reconstruction was associated with lower overall hemorrhage rate after salvage TORS but had no impact on major postoperative hemorrhage rates.

Why in hospital following transoral robotic lingual tonsillectomy?

BACKGROUND

The reported hospital length of stay (LOS) following transoral robotic surgery lingual tonsillectomy (TORS-L) is variable, with limited understanding of the factors requiring hospitalization and no evidence-based criteria for discharge.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

This observational cohort study investigated factors hindering discharge following TORS-L in a well-defined postoperative care program.

METHODS

Patients were included between August 2020 and October 2022. A discharge scheme was filled out twice daily, specifying the factor(s) for hospitalization among patients undergoing TORS-L. This trial was a sub-investigation of a national multicentre randomized clinical trial (RCT) testing the efficiency of high-dose dexamethasone on postoperative pain control. Participation in the RCT demanded admission to the fourth postoperative day as dexamethasone/placebo was given intravenously in repeated dosages till day 4 postoperatively.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were included in the analysis. The main factor for hospitalization was nutritional difficulties, while pain was a limiting factor for discharge only on the first postoperative 1-3 days. More than half of the patients could have potentially been discharged on postoperative day 2 when omitting the RCT treatment plan in the analysis.

CONCLUSION

The study estimates that the majority of patients may be discharged on postoperative day 2 following TORS-L.

Role of transoral robotic surgery in surgical treatment of early-stage supraglottic larynx carcinoma

BACKGROUND

There are several options for primary surgical treatment of early-stage supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), including transoral robotic surgery (TORS). The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of TORS to open partial laryngectomy and transoral laser microsurgery (TLM).

METHODS

Patients with clinical classification T1-2 supraglottic SCC diagnosed 2010-2019, treated with TORS, open partial laryngectomy, or TLM in the National Cancer Database were selected.

RESULTS

One thousand six hundred three patients were included: 17% TORS, 26.5% TLM, 56.5% open. TORS patients had the lowest rates of adjuvant treatment (28.4% vs. TLM: 45.0%, open: 38.5%, p < 0.001), and lower positive margin rates than TLM (16.9% vs. 30.5%, p < 0.001). Thirty-day and ninety-day post-operative mortality did not differ between the approaches. Five-year survival was higher following TORS compared to open surgery (77.8% vs. 66.1%, p = 0.01); this difference persisted following matched-pair analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

TORS may be a safe and effective surgical approach for early-stage supraglottic SCC in appropriate patients.

30-day morbidity and mortality after transoral robotic surgery for human papillomavirus (HPV) associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective analysis of two prospective adjuvant de-escalation trials (MC1273 & MC1675)

OBJECTIVE

Dose de-escalation of adjuvant therapy (DART) in patients with HPV(+)OPSCC was investigated in two prospective Phase II and III clinical trials (MC1273 and MC1675). We report the 30-day morbidity and mortality associated with primary TORS resection in patients enrolled in these trials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with HPV(+)OPSCC, who underwent TORS resection between 2013 and 2020 were considered in this analysis. The severity of postoperative transoral bleeding was graded using both the Hinni Grade (HG) transoral surgery bleeding scale and the Common Terminology for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0. Post-surgical complications within 30 days of surgery, as well as rates of tracheostomy, PEG and nasogastric tube placement.

RESULTS

219 patients were included. A total of 7 (3.2 %) patients had a tracheostomy placed at the time of surgery, and all were decannulated within 26 days (median: 5, range: 2-26). There were 33 (15.1 %) returns to the emergency department (ED) with 10 (4.6 %) patients requiring readmission. Using the HG scale, 10 (4.6 %) patients experienced ≥ Grade 3 bleeding with no Grade 5 or 6 bleeds. In contrast, using the CTCAE scale, 15 patients (6.8 %) experienced ≥ Grade 3 bleeding with no Grade 5 bleeds. There was one post-operative death in a patient withdrawn from the trial, and no deaths related to hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

TORS for HPV(+)OPSCC in carefully selected patients at a high volume center was associated with low morbidity and mortality.

Association of comorbidity score with perioperative outcomes following transoral robotic surgery: National analysis

BACKGROUND

The association of comorbidities with perioperative outcomes after transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is not well-defined in the literature.

METHODS

Using the National Cancer Database, 4004 patients with T1-T2 oropharyngeal cancer between 2010 and 2017 were stratified based on their Charlson-Deyo Comorbidity Class (CDCC). Thirty-day unplanned readmissions, 30-day mortality, and 90-day mortality were compared using chi-square test and logistic regression. Hospital length of stay (LOS) was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

LOS was greater for patients with CDCC 2 or 3 compared to CDCC 0 or 1 (p < 0.001). Increasing age and CDCC ≥3 were associated with 30-day mortality (CDCC ≥3: odds ratio [OR] 5.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.59-19.45). CDCC ≥3 (OR 2.61, 95%CI 1.09-6.27) was significantly associated with 30-day readmissions.

CONCLUSION

This national analysis demonstrates greater rates of unplanned 30-day readmissions, longer hospitalizations, and increased 30- and 90-day mortality after TORS in patients with CDCC ≥3.

National Analysis of Oropharyngeal Salivary Gland Malignancies Treated With Transoral Robotic Surgery

OBJECTIVES

(1) To compare perioperative outcomes and overall survival of patients with oropharyngeal salivary gland malignancies (OPSGMs) treated with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) versus other approaches. (2) To identify clinical factors associated with a robotic surgical approach.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

SETTING

NCDB.

METHODS

Data obtained from the NCDB were analyzed between 2010 and 2017 for patients with T1-T4a OPSGMs without distant metastases treated surgically. Patients were stratified by surgical approach (TORS vs nonrobotic), and clinicopathologic factors were compared with the t test or chi-square test for continuous or categorical variables, respectively. Overall survival was analyzed by patient demographics and clinical factors according to Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models. Factors associated with TORS were assessed with logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 785 patients were analyzed. A non-soft palate primary site (odds ratio, 12.9; 95% CI, 6.6-25.2) and treatment at an academic facility (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2-3.5) were independently associated with TORS. There were no significant differences in the positive margin rate, 30-day mortality, or overall survival between the groups. The 30-day unplanned readmission rate was higher in patients treated with TORS versus nonrobotic resections (5.8% vs 1.7%, P = .0004). When stratified by tumor subsite, there was a significant decrease in hospital length of stay in patients with tongue base tumors undergoing TORS versus nonrobotic resections (P = .029).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that TORS may be a viable treatment modality for appropriately selected patients with OPSGM.

Second Primary Tumors in Patients Presenting With Unilateral HPV-Associated Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To describe and compare rates of metachronous and synchronous second primaries of the contralateral tonsil in patients with primary HPV(+) tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a single tertiary care center retrospective case series, from 2006 to 2019, of HPV(+) tonsillar SCC patients who underwent primary surgical resection with unilateral wide-field tonsillectomy or bilateral tonsillectomy for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. A metachronous second primary is one diagnosed >6 months after completion of surgical treatment. A synchronous second primary is one diagnosed during bilateral tonsillectomy for unilateral HPV(+) tonsillar SCC. Rates of second primary and patient characteristics were compared using chi-square tests.

RESULTS

About 303 patients underwent unilateral surgical resection +/- adjuvant therapy for HPV(+) tonsillar SCC. One (0.3%) developed a metachronous second primary in the contralateral tonsil 11.9 years following treatment. Fifty-seven patients with HPV(+) tonsillar SCC underwent bilateral tonsillectomy, and 37/57 (65%) had no clinical signs for contralateral disease. Of these, only 1/37 (2.7%) was incidentally found to have a synchronous second primary. Twenty patients underwent bilateral tonsillectomy due to clinical concern for contralateral disease. Of these, 3/20 (15%) were found to have a synchronous HPV(+) SCC in the contralateral tonsil.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of metachronous second primary after appropriate treatment of HPV(+) tonsillar SCC is very low (0.3%) and so is the chance of incidentally discovering a synchronous second primary during bilateral tonsillectomy (2.7%). We do not recommend bilateral tonsillectomy as a part of the routine algorithm in the surgical management of these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Human Papillomavirus and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary in the Head and Neck Region: A Comprehensive Review on Clinical Implications

Squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary (SCCUP) is a challenging diagnostic subgroup of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). The incidence of SCCUP is increasing in parallel with the well-documented increase in OPSCC and is likewise driven by the increase in human papillomavirus (HPV). The SCCUP patient often presents with a cystic lymph node metastasis and undergoes an aggressive diagnostic and treatment program. Detection of HPV in cytologic specimens indicates an oropharyngeal primary tumor origin and can guide the further diagnostic strategy. Advances in diagnostic modalities, e.g., transoral robotic surgery and transoral laser microsurgery, have increased the successful identification of the primary tumor site in HPV-induced SCCUP, and this harbors a potential for de-escalation treatment and increased survival. This review provides an overview of HPV-induced SCCUP, diagnostic modalities, and treatment options.

Evaluating the risks and benefits of ketorolac in transoral robotic surgery

Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) is increasingly used for oropharyngeal neoplasms and obstructive sleep apnea. Post-operative pain and bleeding remain concerns. Ketorolac has proved to be a safe alternative or addition to narcotics in other operations, but has not been thoroughly evaluated in TORS. A retrospective review was carried out on all TORS cases at our institution between April 2012 and March 2019, with the vast majority of cases performed starting in 2017. Post-operative bleed rates were compared between those who received Ketorolac and those who did not. Secondary outcomes evaluated included post-operative pain scores and need for feeding tube upon discharge. A total of 81 TORS cases were evaluated, with 37 patients receiving Ketorolac. Six (7.4%) patients reported post-operative bleeding, with one major and five minor bleeds. The patient with major bleeding requiring operative intervention did not receive Ketorolac. All five patients with minor bleeding received Ketorolac, but no bleeds occurred in the immediate post-operative setting while receiving Ketorolac. The average time of bleeding was 8 days post-operative. There were no significant differences in pain scores or time to feeding tube removal. This preliminary study shows that Ketorolac use in the postoperative pain management after TORS does not increase major bleeding risk without benefits in pain management. There was increased risk of minor bleeding not requiring intervention, but this was not significant. Future prospective studies are needed to determine if it improves pain and swallowing and decreases narcotic requirements following TORS.

Predictors of surgical readmission, unplanned hospitalization and emergency department use in head and neck oncology: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictors of unplanned hospitalization and emergency department (ED) use among head and neck oncology patients.

METHODS

Peer reviewed publications were identified through a systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL. Studies describing a cohort of HNC patients that detailed predictors of unplanned hospitalization or ED use in risk-adjusted models were eligible for inclusion. The methodologic quality of included studies was assessed using the Quality In Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool and an adapted version of the GRADE framework.

RESULTS

Of the 932 articles identified, 39 studies met our inclusion criteria with 31/39 describing predictors of surgical readmission and 10/39 describing predictors of ED use or unplanned hospitalization during radiation/chemoradiation treatment. Risk factors were classified into either 'patient-related', 'cancer severity' or 'process' factors. In the subset of studies looking at readmission following surgery wound complications (10/14 studies), presence of comorbidity (16/28 studies), low socioeconomic status (8/17 studies), cancer stage (9/14 studies), and prolonged hospital stay (7/18 studies) were the variables most frequently associated with readmission on multivariable analysis. Presence of comorbidity (6/10) and chemotherapy use (4/10) were more frequently associated with ED use and unplanned hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Several consistent predictors have been identified across a variety of studies. This work is a critical first step towards the development of readmission and ED prediction models. It also enables meaningful comparison of hospital readmission rates with risk adjustment in HNC patients.

Systematic Review of Second Primary Oropharyngeal Cancers in Patients With p16+ Oropharyngeal Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the literature to determine the prevalence and clinical outcomes of second primary oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

DATA SOURCES

Search strategies created with a medical librarian were implemented using multiple databases in October 2019.

REVIEW METHODS

The population of interest included adults age >18 years with a p16+ or human papillomavirus-positive OPSCC. The outcome was a synchronous or metachronous second primary OPSCC. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were designed to capture all study designs. In total, 685 records were identified by the search strategy. Two reviewers independently performed the review, extracted data, and performed a quality assessment. Primary Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 2470 patients with 35 second primary OPSCCs from 15 studies were identified. The pooled prevalence of second primary OPSCC was 1.4% (range, 0%-14.3%). In the random-effects model, the prevalence was estimated at 1.3% (95% CI, 0.7%-2.3%; P = .51, I² = 52%). Of the 30 patients with treatment information, 26 (86.7%) received surgical treatment, while 4 (13.3%) underwent nonsurgical therapy. Of the 29 patients with available survival information, 22 (75.9%) had no evidence of disease at last follow-up, 5 (17.2%) ultimately died of disease, and 2 (6.9%) were alive with disease.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the rate of second primary OPSCC in patients with an index p16+ OPSCC is low, and most patients are successfully treated. Insufficient evidence currently exists to recommend routine elective tonsillectomy during surgical treatment of p16+ OPSCC.

Feasibility of Early Discharge after Open Hypopharyngeal Surgery for Dysphagia

Objective:

To determine the rate of surgical complications, unplanned readmission, and functional status after open hypopharyngeal surgery for dysphagia with early return to oral diet and hospital discharge.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent open hypopharyngeal surgery for management of dysphagia from March 2013 to June 2018 at a single academic institution. A clear liquid diet is restarted the day of surgery and is advanced to a soft diet on postoperative day one. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for postoperative complications and unplanned readmission.

Results:

Ninety patients met eligibility criteria; 62 patients underwent open cricopharyngeal myotomy, 13 underwent Zenker’s diverticulectomy, 15 had a Zenker’s diverticulopexy. Mean inpatient length of stay was 2.0 ± 2.0 days (range 0-11 days); 57 patients (63.3%) were discharged on the same day as surgery or on postoperative day one. Seven patients (7.8%) had postoperative complications; the most common complication was esophageal leak (n = 6). Six patients (6.7%) had unplanned readmissions within 30 days. Mean time to unplanned readmission was 12 days (range 2-19 days). Open diverticulectomy was associated with an increased risk of unplanned readmission with an OR = 7.63 (95% CI 1.29, 45.45, P = .025). At last follow-up, 70% of patients had an increased functional oral intake by at least one scale score (FOIS) after surgery (mean follow-up 0.8 ± 1.1 years, range 0.02-5.1 years).

Conclusion:

An early diet and discharge may be safe for patients undergoing open surgery without a mechanical or suture closure of their esophageal mucosa, whereas in those undergoing diverticulectomy, NPO status and a radiological check before resuming drinking and eating are advised.

Level of Evidence:

4

Bleeding Complications After Transoral Robotic Surgery: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative hemorrhage is the most common complication of transoral robotic surgery (TORS), the severity of which can range from minor bleeding treated with observation to catastrophic hemorrhage leading to death. To date, little is known about the incidence, risk factors, and management of post-TORS hemorrhage.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic Review and Metanlysis.

METHODS

A systematic review of the published literature using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions was performed and examined TORS, postoperative hemorrhage, and the use of prophylactic transcervical arterial ligation (TAL).

RESULTS

A total of 13 articles were included in the analysis. To date, there have been 332 cases of hemorrhage following a total of 5748 TORS. The pooled median post-TORS hemorrhage rate was 6.47%. The overall incidence of minor and major hemorrhage was 5.29% and 2.90%. Patients with prior radiation (relative risk [RR] = 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00-2.12), large tumors (RR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.48-2.99), and those requiring perioperative coagulation (RR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.54-3.28) had significantly higher relative risks of hemorrhage. There was no significant difference in the relative risk of overall hemorrhage with TAL. Looking at major hemorrhage, patients undergoing TAL had a large but insignificant relative risk reduction in post-TORS hemorrhage (RR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.15-1.07).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of post-TORS hemorrhage is low (5.78%), and for major hemorrhage requiring emergent embolization, TAL, or tracheotomy to control hemorrhage it is even lower (2.90%). Large tumors, perioperative anticoagulation, and prior radiation were associated with significantly increased risk of post-TORS hemorrhage. TAL does not reduce the overall incidence of post-TORS hemorrhage but may lead to fewer severe hemorrhages.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III Laryngoscope, 131:95-105, 2021.