Search

SUMMARY: The osteomyocutaneous iliac crest free flap is a reconstructive option for segmental mandibular or complex palatomaxillary defects. Familiarity with the radiographic appearance of free flaps such as the iliac crest is necessary for the postoperative evaluation of patients after mandibular, maxillary, or palatal reconstructions because it allows radiologists to properly monitor and interpret the appearance of the flap over time. This study presents a retrospective review of 5 patients who underwent palatomaxillary reconstruction with an iliac crest free flap at our institution. The imaging appearances of the 5 patients were analyzed to determine the key radiographic characteristics of a healthy and successful iliac crest free flap. Radiographic fluency with the imaging appearance of the iliac crest free flap, as well as the new anatomy of the region in the postoperative period, will allow for better interpretation of the flap appearance on imaging and will prevent false identification of tumor recurrence.

BACKGROUND Common in head and neck cancer patients, trismus can make speech and swallowing difficult and can compromise quality of life (QOL). Jaw range of motion exercise therapy may prevent or treat trismus in surgical patients. While the importance of these exercises is well-documented, there is little literature regarding the optimal timing of exercise initiation. METHODS A prospective pilot study investigated the effects of early vs late jaw exercise intervention on postoperative jaw opening and QOL measures, which were examined descriptively. RESULTS Timing of exercise intervention was not found to significantly impact the measured outcomes. However, provisional, descriptive findings showed that jaw opening was significantly associated with multiple QOL measures, with greater jaw opening associated with improved QOL. For certain QOL measures, this positive association was stronger at earlier time points than at later time points. CONCLUSIONS The exploratory findings of this pilot study support further research into possible benefits of early jaw exercise intervention.

Current American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines state that patients with intermediate-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) may benefit from remnant ablation. One criterion for intermediate-risk classification is >5 positive lymph nodes (LNs). We investigate whether performing step-sectioning of LNs increases the metastatic detection rate, thereby influencing ATA risk of recurrence (ROR) classification. A retrospective review was conducted of cases in which ≥ 5 LNs were removed during thyroidectomy and ≤5 LNs were found positive for PTC. Step-sectioning was performed on the original tissue blocks. All slides were re-reviewed by a senior pathologist. Twenty patients met study criteria. Step-sectioning significantly increased LN yield compared to standard sectioning. In total, we found 12 new positive lymph nodes; seven (58%) were in totally new lymph nodes, while five (42%) were in lymph nodes previously read as negative. All newly discovered metastases were classified as micrometastases (≤2 mm). Of the 15 patients originally classified as low-risk, the step-sectioning protocol impacted two patients (13%), increasing ROR stratification. Intensive step-sectioning reveals additional micrometastases. More detailed analysis did not identify clinically significant nodal disease likely to impact the clinical course of patients in this study. Our study supports current standards of pathology specimen handling related to LN assessment and the impact on ATA ROR classification. Nonetheless, it is important for clinicians to understand their institution’s sectioning protocol utilized to report positive and total LN counts, which could impact ATA risk stratification and denote the comprehensive nature of the LN dissection that was performed.

Objectives Deficits related to inadequate clinical communication can result in incorrect diagnoses, inappropriate surgery, incorrect disease stratification, pathologic reporting, and/or interpretation. There are currently no validated or defined solutions to disease-specific communication with regard to thyroid care. Methods We propose a solution that could ameliorate problems arising from inadequate disease-specific communications between physicians through the development of a thyroid disease-specific database, the Thyroid Care Collaborative. Results To improve the quality of thyroid nodule and cancer care, we have developed an imaging module for enhanced reporting of ultrasound, cytologic, surgical, and pathologic details that are obtained during the workup and treatment of a patient. Conclusion The main advantages of this disease-specific, dynamic, three-dimensional, anatomic disease map are: 1) portability across institutions and disciplines, 2) disease specificity to thyroid nodule and cancer care, and 3) ability to trigger more detailed evaluation or reconciliation of any change in a patient's status regarding the nature or the extent of a patient's disease. The first and second advantages above have been identified as areas representing opportunities for quality improvement in health informatics research. Laryngoscope, 129:269-274, 2019.

Background Reconstruction of orbit-sparing palatomaxillary defects requires consideration of globe dystopia, orbital volume, eyelid position and function, and the nasolacrimal system to preserve and optimize vision, globe protection, and appearance. We describe the fundamentals of orbital and eyelid anatomy, common orbital complications related to palatomaxillary reconstruction, and preemptive and corrective surgical techniques to be utilized during and after globe-sparing palatomaxillary reconstruction. Methods We present a review of the literature supplemented by clinical case examples. Results We advocate for the use of preemptive and corrective techniques to ensure optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes for patients with orbital defects. Conclusions Recognition and anticipation of problems in patients undergoing midface ablative and reconstructive procedures are vital to the implementation of corrective measures. Incision choice, orbital volume restoration, appropriate orbital floor reconstruction, and permanent or temporary lower eyelid suspension during the primary surgery can all significantly impact the development of long-term orbital complications.

Deficits related to inadequate clinical communication can result in incorrect diagnoses, inappropriate surgery, incorrect disease stratification, pathologic reporting, and/or interpretation. There are currently no validated or defined solutions to disease-specific communication with regard to thyroid care.We propose a solution that could ameliorate problems arising from inadequate disease-specific communications between physicians through the development of a thyroid disease-specific database, the Thyroid Care Collaborative.To improve the quality of thyroid nodule and cancer care, we have developed an imaging module for enhanced reporting of ultrasound, cytologic, surgical, and pathologic details that are obtained during the workup and treatment of a patient.The main advantages of this disease-specific, dynamic, three-dimensional, anatomic disease map are: 1) portability across institutions and disciplines, 2) disease specificity to thyroid nodule and cancer care, and 3) ability to trigger more detailed evaluation or reconciliation of any change in a patient's status regarding the nature or the extent of a patient's disease. The first and second advantages above have been identified as areas representing opportunities for quality improvement in health informatics research. Laryngoscope, 129:269-274, 2019.