Importance: There is a need to summarize the available evidence and provide quantitative data of the most important prognostic factors for patients with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region with regional lymph node metastasis (McSCCHN).
Objective: To undertake a PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of all published studies on the risk factors for overall survival (OS), locoregional control (LRC), locoregional recurrence (LRR), and disease-specific survival (DSS) for patients with McSCCHN.
Data Sources: PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase were searched from 1946 to August 2018 for English-language articles.
Background: The scapular tip free flap (STFF) is becoming more popular for oromandibular reconstruction. This article reviewed the early and late outcomes in a larger series over 9 years.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all consecutive patients who underwent oromandibular reconstruction using the STFF at London Health Sciences Centre.
Objectives: Plate extrusions after free tissue transfer for mandibular reconstruction can be problematic and generally require revision surgery. Our objective was to assess the predictors of plate extrusion and compare outcomes between fibular free flaps (FFF), lateral border scapular flaps (LBSF), and scapular tip free flaps (STFF).
Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent osseous free tissue reconstruction of the mandible (2008-2014) at Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario.
Both early and advanced stage laryngeal cancers are treated with organ-preserving strategies including radiation alone or concurrent chemoradiotherapy. While organ-preserving modalities have proven effective in eradicating cancer while also preserving laryngeal function, there remains a proportion of cases where residual or recurrent cancer prevails, or conversely, where radiotherapy renders a larynx dysfunctional. In these circumstances, salvage total laryngectomy is often the surgical treatment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSimulation-based boot camps are growing in popularity and are effective in onboarding novice residents with new knowledge, skills, and behaviors. These intensive and immersive courses may be used to train residents and allied health professionals in specific procedures, teamwork, and management of rare clinical scenarios. A needs assessment of learners determines the course curriculum.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAllergy Rhinol (Providence)
January 2016
Introduction: We report on a case of isolated metastatic breast cancer to the medial rectus muscle. This entity is exceedingly rare.
Case: A 44-year-old female with a history of breast cancer presented with unilateral maxillary symptoms and was treated for sinusitis.
Background: Controversy regarding the usefulness of routine histopathological examination of bilateral nasal polyps removed during endoscopic sinus surgery to identify occult diagnoses still exists. There is a paucity of high-level evidence in the literature.
Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.
Objectives/hypothesis: The current fiscal climate demands increasing emphasis on curbing hospital expenses incurred from surgical procedures. Disposable instruments and consumables play a major role, but the end user (the surgeon) is often unaware of the cost of these materials. The objectives of our study were: 1) to assess knowledge of costs of disposable instruments and consumable products, and 2) to gauge interest in greater access to cost information and its potential to change practice.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt Forum Allergy Rhinol
November 2014
Background: Routine histopathological assessment is standard practice for nasal polyp specimens obtained during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Retrospective studies suggest that routine histopathology of nasal polyps shows few unexpected diagnoses that alter patient management. Our objective was to study the use of routine pathological analysis, and its cost to the healthcare system, in a prospective manner.
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