"Hot Seat" Simulation Model for Conflict Resolution: A Pilot Study.

Background: Unresolved conflicts in health care threaten both clinician morale and quality of patient care. We piloted a training model that targeted clinicians' conflict resolution skills.

Methods: Sixty clinicians from local hospitals were randomized into an intervention group (n = 30), completing a 3-hour conflict resolution training session, and a control group (n = 30) without training.

Closure of post-laryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistulae.

Background: Closure of salvage laryngectomy defects with vascularized tissue remains controversial.

Methods: We evaluate outcomes in patients who required repair of a fistula after attempted primary closure of salvage laryngectomy defect and assess risk factors for persistent fistula. Between 2001 and 2010, 20 patients were treated for pharyngocutaneous fistulae after primary closure of a salvage laryngectomy.

Management of the N0 neck in recurrent laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Objectives/hypothesis: To evaluate the utility of neck dissections in patients undergoing salvage laryngectomy with a clinically negative neck.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Methods: This retrospective review identified 71 patients with N0 necks who underwent salvage laryngectomy from 2001 to 2007.

Modulation of tumor cell growth in vivo by extracellular matrix metalloprotease inducer.

Objective: To investigate if loss of extracellular matrix metalloprotease inducer (EMMPRIN) will inhibit the growth of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumor cell lines in vivo. Tumor cell-derived EMMPRIN is highly overexpressed in HNSCC and is thought to be induced by surrounding fibroblasts to stimulate matrix metalloproteases, which modulate tumor cell invasion, growth, and angiogenesis.

Design: In vivo study using FaDu tumor xenografts.

Indications and outcomes of double free flaps in head and neck reconstruction.

Objective: This study describes the clinical setting and operative outcomes for simultaneous double free flap treatment of extensive composite head and neck cancers.

Methods: A retrospective review at two tertiary referral centers was performed. Patient demographics, cancer characteristics, reconstruction methods, and postoperative course were recorded.

Pretreatment swallowing exercises improve swallow function after chemoradiation.

Objectives/hypothesis: Swallowing dysfunction is a devastating complication of chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We have previously demonstrated that pretreatment swallowing exercises improve posttreatment swallowing-related quality of life. This study evaluates the effect of pretreatment swallowing exercises on posttreatment swallow function as measured by videofluoroscopy.