Nodal Yield From Neck Dissection Predicts the Anti-Tumor Immune Response in Head and Neck Cancers.

Background: Lymph node count (LNC) from neck dissection has been associated with undernutrition and survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). As local components of the immune system, cervical lymph nodes may reflect anti-tumor immune status. This study investigates the relationship between decreased LNC, formation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS), and primary tumor infiltration by lymphocytes in undernourished patients.

Advanced mandibular reconstruction with fibular free flap and alloplastic TMJ prosthesis with digital planning.

Introduction: Resection of the mandible and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) without formal reconstruction is a devastating condition that negatively affects all aspects of the patient's life. We have approached the reconstruction of mandibular defects that include the condyle with simultaneous reconstruction with a vascularized free fibular flap (FFF) using Surgical Design and Simulation (SDS) and alloplastic TMJ prosthesis. The objective of this study is to report the functional and quality of life (QOL) outcomes in a cohort of patients that had undergone our reconstructive protocol.

Surgiflo® hemostatic matrix versus NasoPore® nasal packing following postassium titanyl phosphate laser surgery for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: To help ensure adequate hemostasis immediately following potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser treatment, many centres treating hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) routinely use nasal packing post-operatively. The purpose of this study was to compare hemostatic thrombin matrix with standard packing for postoperative bleeding, patient pain, and comfort.

Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, non-inferiority study was conducted with participants at an HHT centre of excellence (COE) and randomized to the treatment group with reconstituted thrombin gelatin matrix (Surgiflo®) or control group with a biodegradable synthetic polyurethane foam (NasoPore®).

Characteristics and outcomes of transoral robotic surgery with free-flap reconstruction for oropharyngeal cancer: a systematic review.

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) approach for the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer allows for reduced patient morbidity, amongst other advantages over the traditional lip-splitting mandibulotomy method. Free-flap reconstruction is commonly utilized in head and neck cancer surgeries; however, safety and outcomes of this technique in TORS procedures have not been well studied. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TORS with free-flap reconstruction (TORS-FFR) for oropharyngeal cancer.

Accuracy and Reliability of 3D Imaging for Facial Movement Evaluation: Validation of the VECTRA H1.

Unlabelled: Three-dimensional imaging can be used to obtain objective assessments of facial morphology that is useful in a variety of clinical settings. The VECTRA H1 is unique in that it is relatively inexpensive, handheld, and does not require standardized environmental conditions for image capture. Although it provides accurate measurements when imaging relaxed facial expressions, the clinical evaluation of many disorders involves the assessment of facial morphology when performing facial movements.

The Modified Alberta Reconstructive Technique: A prospective cohort study.

Introduction: Jaw defect reconstructions have been transformed by the development of free tissue transfer using vascularized bone incorporating osseointegrated dental implants. We recently developed a modification our method this procedure and termed it the Modified Alberta Reconstruction Technique (MART). The objective of this study aimed to assess the soft tissue component and outcomes of the MART as compared to the Alberta Reconstructive Technique (ART) or conventional (BDD) reconstructions.

The Functional & Quality of Life Outcomes of Total Glossectomy with Laryngeal Preservation.

Background: The tongue is an essential organ for human interaction, communication and survival. To date, there is a paucity of objective functional, patient reported, or quality of life outcomes of patients undergoing a total glossectomy with preservation of the larynx (TGLP).

Objective: To examine prospectively collected objective, self-reported functional and quality of life (QOL) data in patients undergoing TGLP and free flap reconstruction.

Recommendations from the Canadian Association of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology for the Management of Head and Neck Cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID19) pandemic has placed extreme pressures on the Canadian Healthcare system. Many health care regions in Canada have cancelled or limited surgical and non-surgical interventions on patients to preserve healthcare resources for a predicted increase in COVID19 related hospital admissions. Also reduced health interventions may limit the risk of possible transmission of COVID19 to other patients and health care workers during this pandemic.

Long-Term Results of a Pedicled and Innervated Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Flap to Immediately Reconstruct Superficial Parotidectomy Defects.

Conventional reconstruction techniques for superficial parotidectomy have been criticized for their ability to provide long-term volumetric correction and to prevent Frey's syndrome. To demonstrate the long-term effectiveness of a pedicled and innervated sternocleidomastoid muscle flap (PISCMMF) to reconstruct superficial parotidectomy defects. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients treated by a single surgeon in a tertiary care center from July 2012 to March 2018.

The 678 Hz acoustic immittance probe tone: a more definitive indicator of PET than the traditional 226 Hz method.

Background: The accurate diagnosis of Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction can be very difficult. Our aim is to determine whether a 678 Hz probe tone is a more accurate indicator of Patulous ET (PET) than the 226 Hz probe tone when used in compliance over time (COT) testing.

Methods: Twenty subjects (11 normal ET ears and 7 PET ears) were individually seated in an examination room and connected to a GSI TympStar Middle Ear Analyzer.

Transmission of a novel sonotubometry acoustic click stimulus in healthy and patulous eustachian tube subjects: a retrospective case -control study.

Background: Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction can be very difficult to diagnose accurately. Our aim is to determine whether a newly developed sonotubometric test using clicks can reliably detect ET opening during swallowing in normal ET subjects, and patulous ET (PET) in subjects with ET dysfunction.

Methods: Sixteen subjects (19 normal ET ears and 6 PET ears) were individually placed in a sound-isolated audiometry booth and subjected to a 1000Hz click train stimulus, played through the nose.