Feasibility of Super-thin Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap for Oral and Pharyngeal Reconstruction.

Objectives: To highlight the feasibility of employing super-thin ALT free flaps for reconstruction of complex oral cavity and oropharyngeal defects.

Methods: Retrospective chart review.

Results: Sixteen super-thin ALT free flaps were performed in 15 patients between 2020 and 2023 for reconstruction of oral cavity defects (seven oral tongue, three floor of mouth, three buccal, two oropharynx, one lower lip).

Delayed Facial Nerve Dysfunction Following CyberKnife® Radiosurgery for Vestibular Schwannoma.

Objective: The incidence and risk factors for facial nerve dysfunction (FND) following CyberKnife® therapy for vestibular schwannoma (VS) remain poorly understood. This study investigates whether differential radiation doses to vulnerable segments of the facial nerve may be associated with FND outcomes.

Methods: Patients were identified who underwent CyberKnife® radiosurgery for VS at a single institution.

The impact of COVID-19 and vaccination status on outcomes in veterans with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: The impact of both COVID-19 infection and vaccination status on patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unknown.

Objective: To determine the impact of COVID-19 infection and vaccination status on 60-day mortality, cardiovascular, and respiratory complications in patients with a prior diagnosis of HNSCC.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study through the Veterans Affairs (VA) Corporate Data Warehouse of Veterans with HNSCC who were tested for COVID-19 during any inpatient VA medical center admission.

Complications of eustachian tube balloon dilation: Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database analysis and literature review.

Objective: To provide an analysis of complications following eustachian tube balloon dilation as well as their treatments and outcomes.

Data Sources: PubMed, Ovid Embase, and MAUDE Database.

Review Methods: A systematic approach following PRISMA guidelines was used to identify publications pertaining to balloon dilation of the eustachian tube from PubMed and Ovid Embase databases was used.

Perioperative complications among head and neck surgery patients with COVID-19.

Background: Patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancer (HNC) have potentially high perioperative complication rates. Recent studies indicate that preoperative COVID-19 infection poses increased risk for postoperative complications in other fields. However, to date, there has not been data showing the effect of COVID-19 on complication rates for HNC.

Quantifying and reporting outcome measures in pediatric epilepsy surgery: A systematic review.

Several instruments and outcomes measures have been reported in pediatric patients undergoing epilepsy surgery. The objective of this systematic review is to summarize, evaluate, and quantify outcome metrics for the surgical treatment of pediatric epilepsy that address seizure frequency, neuropsychological, and health-related quality of life (HRQL). We performed a systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to identify publications between 2010 and June 2021 from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews that report clinical outcomes in pediatric epilepsy surgery.

Changes in United States Residency Program Online Presence Following COVID-19.

Phenomenon: The 2020-2021 residency application cycle was subject to major alterations following the COVID-19 global pandemic. This study determined the online presence of US-based residency training programs during this time period.

Approach: An official list of accredited US residency programs for 24 medical specialties was obtained through the Electronic Residency Application Service Programs' online presence and was evaluated for website ownership in addition to Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook account ownership.

Moving to a more restrictive transfusion protocol: Outcomes in head and neck free flap surgery.

Purpose: To determine if a more restrictive transfusion protocol results in increased rates of adverse flap outcomes in patients undergoing free tissue transfer.

Materials And Methods: Mixed retrospective and prospective cohort study. Patients who underwent surgery before the protocol change were collected retrospectively.

Neurosurgical residency adaptations for the residency application cycle amid the COVID-19 pandemic: Acute on chronic sequelae.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed medical education, including the upcoming residency application cycle. External rotations have been restricted, but virtual opportunities for applicants have not yet been assessed.

Objectives: To describe how neurosurgical residency programs are adapting to the 2021 application cycle through augmented social media usage and establishment of virtual sub-I's and open houses.