Pedicle Corridors and Vessel Options for Free Flap Reconstruction following Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery: A Systematic Review.

 Microvascular free flaps offer an alternative to local and regional flaps for coverage of complex or large skull base defects. Routes and approaches to these reconstructive options are complicated and require an understanding of complex head and neck anatomy.  A systematic review of the literature was performed using a set of search terms with the help of a qualified librarian.

Free Flap Reconstruction of the Anterior Skull Base: A Systematic Review.

 Given the limitations in the available literature, the precise indications, techniques, and outcomes of anterior skull base free flap reconstruction remain uncertain. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of published literature and evaluate indications, methods, and complications for anterior skull base free flap reconstruction.  A systematic review of the literature was performed using a set of search criteria to identify patients who underwent free flap reconstruction of the anterior skull base.

Factors associated with skin graft take in fibula and radial forearm free flap donor sites.

Learning Objectives: Identify factors associated with skin graft take in fibula free flaps (FFF) and radial forearm free flaps (RFFF) donor sites.

Study Objectives: To determine which factors are associated with decreased skin graft take at the donor site in FFF and RFFF in head and neck patients.

Design: Retrospective Chart Review Case Series.

Tourniquet use and factors associated with hematoma formation in free tissue transfer.

Purpose: Our objective was to understand which variables are associated with hematoma formation at both the donor and recipient sites in head and neck free tissue transfer and if hematoma rates are affected by tourniquet use.

Methods: Patients were identified who underwent free tissue transfer at three institutions, specifically either a radial forearm free flap (RFFF) or a fibula free flap (FFF), between 2007 and 2017. Variables including use of tourniquet, anticoagulation, treatment factors, demographics, and post-operative factors were examined to see if they influenced hematoma formation at either the free tissue donor or recipient site.

Neoadjuvant Therapy in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

. Invasion of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) into surrounding structures can lead to morbid procedures such as laryngectomy and tracheal resection. In these patients, there is a potential role for neoadjuvant therapy.

Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Recurrent or Metastatic Human Papilloma Virus-positive Head and Neck Cancer.

Background: There are few data regarding the role of human papilloma virus (HPV) in recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Patients And Methods: A retrospective chart review was carried out using our electronic medical record (EPIC) for all patients diagnosed with HPV-positive R/M HNSCC between 2010 and 2014 with minimum of 6 months of follow-up in order to assess progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results: We assessed 11 patients who underwent a variety of treatments.

Endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors in recurrent metastatic cancer of the head and neck.

Targeted therapy has become an important new class of therapeutic agents used in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Among them epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors have been studied the most. Today, two classes of EGFR inhibitors are routinely used in the clinic; anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors of the EGFR tyrosine kinase activity.

The adaptor protein GULP promotes Jedi-1-mediated phagocytosis through a clathrin-dependent mechanism.

During the development of the peripheral nervous system, the large number of apoptotic neurons generated are phagocytosed by glial precursor cells. This clearance is mediated, in part, through the mammalian engulfment receptor Jedi-1. However, the mechanisms by which Jedi-1 mediates phagocytosis are poorly understood.

Analysis of the techniques for thoracic- and lumbar-level localization during posterior spine surgery and the occurrence of wrong-level surgery: results from a national survey.

Background Context: Despite the frequency with which surgeons perform posterior spinal surgery and the precautions against wrong-site surgery, operations on incorrect levels still occur. Wrong-level exposure is documented in 0.32% to 15% of cases.