Total Laryngectomy with Horizontal Mechanical Closure of the Pharyngoesophagectomy: Evaluation of the Effectiveness in Elderly Patients.

 The main modalities of surgical treatment for laryngeal cancer include transoral laser microsurgery (TLM), open preservation surgery, and total laryngectomy (TL). In the elderly, for the presence of comorbidities, the surgical approach more appropriate in many cases remains TL. The use of a stapler for the closure of the esophagus has been introduced to reduce surgical time and postoperative complications such as pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF).

Videolaryngoscopy during Conscious Sedation in Patients Not Suitable for Phonosurgery by Microlaryngoscopy: A Pilot Study.

Background: Microlaryngoscopy is the preferred and most widely used technique in phonosurgery for the treatment of benign and early malignant glottic lesions. However, the procedure may be technically difficult or impossible due to alterations of the cervical spine that may not allow hyperextension of the head or may present general anesthesia contraindications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of our surgical approach for lesions of the vocal folds in patients who are not suitable for phonosurgery by microlaryngoscopy.

Electronic Cigarette: Role in the Primary Prevention of Oral Cavity Cancer.

Background: Cigarette smoke has been identified as the main cause of oral cavity carcinoma. Recently, the electronic cigarette, a battery-operated device, was developed to help smokers stop their tobacco addiction. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of electronic cigarettes and to establish the possible role of such device in the primary prevention of oral cavity cancer.

Evaluation of the CD44 isoform v-6 (sCD44var, v6) in the saliva of patients with laryngeal carcinoma and its prognostic role.

Background: The soluble fraction of the CD44 protein (solCD44) may constitute a valuable biological marker of Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs), useful for screening/early detection of laryngeal cancer, and for the prognosis. In previous papers, in fact, we have studied the expression of salivary solCD44 in patients with laryngeal tumors, supporting its use for early diagnosis of laryngeal carcinoma with high sensitivity and specificity, also with prognostic role, useful for clinical outcome.

Objective: The purpose of present study was to verify the levels of solCD44 isoform v6, sCD44var (v6), in saliva samples of patients with laryngeal carcinoma in our tumoral biobank, to evaluate possible correlations with clinical-anamnestic and prognostic data.

Connexin 43 (Cx43) Expression in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinomas: Preliminary Data on Its Possible Prognostic Role.

The aim of the report is to evaluate the prognostic and predictive role of Connexin 43 (Cx43) expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas. Eighty-seven previously untreated patients submitted to laryngectomy ± neck dissection ± radiotherapy were enrolled in this retrospective study. The original primary tumor slides were reassessed, tumor grade and stage reviewed, and Cx43 immunohistochemical analysis performed: only cytoplasmic membranous staining of Cx43 has been shown.