Extent of central neck dissection among thyroid cancer surgeons: Cross-sectional analysis.

Background: It is unclear if surgeons are performing comprehensive central neck dissections for well-differentiated thyroid cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine mean lymph node retrieval in central neck dissection as well as variability across surgeons and institutions.

Methods: A prospectively collected database identified 18 surgeons performing 425 central neck dissections, 313 unilateral and 112 bilateral.

Reduction of pulmonary complications and hospital length of stay with a clinical care pathway after head and neck reconstruction.

Background: Pulmonary complications are common after major head and neck oncologic surgery with microsurgical reconstruction and are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Clinical care pathways are evidence-based tools that reduce unnecessary practice variation and ultimately improve patient outcomes. In this study, the authors evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive care pathway on reducing postoperative pulmonary complications and hospital length of stay in patients undergoing major head and neck carcinoma resection with free flap reconstruction.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of a postoperative clinical care pathway in head and neck surgery with microvascular reconstruction.

Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a postoperative clinical care pathway for patients undergoing major head and neck oncologic surgery with microvascular reconstruction.

Methods: This is a comparative trial of a prospective treatment group managed on a postoperative clinical care pathway and a historical group managed prior to pathway implementation. Effectiveness outcomes evaluated were total hospital days, return to OR, readmission to ICU and rate of pulmonary complications.

Delayed mobilization after microsurgical reconstruction: an independent risk factor for pneumonia.

Objectives/hypothesis: Large defects secondary to oral cancer resection are reconstructed with microsurgical free flaps. Pulmonary complications in these patients are common. Postoperative mobilization is recommended to decrease respiratory complications; however, many microsurgeons are reluctant to adopt early mobilization protocols due to the perceived risk of flap compromise.

Fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES): predictor of swallowing-related complications in the head and neck cancer population.

Background: The treatment of head and neck cancer is associated with significant dysphagia and morbidity. Prescribing a safe oral diet in this population is challenging.

Methods: Data from 116 consecutive patients having 189 fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) examinations over a 3-year period were analyzed.