Complication Rates of Total Thyroidectomy vs Hemithyroidectomy for Treatment of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance: Papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs) have been associated with increased thyroid cancer incidence in recent decades. Total thyroidectomy (TT) has historically been the primary treatment, but current guidelines recommend hemithyroidectomy (HT) for select low-risk cancers; however, the risk-benefit ratio of the 2 operations is incompletely characterized.

Objective: To compare surgical complication rates between TT and HT for PTMC treatment.

Outcomes and cost implications of microvascular reconstructions of the head and neck.

Background: Critical review of current head and neck reconstructive practices as related to free flap donor sites and their impact on clinical outcomes and cost.

Methods: Retrospective multicenter review of free tissue transfer reconstruction of head and neck defects (n = 1315). Variables reviewed: defect, indication, T classification, operative duration, and complications.

Long-term Trends in Head and Neck Surgery Outcomes.

Objective: The aim of the present study is to address the paucity of data on long-term trends in postoperative complication rates in head and neck surgery. Specifically, this study assesses trends in morbidity and mortality following head and neck surgery over a 20-year period from 1995 to 2015 and identifies risk factors for the development of complications.

Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 1995 to 2015.

Multicenter Assessment of Antibiotic Prophylaxis Spectrum on Surgical Infections in Head and Neck Cancer Microvascular Reconstruction.

Objective To characterize and identify risk factors for 30-day surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients with head and neck cancer who underwent microvascular reconstruction. Study Design Cross-sectional study with nested case-control design. Setting Nine American tertiary care centers.

Venous thromboembolism incidence in head and neck surgery patients: Analysis of the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) database.

Objective: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) may cause significant postoperative morbidity and mortality; research in other surgical fields suggests an elevated VTE risk persists up to 30 days after surgery, beyond hospital discharge. We performed a review of the Veteran's Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Project (VASQIP) database to determine the 30-day incidence of VTE following head and neck surgery and assess the proportion of VTE that occur post-discharge.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all head and neck ablative procedures captured in the VASQIP database between 1991 and 2015.

Long-term Functional and Quality-of-Life Outcomes After Transoral Robotic Surgery in Patients With Oropharyngeal Cancer.

Importance: In recent years, transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has emerged as a useful treatment for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). In appropriately selected patients, the use of TORS may allow avoidance of adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, thereby avoiding the long-term adverse effects of these therapies.

Objective: To compare functional speech, swallowing, and quality-of-life outcomes longitudinally between those undergoing TORS only and those undergoing TORS and adjuvant radiotherapy (TORS+RT) or TORS and chemoradiotherapy (TORS+CRT).

Gland Preservation in Patients Undergoing Sialoendoscopy.

Objective Sialoendoscopy is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of obstructive sialadenitis. We aim to describe treatment considerations and report our ultimate rate of gland preservation. Study Design Case series with chart review.

The impact of prophylactic external carotid artery ligation on postoperative bleeding after transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Transoral robotic-assisted surgery (TORS) is increasingly utilized in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Postoperative bleeding is a significant and potentially fatal complication of TORS. Prophylactic ligation of ipsilateral external carotid artery (ECA) branches is a recognized strategy to reduce postoperative bleeding risk.

Improving outcomes in veterans with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma through implementation of a multidisciplinary clinic.

Background: Treatment of head and neck cancer is complex, and a multidisciplinary clinic may improve the coordination of care. The value of a head and neck multidisciplinary clinic has not yet been established in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of Veterans Affairs patients with oropharyngeal SCC undergoing concurrent chemoradiation before and after implementation of the head and neck multidisciplinary clinic.

Effect of Overlapping Operations on Outcomes in Microvascular Reconstructions of the Head and Neck.

Objective To compare outcomes after microvascular reconstructions of head and neck defects between overlapping and nonoverlapping operations. Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary care center.

Pallidal neuronal apolipoprotein E in pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration recapitulates ischemic injury to the globus pallidus.

Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) is a progressive movement disorder that is due to mutations in PANK2. Pathologically, it is a member of a class of diseases known as neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) and features increased tissue iron and ubiquitinated proteinaceous aggregates in the globus pallidus. We have previously determined that these aggregates represent condensed residue derived from degenerated pallidal neurons.