Management of post-radiation carotid blowout syndrome in patients with head and neck cancer: A systematic review.

Background And Purpose: Carotid blowout syndrome (CBS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication that can occur in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), especially with a history of radiotherapy. This study aimed to review and initially compare managements for post-radiation CBS in patients with HNC.

Materials And Methods: A systematic review of published studies was performed.

Orthotopic transfer of vascularized groin lymph node flap in the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema: Clinical results, lymphoscintigraphy findings, and proposed mechanism.

Introduction: Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) has become very popular in the treatment of secondary lymphedema. However, the mechanism has not been clearly elucidated. The purpose of this study was (1) to evaluate the outcome of vascularized groin lymph node (VGLN) transfer using axilla as a recipient site in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) and (2) to provide radiological evidence of lymphangiogenesis in VLNT.

The use of a microscope with near-infrared imaging function in indocyanine green lymphography and lymphaticovenous anastomosis.

Background: Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography has become an important investigation in lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA). Near-infrared (NIR) imaging systems are available in the market for the production of ICG lymphography. These machines, however, may be difficult to obtain owing to their costs.

Quality of life of patients after salvage nasopharyngectomy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Background: The objective of this study was to examine the quality of life (QOL) of patients who underwent salvage nasopharyngectomy for residual or recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma and to justify the value of the procedure.

Methods: A self-reported, health-related QOL questionnaire was used to assess the QOL of patients after salvage nasopharyngectomy. The effects of potential complications after surgery also were evaluated.

Extracapsular lymph node spread in recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Objectives/hypothesis: To study the efficacy of combined neck dissection and brachytherapy for nodal metastasis with extracapsular spread (ECS) in recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Study Design: Prospective.

Methods: Between 1990 and 2010, we recruited patients who had regional recurrent NPC after radiotherapy.

Anatomical study and clinical applications of free posterior tibial flap in the head and neck region.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the anatomical features, clinical applications, and donor-site morbidities of the free posterior tibial flap.

Methods: The posterior tibial vascular system was examined in 30 fresh cadaver legs. This was followed by a clinical study involving patients with free posterior tibial flap reconstruction of defects in the head and neck region after tumor extirpation.

Manubrial resection and anterior mediastinal tracheostomy: friend or Foe?

Objectives/hypothesis: To review our experience with manubrial resection and anterior mediastinal tracheostomy and formulate operative guidelines to improve the surgical outcome.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Methods: Between January 1980 and June 2010, we performed 38 manubrial resections.

Reconstruction of circumferential pharyngeal defects after tumour resection: reference or preference.

Background: Reconstruction of circumferential hypopharyngeal defects is often challenging. The aim of the study is to examine the result of our experience and to formulate improved management guidelines.

Method: Between 1980 and 2009, all patients who have circumferential pharyngectomy were recruited.

Lateral thoracic flap for donor site repair of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap.

Objective: To study the use of the lateral thoracic flap to repair a pectoralis major flap donor site defect when primary closure is not possible.

Study Design: Prospective study.

Subjects And Methods: All patients requiring pectoralis major flap reconstruction after tumour extirpation in the head and neck region, whose chest wall donor defects could not be closed primarily, were recruited to the study; lateral thoracic flaps were performed to close the wounds.