Laryngeal Reinnervation Techniques for Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis-Clinical Outcomes and Surgical Approaches: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Laryngeal reinnervation is a promising therapeutic option for unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). However, the efficacy of the different techniques remains controversial.

Objectives: To systematically evaluate clinical outcomes and surgical approaches employed for laryngeal reinnervation in UVFP, using both objective and subjective parameters.

Description of clinical cases and available diagnostic tools of oropharyngeal syphilis: a systematic review of the literature.

Introduction: Syphilis is a systemic bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. Head and neck mucosal manifestations of syphilis can be observed in each and all of primary, secondary and tertiary syphilis, especially in the secondary one. Therefore, oropharynx is an unusual localization of syphilitic lesions, mainly represented by ulcerous lesions, tissue hypertrophy, mucosal patches and cancer-like lesions.

A Comprehensive Systematic Review on Functional Results, Speech and Swallowing Outcomes after Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Cancer.

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is nowadays considered a valuable minimally invasive approach to treat oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). The aim of this technique is to improve functional preservation and reduce morbidity with excellent oncologic outcomes compared to the traditional transoral approach and chemoradiotherapy (CRT). The purpose of this systematic review is to assess an exhaustive overview of functional outcomes of TORS for OPSCC by evaluating several parameters reported in the available literature, such as the prevalence and dependence of tracheotomy, feeding tubes (FTs) and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), the length of hospitalization, swallowing scores, speech tests and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires.

Clinical features, operative management and surgical results of first Draf III procedure, revision Draf III approach and the use of mucosal flaps and stents: a systematic review.

Objectives: Draf III procedure is a challenging endoscopic technique, which has gradually gained an increasing popularity in treating frontal sinus pathologies. The main aim of this systematic review is to offer a comprehensive overview on clinical indications, pre-operative evaluation, surgical techniques, post-operative management and complications of the Draf III procedure. As a step forward, such issues have been comparatively evaluated as referred to patients who underwent primary Draf III procedure and revision DRAF III one).

Advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma uncovered by persistently elevated procalcitonin in a patient with COVID-19.

Summary: We report the case of an 88-year-old man hospitalized for COVID-19 with persistently very high procalcitonin (proCt) levels despite infection resolution. Since proCt is an adjunct tumor marker in the diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), serum calcitonin (Ct) was also measured showing very high levels. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed the presence of a thyroid mass and neck ultrasound revealed a solid isoechoic, inhomogeneous, 50 mm nodule in the right thyroid lobe, extended into the mediastinum.

Features related to temporary tracheotomy in patients undergoing Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) for supraglottic squamous cell cancer of the larynx: A systematic review.

Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to assess a relation between demographical, clinical and tumoral features and the need for a prophylactic tracheotomy during TORS procedure in patients affected by supraglottic laryngeal cancer.

Methods: PRISMA 2020 guidelines were applied in this systematic literature review. A computerized search was performed using the Embase/Pubmed, Scopus and Cochrane database, for articles published from 2007 to December 2023.

Minimally-invasive conservative techniques in management of thyroid carcinoma: a narrative review.

Increased diagnostic surveillance and technological innovation have considerably increased the number of thyroidectomies for carcinoma in the last decades. While thyroidectomy remains the first line of treatment, other minimally-invasive and conservative options to be applied in very selected cases have been proposed. The objective of this review is to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques.

Transoral robotic surgery for supraglottic cancer. A review of oncological and functional outcomes compared to open surgery.

Objective: Supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) represents a major surgical challenge in organ-preserving treatment. Type I open partial horizontal laryngectomy (OPHL I) is considered the most popular. To date, minimally-invasive approaches such as laser microsurgery and transoral robotic surgery (TORS) have gained increasing relevance.

Surgical and radiological perspectives for the spinal accessory nerve passing through a fenestrated internal jugular vein: case series and literature review.

The preservation of the spinal accessory nerve represents a key goal in head and neck oncologic surgery during selective neck dissection. This study aims to illustrate the anatomical variants of the XI cranial nerve, delving into the relationship between the spinal nerve and the internal jugular vein, as well as the surgical implications. Two cases of patients who underwent oncologic surgery with neck dissection are described.

Analysis of local, regional, and distant recurrence of disease in mucoepidermoid tumors of larynx: A systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review is to analyze epidemiology, clinical presentation, histopathological features, treatment and oncological outcomes in laryngeal mucoepidermoid cancer (MEC) in order to improve the knowledge on the management of such a rare malignant neoplasm. Specifically, authors highlight patients' and tumors' features about local, regional, and distant recurrence of disease. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were applied in this systematic literature review.

Management of nasal vestibule carcinomas: recommendations by the Oncological Committee of the Italian Society of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.

Objective: Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule (NV SCC) is a head and neck malignancy for which there is no established consensus on most aspects of clinical management. The purpose of this document is to give updated recommendations that incorporate recent evidence on its clinical characteristics and the high efficacy of brachytherapy as primary treatment modality.

Methods: A working group consisting of the members of the Scientific Committee for Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery of the Italian Society of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and radiation oncologists expert in brachytherapy was formed to achieve a consensus.

Perceptual, aerodynamic and acoustic outcomes of surgical technique for sulcus vocalis patients: A systematic review and meta analysis.

Background: Sulcus Vocalis (SV) is a voice disorder characterized by the parallel invagination of the vocal fold epithelium that adheres to the vocal ligament. This condition disrupts the vibratory function, leading to glottal incompetence, hoarseness, and vocal impairment. Despite various proposed surgical techniques, a standardized treatment approach remains elusive.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Italian Otolaryngology Units: a nationwide study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to provide an accurate picture of the changes which have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the contributions given by Italian Otolaryngology Units.

Methods: A 29-item questionnaire was completed and returned by 154 Otorhinolaryngology Units across Italy that investigated geographic distribution, the main changes which occurred in workload management and in clinical and surgical activities and screening procedures for COVID-19 in healthcare personnel and patients.

Results: Nearly half of the Otolaryngology Units that responded to the questionnaire were merged with other units, while 22% were converted into COVID-19 units or temporarily closed.

Middle ear microvascularization: an "in vivo" endoscopic anatomical study.

Purpose: To describe the in vivo vascularization of middle ear by an endoscopic point of view, particularly focusing on the medial wall of tympanic cavity and incudostapedial region (ISR).

Study Design: Case series with surgical videos review and anatomical description.

Methods: 48 videos from exclusive endoscopic middle ear surgery performed at the University Hospital of Modena from November 2015 to July 2017 were reviewed.

Management of Bleeding in Exclusive Endoscopic Ear Surgery: Pilot Clinical Experience.

Objective Transcanal exclusive endoscopic ear surgery requires the management of the endoscope and the surgical instruments in the external auditory canal. Bleeding in this narrow space is one of the most challenging issues, especially for novice endoscopic ear surgeons. We aim to assess the severity and occurrence of bleeding and describe strategies to control the bleeding during endoscopic ear surgery.