Faculty Bibliography

OBJECTIVE: Vocal fold hematoma is traditionally managed with a period of voice rest, in the order of weeks, to allow natural resolution. This study is designed to examine the efficacy and safety of a number of hemoglobin-avid (vascular) lasers when used in the setting of acute vocal fold hematoma. METHODS: Venous blood drawn from 4 white rabbits was used to create an array of subepithelial hematomas in the buccal cavities of each animal. Laser energy from 1 of 3 different lasers (532-nm pulsed potassium titanyl phosphate [KTP], 532-nm diode KTP, and 940-nm diode laser) was applied to each of the test hematomas at varying energy levels. Hematoma sites were photographed at days 0, 1, 5, 7, 9, and 12. Two animals were sacrificed on day 7 and the remainder on day 12. Histological evaluation of collateral tissue damage and residual hematoma was performed on biopsy specimens. RESULTS: Macroscopic and microscopic ulceration at laser-treated sites was mostly resolved by day 7. Inflammatory cell infiltrate was present in laser-treated and hematoma-only sites. Laser-treated samples showed alterations in vascularity. CONCLUSION: Hemoglobin-avid lasers may be beneficial in accelerating subepithelial hematoma resolution with a favorable tissue damage profile.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Melanin is a pigmented polymer with a known role in dermal solar protection. In vertebrates, melanogenesis has been reported in leukocyte populations, suggesting a potential role in innate immunity. In this study, we report the novel finding of melanin associated with chronic inflammation and speculate on its potential role in the middle ear and mastoid. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of case series. METHODS: Medical records of six patients who demonstrated melanin in the ear were reviewed. RESULTS: Six patients from 1 to 63 years of age were identified with extracellular melanin and melanin-laden histiocytes within the middle ear and/or mastoid air cells at time of surgery. Concurrent intraoperative findings included cholesteatoma (n = 3), chronic suppurative otitis media (n = 2), and coalescent mastoiditis (n = 1). Histologically, extracellular melanin and melanin-laden histiocytes were identified by Fontana-Masson stain; absence of melanocytes was confirmed by the absence of Melan-A staining. One patient had a positive stain for CD163 (a marker for macrophages). CONCLUSION: This case series is the first demonstration of melanin within middle ear mucosa without melanocytes in immediate proximity or metastatic melanocytic lesions. Melanin's presence in the setting of inflammation suggests that there may be a heretofore unreported link between the pigmentary and immune systems in the middle ear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Concomitant chemoradiotherapy provides organ preservation for those patients with head and neck cancer. We report the results of a prospective study that examined functional outcomes and quality of life (QOL) after chemoradiotherapy over the first 6 months post-treatment (tx). Twenty-nine patients with head and neck cancer were treated with chemoradiotherapy. All were seen baseline and 3 and 6 months post-tx. Assessments included the performance status scale (PSS), Karnofsky performance status scale, tongue strength, jaw opening, and saliva weight. QOL was patient-rated using the eating assessment tool (EAT-10), MD Anderson dysphagia inventory, speech handicap index (SHI), and the EORTC H&N35 scale. Repeated-measures ANOVAs were used, with significance at p < 0.05. PSS scores were significantly different across time points. Tongue strength, jaw range of motion (ROM), and saliva weight were significantly lower at 3 and 6 months than at baseline. QOL was significantly worse after tx, although it improved by 6 months as rated with the EAT-10 and the SHI scores were significantly worse at 3 and 6 months. EORTC domains of swallowing, senses, speech, dry mouth, and sticky saliva were significantly worse at 3 and 6 months. Concomitant chemoradiotherapy for treatment of head and neck tumors can result in impaired performance outcomes and QOL over the first 6 months post-tx. However, performance status, tongue strength, jaw ROM, and eating QOL were only mildly impaired by 6 months post-tx. Saliva production and speech QOL remained significantly impaired at 6 months post-treatment. Current studies are examining outcomes at 12 and 24 months post-treatment to better predict outcomes over time in this population.

A growing number of minimally invasive surgical and diagnostic procedures require the insertion of an optical, mechanical, or electronic device in narrow spaces inside a human body. In such procedures, precise motion control is essential to avoid damage to the patient's tissues and/or the device itself. A typical example is the insertion of a cochlear implant which should ideally be done with minimum physical contact between the moving device and the cochlear canal walls or the basilar membrane. Because optical monitoring is not possible, alternative techniques for sub millimeter-scale distance control can be very useful for such procedures. The first requirement for distance control is distance sensing. We developed a novel approach to distance sensing based on the principles of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). The SECM signal, i.e., the diffusion current to a microelectrode, is very sensitive to the distance between the probe surface and any electrically insulating object present in its proximity. With several amperometric microprobes fabricated on the surface of an insertable device, one can monitor the distances between different parts of the moving implant and the surrounding tissues. Unlike typical SECM experiments, in which a disk-shaped tip approaches a relatively smooth sample, complex geometries of the mobile device and its surroundings make distance sensing challenging. Additional issues include the possibility of electrode surface contamination in biological fluids and the requirement for a biologically compatible redox mediator.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW/OBJECTIVE:To review the recent European studies on sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). SLIT is currently widely used in Europe and is gaining popularity in the United States. RECENT FINDINGS/RESULTS:Longer treatment with SLIT compared with subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is needed to reduce the rhinitis symptoms in house dust mite (HDM) allergic children. SLIT appears to be well tolerated and effective for treating rhinitis and asthma in children, adults, and the elderly. Studies on HDM, grass, and ragweed have demonstrated posttreatment efficacy in both monosensitized and polysensitized patients. SUMMARY/CONCLUSIONS:SLIT has been shown to be an effective treatment for airway allergies, and recent studies give support for the use of SLIT as the first choice for allergy treatment compared with medication and SCIT. The use of SLIT may potentially improve the compliance of allergen immunotherapy and may make allergy treatment more accessible and well tolerated.

Oromotor and clinical swallow assessments are routinely performed by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who see head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. However, the tools used to assess some of these variables vary. SLPs routinely identify and quantify abnormal functioning in order to rehabilitate the patient. However, function in terms of tongue range of motion (ROM) is typically described using a subjective severity rating scale. The primary objective of this study was to gain insight via survey into what variables SLPs consider important in assessing and documenting function after HNC treatment. A second objective was to seek feedback regarding a scale designed by the authors for assessing tongue ROM for this cohort of patients. This survey also was developed to elucidate salient factors that might have an impact on the prognosis for speech and swallow outcomes. Of the 1,816 SLPs who were sent the survey, 292 responded who work with HNC patients. Results revealed that although 95 % of SLPs assess tongue strength, only 13 % use instrumental methods. Although 98 % assess tongue ROM, 88 % estimate ROM based on clinical assessment. The majority of respondents agreed with the utility of the proposed tongue ROM rating scale. Several variables were identified by respondents as having an impact on overall prognosis for speech and swallow functioning. Tracking progress and change in function with treatment can be accomplished only with measurable assessment techniques. Furthermore, a consistent measuring system can benefit patients with other diagnoses that affect lingual mobility and strength.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical unknown primary squamous cell carcinoma (CUP). STUDY DESIGN:Case series with chart review. SETTING:Tertiary academic hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:A retrospective chart review was performed on patients with new occult primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with nondiagnostic imaging and/or endoscopy who were treated with TORS at a tertiary hospital between 2009 and 2012. Direct costs were obtained from the hospital's billing system, and national data were used for inpatient hospital costs and physician fees. The proportion of tumors found in 3 strategies was used as effectiveness to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. RESULTS:In total, 206 head and neck robotic cases were performed at our institution between December 2009 and December 2012. Three surgeons performed TORS on 22 patients for occult primary squamous cell carcinoma. The primary tumor was located in 19 of 22 patients (86.4%). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for sequential and simultaneous examination under anesthesia with tonsillectomy (EUA) and TORS base of tongue resection was $8619 and $5774 per additional primary identified, respectively. CONCLUSION:Sequential EUA followed by TORS is associated with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $8619 compared with traditional EUA alone. Bilateral base of tongue resection should be considered in the workup of these patients, particularly if the palatine tonsils have already been removed.