OBJECTIVE: The medial sural artery (MSA) perforator flap is a versatile free flap. However, the cutaneous perforators are not well characterized. The objectives of this pilot anatomical study were to: (1) visualize in three-dimensions, as in-situ, the origin, course, and distribution of the cutaneous perforators, (2) characterize the number and frequency of the perforators, and (3) quantify mean pedicle length.
METHODS: Thirteen cadaveric specimens were dissected, digitized, and modeled in 3D. Three-dimensional models and dissection photographs were used to determine the origin, course, number, distribution, and pedicle length of MSA perforators.
RESULTS: The most common pattern consisted of three perforators (39% of specimens). The maximum number of perforators identified was four (23%). The majority of specimens (92%) had a cutaneous perforator originating from the lateral branch of the MSA and coursed most frequently in the second (43%) and third (37%) quartiles of the length of the tibia. Mean pedicle length was 19.1 ± 6.9 cm. Perforators originating from the medial branch of the MSA were significantly (p < 0.05) shorter than those from the lateral branch and were found to course only in the first quartile.
CONCLUSIONS: The 3D models constructed in this study provide a comprehensive overview of the location and course of the perforators, enabling measurement of parameters in 3D-space. Anatomical characterization of the MSA perforator flap using 3D analysis can assist reconstructive surgeons in understanding the relevant anatomy and optimizing the surgical technique for flap harvest.
METHODS: N/A Laryngoscope, 2024.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the efficacy of two advanced Large Language Models (LLMs), OpenAI\'s ChatGPT 4 and Google\'s Gemini Advanced, in providing treatment recommendations for head and neck oncology cases. The aim is to assess their utility in supporting multidisciplinary oncological evaluations and decision-making processes.
METHODS: This comparative analysis examined the responses of ChatGPT 4 and Gemini Advanced to five hypothetical cases of head and neck cancer, each representing a different anatomical subsite. The responses were evaluated against the latest National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines by two blinded panels using the total disagreement score (TDS) and the artificial intelligence performance instrument (AIPI). Statistical assessments were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Friedman test.
RESULTS: Both LLMs produced relevant treatment recommendations with ChatGPT 4 generally outperforming Gemini Advanced regarding adherence to guidelines and comprehensive treatment planning. ChatGPT 4 showed higher AIPI scores (median 3 [2-4]) compared to Gemini Advanced (median 2 [2-3]), indicating better overall performance. Notably, inconsistencies were observed in the management of induction chemotherapy and surgical decisions, such as neck dissection.
CONCLUSIONS: While both LLMs demonstrated the potential to aid in the multidisciplinary management of head and neck oncology, discrepancies in certain critical areas highlight the need for further refinement. The study supports the growing role of AI in enhancing clinical decision-making but also emphasizes the necessity for continuous updates and validation against current clinical standards to integrate AI into healthcare practices fully.

Adequate surgical margins are essential in oral cancer treatment, this is, however, difficult to appreciate during training. With advances in training aids, we propose a silicone-based surgical simulator to improve training proficiency for the ablation of oral cavity cancers. A silicone-based tongue cancer model constructed via a 3D mold was compared to a porcine tongue model used as a training model. Participants of varying surgical experience were then asked to resect the tumors with clear margins, and thereafter asked to fill out a questionnaire to evaluate the face and content validity of the models as a training tool. Eleven participants from the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery unit were included in this pilot study. In comparison to the porcine model, the silicone model attained a higher face (4 vs. 3.6) and content validity (4.4 vs. 4.1). Tumor consistency was far superior in the silicone model compared to the porcine model (4.1 vs. 2.8, p = 0.0042). Fellows and staff demonstrated a better margin clearance compared to residents (median 3.5 mm vs. 1.0 mm), and unlike the resident group, there was no incidence of positive margins. The surgical simulation was overall useful for trainees to appreciate the nature of margin clearance in oral cavity cancer ablation.

Introduction Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant health concern in India, with around one million new cases annually. The prevalence of HNSCC is notably high in Asia, especially in India, due to habits like tobacco chewing, betel nut usage, and alcohol consumption. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and biological therapy, aiming for tumor control while preserving function and quality of life. However, survivors often face long-term side effects like difficulty swallowing, leading to complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has shown promise in improving outcomes by sparing critical swallowing structures. Efforts to minimize radiation-related dysphagia are crucial for enhancing patients\' quality of life post-treatment. Our study focuses on examining dosimetric parameters associated with dysphagia aspiration, alongside evaluating dysphagia grades in both treatment groups using the RTOG scale. Material and methods Patients with histologically confirmed non-metastatic head and neck carcinomas were included in our study in November 2018-April 2020. A total of 56 patients were taken into our study with 28 in each arm. They underwent radical radiotherapy (RT) with a total dose of 66-70 Gy, with or without concurrent chemotherapy, meeting specific inclusion criteria and excluding those receiving reirradiation or with distant metastasis. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I received three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), and Group II received IMRT. Treatment planning involved immobilization, CT imaging, delineation of target volumes and organs at risk, and contouring of swallowing structures. Dose-volume histogram parameters (mean dose, maximum dose, V30, V70, V80, D50, and D80) were used to assess mean dose to swallowing structures outside the planning target volume (PTV), with a mean dose constraint of 50 Gy. Dysphagia was evaluated using the RTOG criteria at baseline, during treatment, and six months post-treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results In our study, the mean age at presentation differed slightly between the IMRT and 3D-CRT arms: 58 years versus 55 years, respectively. A higher proportion of patients in both arms experienced symptoms for three to six months, with 53.6% in 3D-CRT and 42.9% in IMRT. Stage distribution varied, with IV being most common in 3D-CRT and stage II in IMRT. Approximately 56% of patients in both groups had a history of smoking. Significant differences were observed in spinal cord dose between 3DCRT and IMRT techniques (p < 0.001). Similarly, a significant difference was found in the mean dose received by dysphagia aspiration-related structures (DARSs) between the 3D-CRT and IMRT arms (p = 0.04). Patients in the IMRT arm exhibited superior dysphagia grades compared to those in the 3D-CRT arm, with statistical significance observed in the third month (p = 0.008) and sixth month (p = 0.048). Conclusion Our study found a notable decrease in the mean DARS dose and reduced dysphagia severity at three and six months in the IMRT group compared to the 3D-CRT group. However, due to the diverse study population, establishing a definitive correlation between the DARS dose and dysphagia severity was challenging. Future large-scale studies are needed to validate these findings for improved preservation of DARS structures.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate patient attitudes towards desire for and barriers to utilizing telemedicine visits for head and neck oncology care.
METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of data from cross-sectional survey responses collected via prospectively administered questionnaire to 616 adult patients during their clinical visit to a tertiary care head and neck surgical oncology clinic. Responses to questions investigating interest in telemedicine and potential barriers were collated with patient demographics, measures of rurality, and insurance status. Interest in telemedicine appointments was the assessed primary outcome.
RESULTS: Of 616 survey respondents, 315 (51 %) indicated interest in telemedicine visits. Limitations in access to technology (17.5 %) and lack of reliable internet connection (13.14 %) were identified as key barriers to telemedicine use. Lack of interest in telemedicine was associated with older age (OR 0.97 [95%CI 0.96-0.98]), governmental insurance (0.43 [0.31-0.60]) and, retired work status (0.48 [0.33-0.69]). Women (1.43 [1.04-1.97]) and patients who reported access to compatible electronic devices (41.05 [14.88-113.20]) and reliable internet connection (20.94 [8.34-52.60]) were more likely to be interested in telemedicine appointments. Respondents also indicated preference for a \"hands on\" examination over telemedicine appointments.
CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 1 in 2 patients evaluated in a tertiary care head and neck surgical oncology clinic expressed reticence regarding telemedicine for clinical visits. Limited access to technology platforms and unreliable internet remain key concerns for these patients. Understanding the needs and attitudes of specific patient populations may be important for organizations pivoting to telemedicine platforms to ensure equity in healthcare access.
METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected cross-sectional survey.

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OBJECTIVE: Assessing frailty, in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients is key when choosing appropriate treatment. Optimal screening is challenging, as it should be feasible and should avoid over-referral for comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) This study aims to evaluate the association between geriatric assessment using a new two-step care pathway, referral to geriatrician and adverse outcomes.
METHODS: This institutional retrospective analysis on a prospective cohort analysed the multimodal geriatric assessment (GA) of newly diagnosed HNC patients. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression was performed to study the association between the screening tests, and referral to the geriatrician for complete geriatric screening, and adverse outcomes.
RESULTS: This study included 539 patients, of whom 276 were screened. Patients who underwent the GA, were significantly older and more often had advanced tumour stages compared to non-screened patients. Referral to the geriatrician was done for 30.8% of patients. Of the 130 patients who underwent surgery, 26/130 (20%) experienced clinically relevant postoperative complications. Of the 184 patients who underwent (radio)chemotherapy, 50/184 (27.2%) had clinically relevant treatment-related toxicity. Age, treatment intensity, polypharmacy and cognitive deficits, were independently associated with referral to geriatrician. A medium to high risk of malnutrition was independently associated with acute radiation induced toxicity and adverse outcomes in general.
CONCLUSIONS: The current study showed a 30.8% referral rate for CGA by a geriatrician. Age, treatment intensity, cognitive deficits and polypharmacy were associated with higher rates of referral. Furthermore, nutritional status was found to be an important negative factor for adverse treatment outcomes, that requires attention.

OBJECTIVE: Traditional hospital accounting fails to provide an accurate cost of complex surgical care. Here we describe the application of time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) to characterize costs of head and neck oncologic procedures involving free tissue transfer.
METHODS: Retrospective cohort study.
METHODS: Single tertiary academic medical center.
METHODS: An analysis of head and neck oncologic procedures involving microvascular free flap reconstruction from 2018 to 2020 (n = 485) was performed using TDABC methodology to measure cost across operative case and postoperative admission, using quantity of time and cost per unit of each resource to characterize resource utilization. Univariate and generalized linear mixed models were used to examine associations between patient and hospital characteristics and cost of care delivery.
RESULTS: The total cost of care delivery was $41,905.77 ± 21,870.27 with operating room (OR) supplies accounting for only 10% of the total cost. Multivariable analyses identified significant cost drivers including operative time, postoperative length of stay, number of return trips to the OR, postoperative complication, number of free flaps performed, and patient transfer from another hospital or via emergency department admission (P < .05).
CONCLUSIONS: Operative time and postoperative length of stay, but not operative supplies, were primary drivers of cost of care for head and neck oncology cases involving free tissue transfer. TDABC offers granular cost characterization to inform cost optimization through unused capacity identification and postoperative admission efficiencies.

BACKGROUND: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program surgical risk calculator (SRC) estimates the risk for postoperative complications. This meta-analysis assesses the efficacy of the SRC in the field of head and neck surgery.
METHODS: A systematic review identified studies comparing the SRC\'s predictions to observed outcomes following head and neck surgeries. Predictive accuracy was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) and Brier scoring.
RESULTS: Nine studies totaling 1774 patients were included. The SRC underpredicted the risk of all outcomes (including any complication [observed (ob) = 35.9%, predicted (pr) = 21.8%] and serious complication [ob = 28.7%, pr = 17.0%]) except mortality (ob = 0.37%, pr = 1.55%). The observed length of stay was more than twice the predicted length (p < 0.02). Discrimination was acceptable for postoperative pneumonia (AUC = 0.778) and urinary tract infection (AUC = 0.782) only. Predictive accuracy was low for all outcomes (Brier scores ≥0.01) and comparable for patients with and without free-flap reconstructions.
CONCLUSIONS: The SRC is an ineffective instrument for predicting outcomes in head and neck surgery.

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