Zoukaa Sargi

Background: Pituitary adenomas rank third among adult intracranial tumors, with an incidence of 3.9– 7.4 cases/per 100,000 annually. Transsphenoidal surgery has evolved to include endoscopic endonasal surgery (EEA) in many centers due to technological and surgical advancements over the past two decades. We aim to analyze a 12-year cohort of pituitary adenomas operated through EEA, highlighting the evolution of surgical techniques and outcomes.Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing EEA was conducted. A team of an otolaryngologist and neurosurgeon performed surgeries. The cohort was divided into three groups: Phase 1 (P1, 2012–2015), Phase 2 (P2, 2016–2019), and Phase 3 (P3, 2020–2023). Patient demographics, clinical data, and outcomes were collected from electronic medical records and compared over time.Results: The mean age was 54.2 years, with 53.5% being female. The gross total resection rate was 75.6%, increasing from 62.3% in P1 to 76.3% in P3 (P= 0.003). The mean operative duration was 274.61 min, with no significant correlation to case number. Complication rates, excluding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, were similar between the groups, with no statistically significant differences observed for complications such as visual deficit, cranial nerve palsy, and epistaxis. However, meningitis decreased significantly from 3.8% to 0.3% (P< 0.001). Intraoperative CSF leaks decreased from 65.1% to 55% (P= 0.003). The need for revision surgery was lower in P3 (8.5% vs. 5.4% vs. 2.1,P< 0.001). Length of hospitalization decreased from 5.3 days to 3.9 days (P< 0.001).Conclusion: Our experience with EEA for pituitary adenomas shows significant improvements in surgical outcomes, reduced complications, and better postoperative management, underscoring the importance of experience, technical refinement, and a multidisciplinary approach.

Background/Objectives: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer, with a lifetime risk of 14–20% that is rising every year. Although prognosis for cSCC is generally good, certain high-risk features of cSCC portend increased rates of nodal and distant metastasis, recurrence, and disease-specific mortality. One such high-risk factor is perineural invasion (PNI), which is broadly defined as the invasion of cancer into and around nerves. Compared to other high-risk factors, PNI presence is associated with the highest risk for locoregional and distant metastasis. Still, the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of PNI remain poorly understood. Recent studies suggest the migration and invasion of tumors into nerves is a result of complex molecular crosstalk within the tumor-nerve microenvironment, wherein the milieu of signaling molecules simultaneously promote neuronal growth and tumor cell invasion. Methods: Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that promote PNI will lead to future developments of targeted therapies that may improve locoregional control and survival. Results/Conclusions: In our article, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of recent findings about the pathogenesis of PNI, clinical implications of PNI-positive disease in cSCC, available treatment modalities, and potential future therapeutic targets.

Background Thirty-day unplanned readmission following endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery (ETPS) occurs in up to 14% of patients. Delayed hyponatremia is one of the most common causes, accounting for 30% of readmissions and often occurs within 1 week of surgery. The authors' prior retrospective review identified endocrinology follow-up as protective factor. Objectives Implementation of a multidisciplinary postoperative care (POC) pathway: (1) to reduce 30-day hospital readmissions following ETPS and (2) improve inpatient and outpatient coordination of care with endocrinologist. Methods This study is a single institution temporal cohort study of patients prior to (control cohort) and after implementation of the POC pathway (intervention cohort). The POC pathway utilized postdischarge 1 to 1.5 L/d fluid restriction, postoperative days 5 to 7 serum sodium, and endocrinology follow-up within 1 week of discharge to stratify patients into tiered hyponatremia regimens. Results A total of 542 patients were included in the study, 409 (75%) in the control cohort and 133 (25%) in the intervention cohort. All-cause readmission was significantly reduced following implementation of the POC pathway (14 vs. 6%, p = 0.015). Coordination with endocrinologist significantly increased in the inpatient (96 vs. 83%, p < 0.001) and outpatient (77 vs. 68%, p = 0.042) settings. Patients who were not in the POC pathway had the highest risk of readmission (odds ratio: 2.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.1–5.5). Conclusion A multidisciplinary POC pathway incorporating endocrinologist in conjunction with postdischarge weight-based fluid restriction and postoperative serum sodium levels can safely be used to reduce 30-day readmissions following ETPS.

The most common oral cavity cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), of which perineural invasion (PNI) is a significant prognostic factor associated with decreased survival and an increased rate of locoregional recurrence. In the classical theory of PNI, cancer was believed to invade nerves directly through the path of least resistance in the perineural space; however, more recent evidence suggests that PNI requires reciprocal signaling interactions between tumor cells and nerve components, particularly Schwann cells. Specifically, head and neck SCC can express neurotrophins and neurotrophin receptors that may contribute to cancer migration towards nerves, PNI, and neuritogenesis towards cancer. Through reciprocal signaling, recent studies also suggest that Schwann cells may play an important role in promoting PNI by migrating toward cancer cells, intercalating, and dispersing cancer, and facilitating cancer migration toward nerves. The interactions of neurotrophins with their high affinity receptors is a new area of interest in the development of pharmaceutical therapies for many types of cancer. In this comprehensive review, we discuss diagnosis and treatment of oral cavity SCC, how PNI affects locoregional recurrence and survival, and the impact of adjuvant therapies on tumors with PNI. We also describe the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with PNI, including the expression of neurotrophins and their receptors, and highlight potential targets for therapeutic intervention for PNI in oral SCC.

Background: Coronavirus has serially overtaken our metropolitan hospitals. At peak, patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome may outnumber mechanical ventilators. In our Miami Hospital System, COVID‐19 cases have multiplied for 4 weeks and elective surgery has been suspended.Methods: An Otolaryngologic Triage Committee was created to appropriately allocate resources to patients. Hospital ethicists provided support. Our tumor conference screened patients for nonsurgical options. Patients were tested twice for coronavirus before performing urgent contaminated operations. N95 masks and protective equipment were conserved when possible. Patients with low‐grade cancers were advised to delay surgery, and other difficult decisions were made.Results: Hundreds of surgeries were canceled. Sixty‐five cases screened over 3 weeks are tabulated. Physicians and patients expressed discomfort regarding perceived deviations from standards, but risk of COVID‐19 exposure tempered these discussions.Conclusions: We describe the use of actively managed surgical triage to fairly balance our patient's health with public health concerns.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant confusion about healthcare providers’ and patients’ pandemic-specific risks related to surgery. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize recommendations for sinus and anterior skull base surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus and Embase were searched by two independent otolaryngologists from the Young Otolaryngologists of IFOS (YO-IFOS) for studies dealing with sinus and skull base surgery during COVID-19 pandemic. The review also included unpublished guidelines edited by Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery or Neurosurgery societies. Perioperative factors were investigated including surgical indications, preoperative testing of patients, practical management in operating rooms, technical aspects of surgery and postoperative management. The literature review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The criteria for considering studies or guidelines for the review were based on the population, intervention, comparison, outcome, timing and setting (PICOTS) framework. Results: 15 international publications met inclusion criteria. Five references were guidelines from national societies. All guidelines recommended postponing elective surgeries. An algorithm is proposed that classifies endonasal surgical procedures into three groups based on the risk of postponing surgery. Patients’ COVID-19 status should be preoperatively assessed. Highest level of personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended, and the use of high-speed powered devices should be avoided. Face-to-face postoperative visits must be limited. Conclusions: Sinus and skull base surgeries are high-risk procedures due to potential aerosolization of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Protection of health care workers by decreasing exposure and optimizing use of PPE is essential with sinus and anterior skull base surgery.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a well‐known cause and prognostic indicator, and the utility of p16 as a surrogate marker for HPV status has been established. P16 and its relationship with HPV have not been defined in sinonasal malignancy nor has a link with outcomes been established. Patients with sinonasal SCC from 2011 to 2017 were identified from our pathology database. P16 immunohistochemistry and HPV RNA in situ hybridization were performed on tissue specimens. Forty‐seven patients were included. Disease‐free survival for p16+ patients was significantly higher than p16− patients (P = .043). Fewer HPV+ patients died (P = .052) or experienced recurrence (P = .0437). Odds ratio between p16 and HPV status was 14.19 (95% CI: 1.72, 442.03). Our findings demonstrate improved survival in both the p16+ and HPV+ groups and a positive association between p16 and HPV. There may be similar potential for modifying classification for HPV+ sinonasal SCC.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To assess the baseline awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection as a cause of head and neck cancer (HNC) to design improved targeted screening and education efforts.Study Design: Retrospective review of collected survey at a cancer screening event.Methods: This was a screening event at three hospitals and one community center in Miami, Florida. Participants were recruited throughout the Greater Miami area. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic characteristics of those who were aware of HPV and those who were not. Adjusted odds ratios, odds ratios, and χ² tests were used in statistical analysis.Results: A total of 196 women and 112 men were screened across four sites, with 187 participants at hospital‐based events and 124 participants at the community‐based event. Forty percent of respondents had heard of HPV, and 28.0% identified HPV as a risk factor for HNC. Non‐Hispanic and Hispanic respondents were 3.309 and 2.445 times, respectively, more likely than Haitian respondents to have heard of HPV. Women were 2.488 times more likely than men to be aware of HPV. College graduates were 2.268 times more likely than those with less than a college degree to be aware of HPV. Younger respondents were more likely to be aware of HPV. Of those who identified HPV as a risk factor for HNC, 95.4% also correctly identified smoking and 75.9% also correctly identified alcohol as risk factors.Conclusions: Disparities in HPV and HNC awareness were noted between gender, age, education level, and ethnicity.Level of Evidence: NA. Laryngoscope, 128:386–392, 2018