Resumo Introdução A biópsia de linfonodo sentinela é um método comprovado para estadiamento cervical em pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular inicial da cavidade oral, porque apresenta menor taxa de morbidade do que o método tradicional de esvaziamento cervical seletivo, com os mesmos resultados oncológicos. Porém, o verdadeiro efeito desse método na qualidade de vida desses pacientes permanece desconhecido. Objetivo Avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de cavidade oral T1/T2N0 submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela em comparação aos pacientes nos quais o esvaziamento cervical seletivo foi feito. Método Estudo transversal que incluiu 24 pacientes, após 36 meses de seguimento, dos quais 15 foram submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela e nove a esvaziamento cervical seletivo. Todos os pacientes responderam ao questionário de qualidade de vida da University of Washington. Resultados A avaliação dos questionários evidenciou pioria tardia dos domínios aparência (p = 0,035) e mastigação (p = 0,041), bem como diminuição de cerca de 10% da qualidade de vida geral (p = 0,025) nos pacientes submetidos a esvaziamento cervical seletivo em comparação com aqueles submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela. Conclusão Pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de cavidade oral em estágio inicial submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela apresentaram melhores resultados tardios de qualidade de vida geral, principalmente quanto à aparência e à mastigação, quando comparados aos pacientes submetidos a esvaziamento cervical seletivo.

Abstract Introduction Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a proven method for staging the neck in patients with early oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma because it results in less comorbidity than the traditional method of selective neck dissection, with the same oncological results. However, the real effect of that method on the quality of life of such patients remains unknown. Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma T1/T2N0 submitted to sentinel lymph node biopsy compared to those that received selective neck dissection. Methods Cross-sectional study including 24 patients, after a 36 month follow-up, 15 of them submitted to the sentinel lymph node biopsy and 9 to selective neck dissection. All patients answered the University of Washington quality of life questionnaire. Results The evaluation of the questionnaires showed a late worsening of the domains appearance (p = 0.035) and chewing (p = 0.041), as well as a decrease of about 10% of general quality of life (p = 0.025) in patients undergoing selective neck dissection in comparison to those undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy. Conclusion Patients with early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy presented better late results of general quality of life, mainly regarding appearance and chewing, when compared to patients submitted to selective neck dissection.

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had a high impact on surgical training around the world due to required measures regarding the suspension of elective procedures and the dismissal of nonessential personnel. Objectives To understand the impact the pandemic had on head and neck surgery training in Brazil. Methods We conducted a 29-question online survey with head and neck surgery residents in Brazil, assessing the impact the pandemic had on their training. Results Forty-six residents responded to the survey, and 91.3% of them reported that their residency was affected by the pandemic, but most residents were not assigned to work directly with patients infected with the new coronavirus (71.4%). All residents reported decrease in clinic visits and in surgical procedures, mostly an important reduction of ∼ 75%. A total of 56.5% of the residents described that the pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental, health and only 4 (8.7%) do not have any symptoms of burnout. The majority (78.3%) of the residents reported that educational activities were successfully adapted to online platforms, and 37% were personally infected with the virus. Conclusion Most surgical residencies were greatly affected by the pandemic, and residents had an important decrease in surgical training. Educational activities were successfully adapted to online modalities, but the residency programs should search for ways of trying to compensate for the loss of practical activities.

OBJECTIVES: Craniofacial resection (CFR) procedures for craniofacial tumors with cranial extension are often extensive. Although CFRs may yield good oncological results, there are concerns about high perioperative morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine risk factors for perioperative mortality after open CFR in terms of deaths occurring during index hospitalizations. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of CFRs conducted at a tertiary oncology hospital from May 2009 through December 2018. RESULTS: Our analysis included data from the medical records of 102 patients, the majority of whom were male (n=74, 72.5%). The mean age was 61 years (±18.3 years). Skin malignancies (n=64, 63.4%) accounted for nearly two-thirds of the treated tumors, and most of these were squamous cell carcinoma. Postoperative medical complications occurred in 33 patients (33%), and surgical complications occurred in 48 (47%). Multivariate analysis revealed the only independent risk factors for perioperative deaths to be the presence of intracranial tumor extension on preoperative imaging (hazard ratio [HR]=4.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.74-11.97; p=0.002) and the unexpected emergence of postoperative neurological dysfunction (HR=10.9; 95% CI: 2.21-54.3; p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, factors related to tumor extension were associated with a higher risk of perioperative death.

Resumo Introdução: A laringectomia supratraqueal tem sido descrita como um procedimento cirúrgico com objetivo de preservar a função da laringe (respiração, fonação e deglutição), sem prejuízo no controle oncológico locorregional, para câncer glótico ou supraglótico com extensão à subglote e/ou envolvimento da articulação cricoaritenóidea. A opção pela laringectomia supracricoide nesses casos poderia resultar em grande risco para margens de ressecção comprometidas. Objetivo: Determinar a segurança, viabilidade, adequação das margens cirúrgicas e os resultados da laringectomia supratraqueal para o câncer de laringe intermediário e avançado através da revisão dos resultados de três instituições distintas no Brasil. Método: Estudo retrospectivo, com análise dos prontuários de 29 pacientes submetidos à laringectomia supratraqueal, de outubro de 1997 a junho de 2017. O tipo de laringectomia realizada foi classificado de acordo com a classificação da Sociedade Laringológica Europeia para laringectomias horizontais. Foram avaliados os resultados precoces e tardios. As taxas de sobrevida (global, específica, livre de doença e livre de laringectomia total) foram calculadas. O tempo médio de seguimento foi 44 meses. Resultados: Dos 29 pacientes submetidos à laringectomia supratraqueal, 25 não tinham tratamento prévio. Um paciente (3,4%) teve margens comprometidas. Quatro pacientes (13,8%) recidivaram. Desses, três tiveram recidiva local e um apresentou recidiva regional. Cinco pacientes (17,2%) necessitaram de totalização da laringectomia, duas por ruptura da pexia e três por recidiva local. Quatro desses pacientes (80%) obtiveram sucesso na totalização. Quatro pacientes (13,8%) foram a óbito, dois por complicações pós-cirúrgicas e dois por recidiva. As sobrevidas global, específica, livre de doença e livre de laringectomia total em 5 anos foram, respectivamente, 82,1%; 88,2%; 83,0% e 80,2%. Conclusão: Pacientes selecionados com câncer intermediário e avançado de laringe podem ser beneficiados com laringectomia supratraqueal, que ofereceu sobrevida livre de laringectomia total e sobrevida específica de 80,2% e 88,2%, respectivamente.

Abstract Introduction: Supratracheal laryngectomy has been described as a surgical procedure for glottic or supraglottic cancer extending to the subglottic region and/or involving the cricoarytenoid joint, aiming to preserve laryngeal function (breathing, phonation and swallowing), without diminishing locoregional cancer control. The choice of supracricoid laryngectomy in these cases could result in a high risk of compromised resection margins. Objective: To determine the safety, viability, adequacy of surgical margins and the supratracheal laryngectomy results for intermediate and advanced laryngeal cancer by reviewing the results at three different institutions in Brazil. Methods: This is a retrospective study that analyzed the charts of 29 patients submitted to supratracheal laryngectomy from October 1997 to June 2017. The type of laryngectomy performed was classified according to the European Laryngological Society classification for horizontal laryngectomies. Early and late results were evaluated. Survival rates (overall, specific, disease-free and total laryngectomy-free survival) were calculated. The mean follow-up time was 44 months. Results: Of the 29 patients submitted to supratracheal laryngectomy, 25 had no previous treatment. One patient (3.4%) had compromised margins. Four patients (13.8%) had recurrence. Of these, three had local recurrence and one had regional recurrence. Five patients (17.2%) required a total laryngectomy, two due to ruptured pexy and three due to local recurrence. Four of these patients (80%) achieved a successful total procedure. Four patients (13.8%) died, two due to postoperative complications and two due to recurrence. Overall, specific, disease-free and total laryngectomy-free survival at 5 years were, respectively, 82.1%; 88.2%; 83.0% and 80.2%. Conclusion: Selected patients with intermediate and advanced laryngeal cancer may benefit from supratracheal laryngectomy, that resulted in total laryngectomy-free survival and specific survival of 80.2% and 88.2%, respectively.

SUMMARY Introduction: Prognosis for patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in oral cavity with bone invasion presence is concerning. Bone invasion patterns can be used to indicate aggressiveness and can be correlated with tumor clinical behavior. Objective: To evaluate bone invasion histopathological patterns in patients with oral cavity SCC and correlate them with the survival rate. Materials and methods: 62 patients with presence of SCC in the oral cavity as well as bone invasion were recruited for this study. Epidemiological and histopathological characteristics were tabulated and analyzed. Fischer’s Square and Exact Tests were used to verify any statistical associations between the data. Results: More men were affected, especially in the fifth decade of life, and a strong association with smoking and chronic alcoholism was observed. Deaths were reported in 58% of patients, over a period of 5 years. The most prevalent histological pattern was the infiltrative, associated with lower survival rates. Conclusion: An analysis of the histopathological patterns of oral cavity SCC can be used as a prognostic factor thereby assisting with the decision of which oncological treatment approach to use.

RESUMEN Introducción: El pronóstico de pacientes con carcinoma de células escamosas (CEC) de la cavidad oral con presencia de invasión ósea continua sombrío. El patrón de invasión ósea puede ser usado como indicador de agresividad y correlacionado con el comportamiento clínico del tumor. Objetivo: Evaluar los patrones histopatológicos de invasión ósea en pacientes con CEC de la cavidad oral y correlacionarlos con la tasa de sobrevida. Materiales y métodos: La muestra fue constituida por 62 pacientes con presencia de CEC en la cavidad oral e invasión ósea. Las características epidemiológicas e histopatológicas fueron tabuladas y analizadas. Los Test Chi- cuadrado y exacto de Fischer fueron empleados para verificar las asociaciones estadísticas entre los datos. Resultados: Fueron afectados más hombres en la quinta década de vida y observada una fuerte asociación con tabaquismo y etilismo crónico. Fueron relatadas muertes en 58% de los pacientes, en un periodo de 5 años. El patrón histológico más prevalente fue el infiltrativo, asociado a menores tasas de sobrevida. Conclusión: El análisis del patrón histopatológico de los CEC de la cavidad oral, puede ser usado como factor pronóstico auxiliando en la decisión del abordaje del tratamiento oncológico.

Resumo Introdução: A condição pós-laringectomia é caracterizada por várias alterações na função pulmonar. Uma estimativa confiável da função pulmonar pode ser muito útil em pacientes laringectomizados para prevenir complicações após as intervenções cirúrgicas e avaliar os resultados do tratamento. Objetivo: Caracterizar a presença de distúrbios funcionais respiratórios e o padrão funcional de pacientes laringectomizados através do uso de um dispositivo extratraqueal. Método: Estudo transversal que incluiu 50 pacientes submetidos à laringectomia total pelo menos seis meses antes desta investigação, como tratamento de escolha para o câncer de laringe. Resultados: Dos participantes, 56% apresentavam padrão respiratório alterado, assim distribuídos: 14 com padrão obstrutivo sem aprisionamento aéreo, 11 com padrão obstrutivo e aprisionamento aéreo e apenas três com padrão restritivo. Em média, verificou-se que a difusão encontrava-se diminuída (74,3%) e a resistência das vias aéreas aumentada (121,7%) em relação aos resultados esperados em brasileiros. Conclusão: A maioria dos pacientes submetidos à laringectomia total apresenta função pulmonar alterada, do tipo obstrutiva, quase sempre associada a história de tabagismo.

Abstract Introduction: The post-laryngectomy state is characterized by several alterations in lung function. A reliable estimation of lung function can be very useful in laryngectomees to prevent postoperative complications and to evaluate the results of the treatment. Objective: Characterize the presence of respiratory functional disorders and the functional pattern of laryngectomees through the use of an extratracheal device. Methods: This transversal study included 50 patients submitted to total laryngectomy at least 6 months prior to this investigation, as the treatment of choice for laryngeal cancer. Results: 56% percent of the participants had altered breathing pattern, distributed as follows: 14 with obstructive pattern with no air trapping, 11 with obstructive pattern with air trapping and only 3 with restrictive pattern. On average, the diffusion decreased (74.3%) and airway resistance increased (121.7%) when compared to the expected average values for the Brazilian individuals. Conclusion: Most patients submitted to total laryngectomy present altered lung function, usually the obstructive type, frequently associated to a history of smoking.

OJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate the ability of bilateral superficial cervical plexus blockade to control pain and to reduce the side effects of general anesthesia in patients submitted to thyroidectomy. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, we prospectively studied 100 consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. The simple random patient sample was divided into two groups: 50 patients received general anesthesia alone (group 1 [G1]), and 50 patients received general anesthesia with bilateral superficial cervical plexus blockade (group 2 [G2]). Statistical analyses were performed, and a 5% significance level was adopted. RESULTS: The mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were 12% lower in G2 patients than in G1 patients 60 minutes after surgery (101 mmHg for G1 vs. 92.3 mmHg for G2; p<0.001). G2 patients reported less pain than G1 patients, and opioid consumption was lower in G2 patients than in G1 patients, not upon postanesthesia care unit arrival, but at 30 minutes (2% vs. 34%; p<0.001, respectively), 45 minutes (0% vs. 16%; p=0.006, respectively), and 4 hours postoperatively (6% vs. 20%; p=0.037, respectively). The incidence of nausea and vomiting was lower in G2 patients than in G1 patients from 45 minutes (0% vs. 16%; p=0.006, respectively) to 8 hours postoperatively (0% vs. 14%; p=0.012, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that the combination of bilateral superficial cervical plexus blockade with general anesthesia for thyroidectomy is feasible, safe, and effective for achieving pain control and improving patient outcomes.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO As neoplasias malignas de cabeça e pescoço, pela própria localização anatômica, podem acarretar alterações significativas em funções vitais relacionadas à alimentação, comunicação e interação social dos indivíduos afetados. OBJETIVO Analisar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes com neoplasias malignas avançadas de cavidade oral, submetidos a operações radicais com intenção curativa. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS 47 pacientes portadores de carcinoma espinocelular de cavidade oral, em estádios III e IV, foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico com mandibulectomia segmentar e radioterapia complementar. Os pacientes foram submetidos ao teste de qualidade de vida após o tempo mínimo de seis meses do tratamento cirúrgico. RESULTADOS Dos 183 pacientes, com apenas 47 (25,7%) foi possível a realização da entrevista, compondo estes a amostra para o estudo. A maioria dos pacientes do grupo selecionado era do sexo masculino, total de 39 homens (82,9%). A idade média foi de 64,4 anos. A maioria dos pacientes apresentava estadiamento clínico IV (83%), sendo submetidos à radioterapia adjuvante (95,4%). A média do escore obtido após a avaliação dos questionários foi de 64,6. Os piores escores foram encontrados nos quesitos deglutição e mastigação. CONCLUSÃO Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas nos domínios de qualidade de vida entre os dois grupos estudados (com reconstrução óssea versus sem reconstrução óssea). Pacientes entrevistados dois anos ou mais após o tratamento apresentaram escores superiores (p=0,02).

INTRODUCTION Malignant neoplasms of the head and neck, due to its anatomical location, can cause significant alterations in vital functions related to feeding, communication and social interaction of the affected patients. Objective To analyze the quality of life of patients with advanced malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity and submitted to radical operations with curative intent. Material and methods 47 patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), in stages III and IV, underwent surgical treatment with segmental mandibulectomy and complementary radiotherapy. The patients were submitted to the quality of life questionnaires after a minimum time of six months after the surgical treatment. Results Of the 183 patients, only 47 (25.7%) were able to answer the questionnaire and were included as the sample of the study. The majority of patients selected were male (39; 82.9%). The mean age was 64.4 years. The majority of the patients presented clinical stage IV (83%) and were submitted to adjuvant radiotherapy (95.4%). The mean score obtained after the questionnaires were applied was 64.6. The worst scores were found in swallowing and chewing. Conclusion There were no statistically significant differences in the domains of quality of life between the two groups studied (with bone reconstruction versus no bone reconstruction). Patients interviewed 2 years or more after treatment presented higher scores (p = 0.02).

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the harmonic scalpel compared to the conventional technique in patients submitted to total thyroidectomy. METHOD: This is a systematic review with inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared both techniques. An electronic search was carried out in the Medline and Lilacs databases until June 2017. The outcomes analysed were operation time, intraoperative bleeding, surgical morbidity, and costs. RESULTS: Data from 31 primary studies were included. The use of the harmonic scalpel correlates to a shorter operation time (p <0.001) and a lower volume of intraoperative bleeding (p <0.001). There were no differences in the risk of transient (p = 0.53) and permanent (p = 0.70) hypocalcaemia, transient (p = 0.61) and permanent (p = 0.50) dysfunctions of the inferior laryngeal nerve and hematoma (p = 0.14). CONCLUSION: Total thyroidectomy using a harmonic scalpel is effective and safe compared to the conventional technique.

ABSTRACT Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the following: 1) the accuracy of sentinel lymph node mapping (SLNM) in detecting metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), and 2) if SLNM could modify the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging of previous cN0 PTC patients. Subjects and methods: Forty SLNM were performed prospectively in 38 consecutive cN0 PTC patients, with total thyroidectomy and elective compartment neck dissection (CND). The results of SLNM were compared with CND pathological findings to verify the accuracy of sentinel SLNM. Results: The mean patients’ follow-up was 36 months. A total of 133 SLN were found at levels VI, II, III and IV. The SLN was identified in 95% of the patients with one false negative, 95% sensitivity, a 94% negative predictive value and 97% accuracy. The SLNM upstaging from cN0 to pN+ was 49%, and to stages III and IVa, it was 21%. Conclusions: For this series of cN0 PTC patients: 1) SLNM accuracy was 97%, and 2) SLNM upstaging from cN0 to pN+ was 49%, whereas to stages III and IVa, it was 21%.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar, por meio da comparação entre a abertura máxima mandibular, a efetividade de programa terapêutico miofuncional oral em pacientes com câncer de boca ou orofaringe submetidos à radioterapia adjuvante. Método Estudo prospectivo envolvendo cinco pacientes adultos e cinco idosos em pós-operatório de cirurgia de boca/orofaringe que aguardavam início da radioterapia ou até a quinta sessão. No início e no final do programa, os participantes tiveram suas medidas de abertura máxima mandibular mensuradas por meio de paquímetro e foram selecionados cinco exercícios – dois de mobilidade e três de tração mandibular – com controle presencial durante oito semanas, perfazendo um total de dez semanas. Dados descritivos e a comparação das medidas pré e pós-fonoterapia por meio do teste de Wilcoxon foram considerados na análise dos dados. Resultados Dez pacientes finalizaram o programa terapêutico (duas mulheres e oito homens), com média de idade de 58,4 anos, mediana de 57,0 anos. Apresentaram média de abertura máxima mandibular de 31,6 ± 11,7 mm antes do tratamento e 36,4 ± 8,0 mm no pós-terapia (p=0,021). Conclusão O programa terapêutico miofuncional oral proposto promoveu aumento da abertura máxima vertical da mandíbula de pacientes submetidos à radioterapia e/ou quimioterapia adjuvante para tratamento de câncer de boca e orofaringe.

ABSTRACT Purpose Assess the effectiveness of an orofacial myofunctional therapeutic program in patients with oral or oropharyngeal cancer submitted to adjuvant radiotherapy through pre- and post-program comparison of maximum mandibular opening. Methods Prospective study involving five adult patients and five elderly patients postoperatively to oral cavity/oropharynx surgery who were awaiting the beginning of radiotherapy or had undergone fewer than five treatment sessions. The study participants had their maximum jaw opening measured using a sliding caliper at the beginning and end of the program. Two mobility exercises and three mandibular traction exercises were selected and weekly monitored presentially for 10 weeks. Descriptive data and pre- and post-therapy comparative measures were statistically analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. Results Ten patients (two women and eight men) with mean age of 58.4 years, median of 57.0 years, completed the therapeutic program. They presented mean maximum mandibular opening of 31.6 ± 11.7 and 36.4 ± 8.0 mm pre- and post-therapy, respectively (p =0.021). Conclusion The proposed orofacial myofunctional therapeutic program increased the maximum jaw opening of patients referred to adjuvant radiotherapy for oral cavity or oropharynx cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVES: Most thyroid diseases are nodular and have been investigated using ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), the reports of which are standardized by the Bethesda System. Bethesda category III represents a heterogeneous group in terms of lesion characteristics and the malignancy rates reported in the literature. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the differences in the malignancy rates among Bethesda III subcategories. METHODS: Data from 1,479 patients who had thyroid surgery were reviewed. In total, 1,093 patients (89.6% female, mean age 52.7 (13-89) years) were included, and 386 patients were excluded. FNAB results (based on Bethesda Class) and histopathological results (benign or malignant) for coincident areas were collected. Bethesda III patients were subcategorized according to cytopathological characteristics (FLUS: follicular lesion of undetermined significance, Bethesda IIIA; AUS: atypia of undetermined significance, Bethesda IIIB). Data were correlated to obtain the malignancy rates for each Bethesda category and the newly defined subcategory. RESULTS: FNAB results for these patients were as follows: Bethesda I: 3.1%; Bethesda II: 18.6%; Bethesda III: 35.0%; Bethesda IV: 22.1%; Bethesda V: 4.1%; and Bethesda VI: 17.1%. The malignancy rates for Bethesda Class IIIB were significantly higher than those for Bethesda Class IIIA (p<0.001) and Bethesda Class IV (p<0.001). Bethesda Class IIIA showed significantly lower malignancy rates than Bethesda Class III overall (p<0.001) CONCLUSIONS: Improvements of the Bethesda System should consider this subcategorization to better reflect different malignancy rates, which may have a significant impact on the decision-making process.