Comparison of high-flow oxygen therapy with standard oxygen therapy for prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications after major head and neck surgery involving insertion of a tracheostomy: a feasibility study

Major operations on the head and neck that involve microvascular reconstruction and a tracheostomy are prolonged procedures with considerable postoperative risk. Postoperative pulmonary complications are common because of mechanical ventilation, immobility, and inadequate humidification. High-flow heated oxygen therapy (HFOT) may overcome some of these issues, but we know of no published studies to support its use. The aim of this single-site randomised controlled trial therefore was to explore its feasibility and safety in these patients. Twenty patients were randomised to have HFOT (10 patients) or standard oxygen therapy (10 patients). HFOT was used from cessation of mechanical ventilation until decannulation of the tracheostomy. The primary outcome was feasibility. The secondary outcome measures explored the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, achievement of milestones of weaning from the tracheostomy, and hospital length of stay. A total of 21 patients were consecutively recruited and all provided informed consent. One who did not require a tracheostomy was later excluded. All patients initially had the intervention as planned, and one was electively changed to the control group because of discomfort caused by the high-flow oxygen. There were no adverse events or safety concerns in either group. Secondary outcomes showed a reduction in the incidence of pulmonary complications in the HFOT group. The use of HFOT is safe and feasible in patients who have microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck and a tracheostomy.     

Use of knotless barbed sutures for closure of intraoral incisions for maxillofacial trauma: a randomised controlled trial

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of knotless barbed sutures in intraoral wound closure for maxillofacial trauma in comparison with conventional (vicryl) sutures. This was a randomised controlled clinical trial involving 40 patients with isolated mandibular angle fractures who required intraoral incisions for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The sample was randomised into the study group (20 patients) and control group (20 patients). Following fracture fixation by a standardised surgical protocol, the wound closure was done with bidirectional knotless barbed suture and vicryl for the study and control groups, respectively. The wounds were closed in layers (periosteum and mucosa). All operations were performed by a single surgeon. Outcome parameters measured were intraoperative wound closure time and wound healing using ‘Landry’s wound healing index’ on the first, third, and seventh postoperative days. Statistically significant difference in suturing time was noted between the study and control group (p value <0.001). The study group demonstrated a mean (SD) suturing time of 9.46 (2.01) minutes, compared with the 17.61 (2.57) minutes in the control group. Wound healing was found to be better and statistically significant in the study group than the control group (p value<0.001). Knotless barbed suture is a promising alternative to vicryl for intraoral wound closure.     

The effects of manuka honey on plaque and gingivitis: a pilot study

Research has shown that manuka honey has superior antimicrobial properties that can be used with success in the treatment of wound healing, peptic ulcers and bacterial gastro-enteritis. Studies have already shown that manuka honey with a high antibacterial activity is likely to be non-cariogenic. The current pilot study investigated whether or not manuka honey with an antibacterial activity rated UMF 15 could be used to reduce dental plaque and clinical levels of gingivitis. A chewable "honey leather" was produced for this trial. Thirty volunteers were randomly allocated to chew or suck either the manuka honey product, or sugarless chewing gum, for 10 minutes, three times a day, after each meal. Plaque and gingival bleeding scores were recorded before and after the 21-day trial period. Analysis of the results indicated that there were statistically highly significant reductions in the mean plaque scores (0.99 reduced to 0.65; p=0.001), and the percentage of bleeding sites (48% reduced to 17%; p=0.001), in the manuka honey group, with no significant changes in the control group. Conclusion: These results suggest that there may be a potential therapeutic role for manuka honey confectionery in the treatment of gingivitis and periodontal disease.     

Use of free flaps with supermicrosurgery for oncological reconstruction of the maxillofacial region

Supermicrosurgery involves the dissection and anastomosis of vessels<0.8 mm in diameter with minimal donor site morbidity. This study evaluated the feasibility and outcomes of free flaps using supermicrosurgery to repair oncological defects in the maxillofacial region. Forty-two patients were treated with supermicrosurgery to repair oncological defects in the maxillofacial region between December 2015 and February 2021. The supermicrosurgery technique was used for different types of free flap, including 24 superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flaps, seven anterolateral thigh flaps, three peroneal artery perforator flaps, five medial femoral condyle osteo-adipofascial flaps, and three profunda artery perforator flaps. An artery-to-artery approach was used in 38 patients; venous grafts for anastomosis were used in four patients to resolve an arterial discrepancy. Forty-one flaps (97.6%) survived. Thirty-six patients (85.7%) healed without any complications; three flaps required revision surgery including one lost, one demonstrated wound dehiscence, and two demonstrated wound infection. Supermicrosurgery is a useful complement to conventional microsurgery in head and neck reconstruction.     

Manuka honey dressing: An effective treatment for chronic wound infections

The battle against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) wound infection is becoming more difficult as drug resistance is widespread and the incidence of MRSA in the community increases. Manuka honey dressing has long been available as a non-antibiotic treatment in the management of chronic wound infections. We have been using honey-impregnated dressings successfully in our wound care clinic and on the maxillofacial ward for over a year.     

The effect of chlorhexidine supplementation in a periodontal dressing

Most commercial periodontal dressings claiming antibacterial activity lose this activity shortly after application. Chlorhexidine (CH) is an antibacterial agent with long-term activity in the oral cavity owing to its substantiveness and slow-release properties. In a double-blind split-mouth-designed clinical trial the effect of incorporating CH acetate in periodontal dressing was tested on wound healing after gingivectomy. Eleven patients, each needing at least two gingivectomies, constituted the test panel. Wound healing, as assessed by bleeding tendency after removal of dressing 7 days postoperatively was significantly delayed when control dressings were applied as compared with test dressings. Variables with regard to patient comfort also yielded results in favor of the test pack. Incorporation of antibacterial agents with high retention and slow release properties in the mouth in surgical dressings seems advantageous.     

颌面部中、小手术后负压引流的应用

目的 探讨颌面部中、小手术后合理有效的创腔引流方式.方法 将80例颌面部中、小手术患者随机平均分为橡皮条引流组(A组)和负压引流组(B组),每组40例,观察术后创腔积液、血肿、感染等并发症发生情况,记录B组术后引流量,分析比较两种引流方式对患者术后外观和护理影响.结果 B组术后第1天引流量占总引流量的83.57％,第2～3天占16.43％.A组患者术后创面敷料渗透,甚至渗透患者衣物,而B组术后创面清洁,便于术后护理.两组患者术后创面渗出量及并发症发生情况经统计学分析无明显差异.结论 颌面部中、小手术术后应用负压引流比橡皮条引流具有保持创面清洁、操作简便等优点.     

Effect of topical honey on limitation of radiation-induced oral mucositis: an intervention study

Radiation therapy for oral carcinoma is therapeutically useful in dose of at least 6000 cGy but causes mucositis that severely interferes with oral function. The literature indicates that honey appears to promote wound healing, so the authors investigated whether its anti-inflammatory properties might limit the severity of radiation-induced oral mucositis. A single-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial was carried out to compare the mucositis-limiting qualities of honey with lignocaine. A visual assessment scale permitted scoring of degrees of mucositis and statistical evaluation of the results was performed using the χ² test. Only 1 of 20 patients in the honey group developed intolerable oral mucositis compared with the lignocaine group, indicating that honey is strongly protective (RR = 0.067) against the development of mucositis. The proportion of patients with intolerable oral mucositis was lower in the honey group and this was statistically significant (p = 0.000). Honey applied topically to the oral mucosa of patients undergoing radiation therapy appears to provide a distinct benefit by limiting the severity of mucositis. Honey is readily available, affordable and well accepted by patients making it useful for improving the quality of life in irradiated patients.     

Admission patterns and outcomes of postoperative oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer patients admitted to critical care in the UK: an analysis of the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre Case Mix Programme database

Surgery for head and neck malignancy may be complex with postoperative admission to critical care units (CCUs) often required. There are, however, increasing demands on this resource. We examined a national intensive care database to assess patterns of admission and outcomes for patients following surgery for malignancies of the oral cavity and oropharynx. An analysis was performed of the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre (ICNARC) Case Mix Programme database. Data were extracted on case mix and outcomes for patients coded as ‘malignant neoplasm of the oropharynx requiring surgery’ admitted to critical care between 2010 and 2019. Data included admission numbers, demographics, comorbidities, physiology scores, and outcomes including length of stay and mortality. There were 9,843 admissions for patients with malignancies of the oral cavity and oropharynx from 156 CCUs over the ten-year period. Admissions increased from 486 in 2010 to 1,381 in 2019. These admissions accounted for 0.42% of overall admissions in 2010 and 0.78% in 2019. The median age of patients was 63 years and 63.5% were male. The median length of stay in critical care was 38 hours (Interquartile range (IQR) 20.4-64.3 hours). The median length of total hospital stay was 15 days (IQR 10-23 days). Mortality in critical care was low (0.7%). Admissions to CCUs following surgery for malignancies of the oral cavity and oropharynx have increased over the last decade but remain low overall. With increasing demand for this resource, ongoing monitoring of utilisation is important.     

Pectoralis muscle flap reconstruction of pediatric sternal wound infections

Sternal wound infection (SWI) is a life-threatening complication in both the pediatric and adult population. The morbidity and mortality of SWIs have decreased with the use of muscle flap reconstruction of the chest wall. Although the pectoralis muscle flap is the most frequently used flap in adults for reconstruction after SWI, its use in children has not been well described. To review current experience with the use of the pectoralis muscle flap in a pediatric population, a retrospective review of 1,200 consecutive median sternotomies occurring at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh between 1992 and 1997 was performed. All cases of postoperative SWI were identified, and the operative management was performed by a single surgeon. Reconstruction was performed with the use of unilateral or bilateral pectoral muscle flap advancements. Sternal wound infections developed in nine patients (0.75% incidence). The mean duration from initial sternotomy to the time of presentation of deep SWI was 39.5 days. Eight patients underwent reconstruction using pectoralis muscle advancement flaps. Two patients (25%) were reconstructed with a unilateral pectoralis advancement flap, whereas six patients (75%) required bilateral advancement flaps. One patient was treated with conservative management. The average length of stay after reconstruction was 9 +/- 4 days. Duration of follow-up ranged from 3 to 42 months (mean: 16 +/- 12 months). All reconstructions ultimately resulted in well-healed wounds with satisfactory cosmesis. No developmental or functional deficits have been documented in follow-up visits. Sternal wound infection is a serious postoperative complication of median sternotomy. Aggressive operative management with the use of muscle flap reconstruction has helped to lower the morbidity and mortality of this infection. The successful use of pectoralis muscle flap advancement for functional and esthetic reconstruction of the chest wall in children is described.     

Survey of oral rehabilitation in a consecutive series of 130 patients treated by primary resection for oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of oral rehabilitation in a group of patients who had primary resection of oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Of 132 consecutive patients operated on for previously untreated disease between January 1995 and June 1997, 130 were recruited. The University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire was completed on the day before operation at 6 and 12 months, and at last review. A larger similar dataset was used to predict survival. Twenty-eight patients (22%) were seen by the oral rehabilitation team. The median (IQR) time from operation to start of treatment was 12 months (6-21). The median (IQR) time from beginning to end of rehabilitation was 14 months (5-49). Patients with larger tumours (P=0.06) and patients who were edentulous with dentures in the maxilla (P=0.07) were most likely to be seen for oral rehabilitation.     

Evaluation of the healing response following placement of Coe-pak and an experimental pack after periodontal flap surgery

Abstract 2 periodontal dressings. Coe-pak* and RD8 (a product under development). were assessed following periodontal surgery, using a double-blind study of randomised split-mouth design, with each patient acting as their own control. Matched sites were selected for periodontal flap surgery under local analgesia. Sites were randomly allocated to each group. The dressings were applied by a single operator and both patients and clinical assessors were blind as to the dressing employed. The dressings were assessed as to their handling properties, m addition to a 7-day post-operative assessment of the surgical sites and a subjective patient report. Maximum pain levels were relatively low (4 in a scale 0–10); subjects reported more pain and analgesics required with RD8 than with Coe-pak, This was reflected in the results of the patient assessment which indicated that 5O% preferred Coe-pak, compared to 25%. who preferred the RD8 dressing. The results showed RD8 to be an acceptable periodontal dressing when compared to Coe-pak, There were no statistically significant differences between treated sites in both groups with regard to post-operative plaque scores, bleeding scores or tissue healing.     

Administration of intravenous iron and tranexamic acid in the management of postoperative iron deficiency anaemia following free flap reconstruction: re-audit

Following free tissue transfer, intravenous iron (IVI) has a role in reducing the rates of blood transfusion and more rapidly restoring haemoglobin (Hb) levels. Anaemia has a detrimental effect on survival, postoperative complications, fatigue, and health-related quality of life, therefore early correction is recommended. The aim of this re-audit is to assess the use of IVI, of tranexamic acid intraoperatively, and of perioperative blood transfusions. A total of 148 consecutive patients who underwent ablative surgery and free flap reconstruction between May 2018 and September 2019 were audited. The median (IQR) age was 66 (59,72) years and 36% were female. For two-thirds, surgery was for cancer located in the oral cavity and two-thirds of the free flaps were soft tissue. Tranexamic acid (TXA) was used intraoperatively for 30%, red blood cells (RBC) were transfused for 20% and 55 patients (37%) received IV iron. This compares with 4%, 26%, and 0, respectively, in the initial audit. Those having IVI were more likely (56%) to have had a composite flap, a lower postoperative haemoglobin and lower discharge Hb. The Hb between four and twelve weeks’ follow up, known for 40, was a median (IQR) of 122 (104,138). There were no adverse reactions to IV iron. Although it is straightforward to administer IVI postoperatively, this re-audit demonstrates that it can be a challenge to embed change in protocols. Through raised awareness of the benefits of IVI, lack of adverse events and clarification of selection criteria, it is hoped that rates of IVI use will increase.     

Uncovering patients’ concerns in routine head and neck oncology follow up clinics: an exploratory study

The Patient Concerns Inventory (PCI) is a tool that enables patients to highlight issues they wish to discuss, and helps to uncover concerns that might otherwise be missed. Previous PCI studies have involved direct observation of a consultation by one assessor using a coding method based rigidly on items listed on the inventory. This pilot study explores the feasibility of developing a standardised method of scoring which can be used to evaluate it. We prospectively recruited 40 disease-free patients attending 42 routine outpatient consultations after treatment for head and neck cancer. Before the consultation they completed the University of Washington quality of life questionnaire and the PCI. Nineteen consultations were audio-recorded and transcribed, and 2 assessors used a thematic framework to analyse the content of the consultation to find the number and types of concerns, the professionals involved, and the clinical outcomes. The assessors were in agreement about 80% (65/81) of the audio-recordings. The mean number of items of concern highlighted on the PCI before consultation was 5.95, median (IQR) 4(3–8) in contrast to 6.47, median (IQR) 6(4–9) for those discussed; for involvement of professionals it was 0.74, median (IQR) 0(0–1) in contrast to 2.63, median (IQR) 3(1–4), respectively. We identified 4 new themes for the working thematic framework, which provided a dynamic, standardised, and comprehensive approach based on the observation and responses of those studied. This approach gave an insight into the way the PCI mediates consultations, and how patients do not always understand the support that specific professionals can provide. Overall, patients were satisfied with the consultations.     

Randomized controlled trial of the intraligamental use of a local anaesthetic (lignocaine 2%) versus controls in paediatric tooth extraction

BACKGROUND: Children still experience pain upon waking following dental extraction under general anaesthesia. Local anaesthetic has been shown to reduce this pain, but needs to be administered via a method that causes minimum injury or distress to the child. AIM: This study aims to evaluate the use of intraligamental injection of local anaesthetic, under general anaesthesia prior to the extraction of the tooth, for postoperative pain control in children aged 2-5 years. DESIGN: A randomized, single-blind, controlled trial of intraligamental lignocaine (2% lignocaine solution with adrenaline (epinephrine) 1 : 80 000) for primary teeth extraction under general anaesthesia was performed. Pain was scored by the investigators at 5-, 15-, 30-, and 60-min time points in the first hour using the Toddler-Preschooler Postoperative Pain Scale. RESULTS: Eighty-six children were recruited in the study: 42 randomized in the lignocaine treatment group and 44 in the control group. There was no significant difference (P = 0.42, Mann-Whitney U-test) in the cumulative four time point median pain score over the first hour. In the lignocaine treatment group, this was 3 (interquantile range (IQR) 0-7.5) and in the control group this was 3 (IQR: 0-10). At the 5-min time point after the child returned from recovery, the pain score in the lignocaine group (0 IQR 0-1) was statistically lower than that in the control group (0 IQR 0-5) (P = 0.023). There was no difference in the 15-, 30-, or 60-min time points. CONCLUSIONS: Intraligamental lignocaine used for dental extraction under general anaesthesia in young children initially causes less pain after recovery, but this difference is not sustained over the first hour after dental extraction.     

Reporting of ethical protection in recent oral and maxillofacial surgery research involving human subjects

This retrospective observational study investigated the frequency of reporting ethical approval and informed consent in recently published oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) research involving human subjects. All research involving human subjects published in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery during January to June 2005–2007 were analysed for disclosure of ethical approval by a local ethical committee and obtaining informed consent from the subjects. 534 articles were identified; ethical approval was documented in 118 (22%) and individual patient consent in 135 (25%). 355 reports (67%) did not include a statement on ethical approval or informed consent and only 74 reports (14%) disclosed statements of both. Ethical documentation in retrospective and observational studies was scant; 12% of randomised controlled trials and 38% of non-random trials did not report both of ethical protections. Most recent OMS publications involving humans failed to mention ethical review or subjects’ consent. Authors must adhere to the international research ethics guidelines and journal instructions, while editors should play a gatekeeper role to protect research participants, uphold scientific integrity and maintain public trust in the experimental process and OMS profession.     

Venous superdrainage using superficial circumflex iliac vein in deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flap with iliac crest for oromandibular reconstruction

The deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flap with iliac crest (DCIAPF) is considered a favourable single-flap option for oromandibular reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of venous superdrainage using the superficial circumflex iliac vein (SCIV) in the DCIAPF for oromandibular reconstruction. The data of 22 patients (12 female, 10 male) aged 10–76 years (median 53 years) who underwent simultaneous oromandibular reconstruction with a DCIAPF were reviewed retrospectively. Eleven patients received the DCIAPF with SCIV for superdrainage (group A) and another 11 patients received the conventional single-pedicled DCIAPF flap (group B). No flap loss occurred in either group. Venous congestion due to relative venous insufficiency was significantly more frequent in group B (P = 0.045). There was no significant difference in the incidence of partial flap necrosis and wound dehiscence, or in the total operation time between the two groups. Superdrainage using the SCIV has the potential to reduce the incidence of venous congestion due to relative venous insufficiency in DCIAPF used for oromandibular reconstruction.     

A double blind randomised trial of IIb or not IIb neck dissections on electromyography, clinical examination, and questionnaire-based outcomes: a feasibility study

The aim of this double-blind randomised controlled trial was to evaluate the feasibility of a study to compare differences using electromyographic (EMG) or nerve conduction studies (NCS), questionnaires completed by patients, and range of movement, after selective supraomohyoid neck dissection in patients with and without level IIb for node-negative oral cancer. Between January 2006 and July 2008 we recruited 57 previously untreated consecutive patients with node-negative T1 or T2 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and floor of the mouth. Thirty-eight patients were randomised (32 unilateral and 6 bilateral dissections) into two groups. Preoperatively and at 6 weeks postoperatively we collected EMG or NCS data on trapezius muscle activity (primary outcome), the University of Washington quality of life scale (UWQoLv4), the neck dissection impairment index (NDII), and range of movement. At 6 months data on range of movement and data from the questionnaires were obtained. There was a greater mean fall in trapezius M-response amplitude for those who had IIb dissected, which suggested that inclusion of this level caused additional morbidity. However, it was not significant for patients who had unilateral dissections or for all necks combined. Changes in M-amplitude from baseline to 6 weeks, and from baseline to 6 months were strongly associated with changes in the shoulder domain of the UWQoL and the NDII, but were less strong for change in range of movement. This feasibility study has shown that a randomised controlled trial (RCT) is achievable. The combination of EMG or NCS with questionnaire data preoperatively and to 6 weeks would suffice and would simplify a new study design.     

A double-blind trial of tetracycline in the management of early onset periodontitis

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the adjunctive effect of systemic tetracycline (250 mg qds for 14 days) in sequential root planing and surgical phases of treatment in a randomised, double-blind controlled trial. 38 patients who were under 26 years of age. in good general health and with localised (15 test/15 control) or generalised (4 test/4 control) early onset periodontitis completed the non-surgical phase. Data were analysed by ANOVA using baseline covariates and transformations where appropriate. Improvements in probing depth, probing attachment level and bleeding on probing were significantly better in the group treated with adjunctive tetracycline. at 3 months post-treatment. 26 patients (13 test/13 control) subsequently completed the surgical phase (modified Widman flap surgery with adjunctive tetracycline or placebo as before) and were re-examined at 6 months and 12 months. In the test group, 58% of the originally affected teeth required surgery compared to 75% in the control group. Surgery produced further reductions in mean probing depths but no further gains in probing attachment. There were no further statistically significant differences between test and control groups for any of the clinical measures, although the tetracycline group appeared to maintain an advantage. In conclusion, systemically administered tetracycline is a useful adjunct in the management of early onset periodontitis. particularly in non-surgical treatment.     

Bone microarchitecture and turnover in the irradiated human mandible

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the microarchitecture and turnover in irradiated cancellous mandibular bone and the relation with radiation dose, to elucidate the effects of radiotherapy on the mandible.Patients and methodsMandibular cancellous bone biopsies were taken from irradiated patients and controls. Micro-CT scanning was performed to analyze microstructural bone parameters. Bone turnover was assessed by histomorphometry. Local radiation dose at the biopsy site (Dmax) was estimated from radiotherapy plans.ResultsTwenty-seven irradiated patients and 35 controls were included. Osteoid volume (Osteoid Volume/Bone Volume, OV/BV) [0.066/0.168 (median/interquartile range (IQR), OV/BV; %), P < 0.001], osteoid surface (Osteoid Surface/Bone Surface, OS/BS) [0.772/2.17 (median/IQR, OS/BS; %), P < 0.001] and osteoclasts number (Osteoclasts per millimetre bone surface, Ocl/mmBS; mm²) [0.026/0.123 (median/IQR, Ocl/mmBS; mm²), P < 0.001] were decreased; trabecular number (Tb.N) was lower [1.63/0.63 (median/IQR, Tb.N; 1/mm⁻¹), P = 0.012] and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) [0.626/0.24 (median/IQR, Tb.Sp; μm), P = 0.038] was higher in irradiated mandibular bone. With higher Dmax, trabecular number increases (Spearman's correlation R = 0.470, P = 0.018) and trabecular separation decreases (Spearman's correlation R = −0.526, P = 0.007). Bone mineral density (BMD, milligrams hydroxyappetite per cubic centimetre, mgHA/cm³) [1016/99 (median/IQR, BMD; mgHA/cm³), P = 0.03] and trabecular separation [0.739/0.21 (median/IQR, Tb.Sp; μm), P = 0.005] are higher whereas connectivity density (Conn Dens) [3.94/6.71 (median/IQR, Conn Dens), P = 0.047] and trabecular number [1.48/0.44 (median/IQR, Tb.N; 1/mm⁻¹), P = 0.002] are lower in Dmax ≤50 Gy compared to controls.ConclusionsRadiotherapy dramatically impairs bone turnover in the mandible. Deterioration in microarchitecture only affects bone irradiated with a Dmax of <50 Gy. The 50 Gy value seems to be a critical threshold to where the effects of the radiation is more detrimental.