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Biomedical subjects

P J Gullane

Publications and source records attributed to P J Gullane.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Massive pharyngocutaneous fistulae: salvage with two-layer flap closure.

Massive pharyngocutaneous fistulae may be arbitrarily defined as those involving two-thirds or more of the circumference of the pharyngeal wall. Three such patients are presented, all after failed radiotherapy and surgery. The principles of management consist of salivary diversion, complete debridement, nutritional support, prophylactic antibiotics, and two-layer, well-vascularized overlapping closure. We currently recommend a radial forearm flap used in conjunction with a pectoralis muscle (or musculocutaneous) flap for rapid rehabilitation of these patients, particularly in the presence of obesity or an irradiated bed.

Aged

Hyoid bone involvement by squamous cell carcinoma: clinical and pathological features.

The incidence of hyoid bone involvement by neoplasia is undetermined, despite its importance in hyoid-preserving surgery. Eleven (1.46%) of 755 whole-organ laryngeal specimens examined demonstrated hyoid bone infiltration. These included 6 cases originating from the larynx, 3 from the vallecula, and 1 case each from the pyriform fossa and tongue base. Clinically, vallecular involvement was helpful in determining hyoid invasion; however, computed tomography (CT) was disappointing. The greater cornu was the sole site of invasion in six cases. Ten of 11 cases were secondary to direct tumor spread. All carcinomas were advanced, with variable differentiation. Vascular and neural invasion was a prominent feature. Hyoid bone invasion is rare, and associated with a poor prognosis. Hyoid bone preservation is feasible in a majority of patients.

Aged

Juvenile angiofibroma: a review of the literature and a case series report.

Juvenile angiofibroma is a rare, histologically benign tumor which occurs almost exclusively in adolescent boys. The morbidity and mortality associated with this tumor are related to its prominent vascularity and its propensity for aggressive local growth. From 1974 through 1988, 21 male patients with a diagnosis of juvenile angiofibroma were managed at the Toronto General Hospital or the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. Preoperative computed tomography was performed on 20 patients, selective angiography on 21 patients, and preoperative embolization on 15 patients. Primary surgery was performed on 67% of these patients, with radiation therapy used for advanced stage II and stage III disease or in response to patient preference. Pterygopalatine fossa involvement was demonstrated in 90% of the patients; as a result, the lateral rhinotomy approach was most commonly used in the surgical cases. A successful outcome was achieved in 86% of patients treated with surgery alone. Two patients underwent radiotherapy for salvage following postoperative recurrence. There were no treatment-related deaths and no major surgical complications. The value of computed tomography is discussed, the authors' treatment protocol is outlined, and the case series results are presented.

Adolescent

Subglottic tracheal resection and synchronous laryngeal reconstruction.

Postintubation injury of the upper airway commonly results in stenotic lesions of the larynx, subglottis, and adjacent trachea. The traditional approach to surgical correction is laryngofissure for the laryngeal component and staged plastic reconstruction of the subglottic stenosis. Reported results are variable and unpredictable, and permanent extubation is impossible in a significant number of patients. We report experience with 15 patients with combined laryngeal, subglottic, and tracheal stenosis who were managed by a one-stage operation: circumferential resection of the subglottis and trachea with primary thyrotracheal anastomosis, combined with laryngofissure and laryngeal reconstruction. These procedures required the collaboration of the Departments of Otolaryngology and Thoracic Surgery of the Toronto General Hospital. Between 1972 and 1991, our thoracic surgical division did 53 circumferential subglottic tracheal resections with primary thyrotracheal anastomosis for benign disease. There were no operative deaths and 51 of 53 patients were successfully extubated. In 15 of these patients, a concomitant laryngofissure for laryngeal reconstruction was required. Laryngeal repair included excision or incision of interarytenoid scar (n = 13), interarytenoid mucosal graft (n = 6), or mobilization of cricoarytenoid joint (n = 3). A temporary laryngotracheal stent (usually a Montgomery T tube) was maintained after the operation in all cases (duration 3 to 42 months). Thirteen of these 15 patients are now permanently extubated and none has functionally significant restenosis. Vocal function is satisfactory to good in these patients. The approach described for these combined laryngotracheal lesions provides better results than those reported with traditional staged and plastic techniques of reconstruction. The collaboration of the departments of otolaryngology and thoracic surgery was essential to achieve these results.

Adolescent

Chondrosarcoma of the larynx: a histo-radiologic analysis.

Chondrosarcoma of the larynx is a rare malignant cartilaginous neoplasm. To date, the serial sectioned laryngeal specimens of this disease have not been correlated with the pre-operative computed tomographic findings. A retrospective analysis of 833 serially sectioned laryngeal specimens found chondrosarcoma in six cases (0.72%), of which four cases had a pre-surgical computed tomography (CT). Radiologic axial sections were compared with microscopic sections in the same plane. Whole organ sections showed the tumor to have an expansile growth pattern, showing little impulse to infiltrate adjacent cartilage. CT scanning successfully predicted the diagnosis of a cartilage neoplasm prior to surgery, and accurately reflected the site and extent of laryngeal involvement. We conclude that CT is a reliable method of evaluating chondrosarcoma of the larynx, thereby predicting the feasibility of partial laryngeal resection.

Aged

HIV infection-associated lymphoepithelial lesions of the parotid gland: aspiration biopsy cytology, histology, and pathogenesis.

Two homosexual men with parotid swellings were shown to be human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive. They initially presented with a painless solitary parotid mass accompanied by diffuse cervical lymphadenopathy. In case 1, the patient further developed bilateral multiple cystic lesions. Aspirate preparations from the cystic lesions contained numerous anucleate squames, and superficial and intermediate squamous cells intermingled with various follicular center cells and lymphocytes. Immunoblasts and active phagocytosis of nuclear debris were also noted. Histologically, the parotid cystic lesions showed squamous epithelium-lined clefts surrounded by abundant hyperplastic lymphoid tissue with prominent germinal centers. The cystic lesions did not involve submandibular and sublingual glands. The combination of bilateral multiple lymphoepithelial lesions of the parotid glands and diffuse cervical lymphadenopathy represents a new condition in patients who are likely to be HIV-positive. At the early stage of the disease, when the lesion is confined to a unilateral parotid gland, the cytologic findings of the parotid mass, in combination with a computed tomographic appearance of multiple cystic lesions, are distinctly different from findings in other neck and facial lesions. The patient should be tested for antibodies to the HIV virus to confirm this diagnosis, so that the appropriate precautions and treatment can be initiated.

Adult

Primary mandibular reconstruction: analysis of 64 cases and evaluation of interface radiation dosimetry on bridging plates.

The combination of a myocutaneous flap or free cutaneous tissue transfer with a three-dimensional bendable reconstruction plate either of stainless steel or titanium has provided very satisfactory results in primary restoration of mandibular defects following surgical resections in irradiated patients or in those who require postoperative radiotherapy. Sixty-four cases have been treated and evaluated prospectively using this technique. Fifty-three of the patients had the soft-tissue defect restored with a myocutaneous flap, 8 had a free cutaneous tissue flap, 2 were reconstructed with tongue flaps, and 1 closed primarily. The stainless steel plate of the A.O. type was used in 53 cases and the titanium plate system and hollow screws in the other 11 cases. A success rate of 78.9% was found with a median follow-up of 384 days. Thirty of the 64 cases had preoperative irradiation and 15 were treated postoperatively. A plate failure rate of 23% was encountered in those treated with preoperative irradiation and in 20% with those having postoperative irradiation. Forty-nine of the 64 patients or 76.5% experienced no perioperative complications. Five or 7.8% of the complications were minor. Ten patients or 15.6% experienced a major complication with one death due to a myocardial infarct. A radiation dosimetric model was employed using both stainless steel and titanium. The results from this study showed that, when using a parallel pair of beams, an excess dose of irradiation for the lowest energy cobalt-60 is 13%, for 6 mV it is 15%, and for 18 mV it is 20%. The excess tissue dose, both for stainless steel and titanium plates, extends for about 0.2 mm for cobalt-60, 1.1 mm at 6 mV, and for 25 mm at 18 mV. Patients with plates, therefore, can be treated safely with postoperative irradiation using either cobalt-60 or 6-mV energy.

Adolescent

Prosthetic plate mandibular reconstruction.

The head and neck surgeon may choose one of several available methods to reconstruct the mandible following tumor ablation. This article discusses the use of metallic mandibular prostheses, the indications for alloplastic mandibular reconstruction, techniques of plate application (AO and THRP), and associated complications.

Bone Plates

Pulmonary atelectasis after reconstruction with pectoralis major flaps.

Forty-four patients were reviewed to determine the incidence of atelectasis following pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction of head and neck defects. Patients underwent tumor resection with subsequent pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction (flap group, n = 24) or another major head and neck procedure (control group, n = 20). Chest roentgenograms taken on the first postoperative day were scored for atelectasis by preestablished criteria. Sixty-five percent of control and 70% of flap patients demonstrated postoperative atelectasis roentgenographically. The flap patients with skin paddles larger than 40 cm2 had a 60% incidence of major atelectasis compared with 5% in control patients. The skin island area was strongly correlated with the atelectasis score in the flap group. These results suggest that atelectasis is common following pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction of head and neck defects. As well, decreased chest wall compliance after primary closure of large donor defects may contribute to the atelectasis observed.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell

Cerebrospinal fluid fistula secondary to ecchordosis physaliphora.

A patient with a large ecchordosis physaliphora extending from the sphenoid sinus into the subarachnoid space of the prepontine cistern and resulting in a cerebrospinal fluid fistula is described. Ecchordoses are most commonly asymptomatic and found only incidently at autopsy. This case report adds to the scant literature on symptomatic ecchordoses. The previously reported cases of symptomatic ecchordoses and intradural chordomas are briefly reviewed. Differentiation of chordoma and symptomatic ecchordosis may be difficult; however, the intradural location and relatively benign behavior of the latter are useful points. A discussion concerning the remnants of the notochord which persist in the adult and their role in the genesis of chordoma and ecchordosis physaliphora is also provided.

Aged

Percutaneous feeding gastrostomy in patients with head and neck tumors: a 5-year review.

Since the beginning of this decade major advances have taken place in the alimentation of patients with tumors of the head and neck. Gauderer and Ponsky described a percutaneous method of gastrostomy and, in 1983, a number of radiologists, including the senior author, described a percutaneous radiologic method using the Seldinger technique to create a feeding gastrostomy. This method is ideally suited for patients with advanced tumors of the head and neck because it requires neither endoscopy nor general anesthesia. Over the past 5 years, 55 patients with tumors of the head and neck have undergone this procedure. Eighty-one percent of the patients had advanced disease at initial presentation. One patient (1.8%) had a procedure-related death and another patient (1.8%) had a complication that required a laparotomy. Three patients (5.4%) had minor complications that required minimal medical attention. None of the patients required general anesthesia and an endoscopy was not required. Patient discomfort during the procedure was minimal.

Adult

A pseudo-malignant Warthin's tumor presenting with facial nerve paralysis.

Facial nerve paralysis, in association with a parotid mass, is generally considered pathognomonic of malignancy. However, nine cases of paralysis with benign tumors have been reported: four in association with a pleomorphic adenoma, three with a Warthin's tumor and one with an oncocytoma. The details of these cases are described and an additional case of Warthin's tumor causing a facial paralysis is reported. In all four cases of Warthin's tumor the pathology is similar, with inflammation, fibrosis and necrosis, especially in areas surrounding branches of the facial nerve. In view of the 10 cases reviewed herein, it is suggested that the pathology be confirmed at the time of surgery and every effort made to preserve facial nerve function.

Adenolymphoma

Multicentric chemodectoma in the head and neck.

A case of a multicentric chemodectoma, with the unusual combination of glomus vagale and glomus tympanicum, is presented. The patient, though asymptomatic, showed elevated levels of urinary catecholamines, suggesting some biochemical activity of the tumour. Multicentricity was unsuspected prior to selective carotid arteriography. Intra-operative haemostasis was assisted by the utilization of pre-operative selective embolization of the tumour mass. Subsequently, the injected Ivalon was confirmed histologically in the specimen. The asymptomatic small glomus tympanicum tumour was treated using embolization alone but only time will determine the effectiveness of this method of management. The vagus nerve was anatomically spared, but complete function had not returned after 2 years of follow-up.

Adult

Orofacial and mandibular reconstruction with the iliac crest free flap: a review of 60 cases and a new method of classification.

Sixty vascularized iliac crest free-tissue transfers were used for oromandibular reconstruction, 46 as osteocutaneous and 14 as osseous flaps. Forty-one patients had preoperative radiotherapy, and 8 had failed previous attempts at reconstruction. Forty-nine of the 60 reconstructions were carried out primarily, most commonly following ablative surgery for radiorecurrent squamous carcinoma. Ages ranged from 19 to 85 years, and follow-up ranged from 2 months to 5 years. Flap survival was 95 percent. Eight-six percent of patients returned to their previous activities. There were 2 perioperative deaths, and 31 patients were alive at follow-up. Horizontal defects from 5 to 16 cm were reconstructed, and in 22 patients, both oral lining and skin coverage were replaced. Radiographic evidence of bone union was noted in 96 percent of synostoses, and clinical union was seen in all but one patient. One patient required bilateral hemimandibular reconstructions for sequential primaries at different operative sittings. Functional and cosmetic results were generally satisfactory and were excellent in bone-only reconstructions. Several surgical principles evolved to minimize bulk and eliminate the need for intermaxillary fixation or external fixation postoperatively. To improve results in large or more lateral through-and-through defects, an accessory pectoralis musculocutaneous flap proved advantageous. Cosmetic and functional results depend largely on three factors: the extent of the surgery, the leanness of the patient, and his or her position on the surgical learning curve.

Adult

Anterior skull defect reconstruction with methyl methacrylate.

A case of squamous cell carcinoma of the fronto-ethmoid complex in an 18-year-old man is presented. At the time of resection both the anterior and posterior tables of the frontal sinus had to be removed. The resulting surgical defect left a marked cosmetic deformity. CT scan five months after the resection suggested calcification with possible ossification of the dura. Exploration of the area confirmed these findings. Because of the firmness of the dura it was possible to contour a methyl methacrylate template to fill the defect. This was wired to the surrounding bone and provided an excellent cosmetic result. The principle of dural osteogenesis is described, and cranioplasty methods are reviewed.

Adolescent

Transhiatal esophagectomy with gastric transposition for pharyngolaryngeal malignant disease.

Between 1981 and 1988, 41 patients underwent pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy with transhiatal gastric transposition and primary pharyngogastrostomy for hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, and cervical esophageal carcinoma. All patients had squamous cell carcinoma. Twenty-one patients had been treated initially by high-dose radiotherapy, but the tumor had either persisted or recurred. Four patients had previously received high-dose local radiotherapy to the neck for unrelated diseases, and in 16 patients no preoperative radiotherapy was given. There was one operative death. Anastomotic leaks developed in nine previously irradiated patients and three required flap reconstructions. Thirty patients had satisfactory swallowing postoperatively and three swallowed poorly. Delayed gastric emptying was a serious problem in two patients, necessitating pyloric bag dilatation in one and pyloroplasty in another. The average postoperative stay was 31 days. Thirty-seven percent survived longer than 12 months and 15% longer than 24 months. The probability of survival after 2 years is 35%. All deaths from recurrent disease occurred within 412 days postoperatively. At present, pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy with gastric transposition and primary pharyngogastric anastomosis offers the best chance for cure or palliation with acceptable morbidity and function for selected patients with advanced hypopharyngeal and laryngeal tumors.

Adult

Prevalence of incidental abnormalities on computed tomographic scans of the paranasal sinuses.

A prospective analysis of 666 patients was performed to examine the prevalence of radiologic abnormalities of the paranasal sinuses in asymptomatic adults. The initial sample group included 1000 patients who were referred for cranial computed tomographic scans for conditions such as head injuries and seizures. Patients in whom there was clinical suspicion of sinus disease were excluded from the study. A questionnaire was completed by each patient and cranial computed tomography, including magnetic resonance imaging of the paranasal sinuses, was performed. Abnormality of one or more of the paranasal sinuses was reported in 42.5% of scans. Mucosal thickening in the ethmoid sinus was the abnormality most often identified. The high frequency of reported radiologic abnormalities in asymptomatic patients highlights the importance of correlation with the clinical presentation when interpreting computed tomographic scans of the paranasal sinuses.

Female