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Biomedical subjects

R M Hirata

Publications and source records attributed to R M Hirata.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in patients with head and neck malignancies.

One hundred thirty-six percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies (PEGs) were placed in 126 patients with head and neck malignancies. PEG was performed by the "push" technique described by Russell. There were 140 PEG attempts, with 136 successful placements (97%). Seven complications occurred related to tube placement (5% of placements). Complications encountered were prolonged ileus in one patient (1%), local skin wound infection in one patient (1%), and early tube dislodgment in five patients (4%). Three patients required laparotomy (2%). There were no episodes of aspiration and no deaths. Patients were followed up for an average of 11 months, with a mean duration of PEG tube placement of 6 1/2 months. Patients continued PEG feedings throughout the postoperative radiotherapy period and until oral intake was satisfactory. Acceptance of PEG feedings has been high. No patient required rehospitalization for nutritional support.

Enteral Nutrition↗

Definitive mandibular replacement using reconstruction plates.

Mandibular defects following radical cancer surgery continue to provide challenges to head and neck surgeons. Twenty-seven patients with advanced oral cancer underwent primary mandibular replacement with metal reconstruction plates without the use of bone. Twenty-one patients (78%) had successful reconstruction with primary soft tissue healing. Six patients required removal of the plate in the postoperative period. Two of these patients had their reconstruction plates replaced as a secondary procedure following soft tissue healing. Thus, 23 of 27 patients (85%) had final mandibular reconstruction and were followed for an average of 19 months. Functional and cosmetic results were satisfactory. For patients with advanced disease, this technique compares favorably with microvascular transfer in terms of operating time and donor defect. Despite problems with plate exposure, the initial and overall success rates of 78% and 85%, respectively, make the use of these plates a reasonable choice for immediate reconstructive needs in patients with difficult tumors.

Adult↗

Salivary glands.

A review of the more common inflammatory and neoplastic conditions affecting salivary glands has been presented. The use of hydration, massage, antibiotics, and steroids is effective initial treatment for suppurative sialadenitis and usually negates the need for surgical drainage. Total excision of the salivary gland and its duct is necessary in procedures for recurrent infection. Our technique for closure of the floor of the mouth after excision of the submandibular gland and Wharton's duct is described. Salivary neoplasms involving the parotid gland, the submandibular gland, and the minor salivary glands are treated on the basis of their histologic and local findings. Stepwise illustrations of our technique of parotidectomy and surgical considerations, including the counseling of a patient with a parotid mass, are presented to assist surgeons who care for patients with salivary disorders.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Considering the spinal accessory nerve in head and neck surgery.

Loss of trapezius muscle function represents the single most important source of long-term morbidity from a radical neck dissection. Its preservation has been one of the central features of the conservative or modified neck dissection. We recently undertook an evaluation of 100 consecutive patients who had undergone composite resection for head and neck cancer and examined them with particular emphasis on the function of the trapezius muscle. The mean interval from the time of radical neck dissection to the time of this evaluation was 6.2 years. The operations included radical neck dissection with sacrifice of the spinal accessory nerve, radical neck dissection with preservation of the spinal accessory nerve, and radical neck dissection with interpositioned cable graft reconstruction. The survey showed that 67 percent of the patients who underwent radical neck dissection with sacrifice of the spinal accessory nerve, although they showed profound atrophy of the trapezius muscle, had few symptoms related to this deficit. Similarly, 47 percent of patients who underwent radical neck dissection with preservation of the spinal accessory nerve showed some signs of muscle atrophy, and 20 percent showed little or no function of the muscle. Interpositioned nerve grafts appeared to function well in 66 percent of the patients. The survey showed that a surprising number of patients treated with a standard radical neck dissection and sacrifice of the spinal accessory nerve had few postoperative symptoms related to the loss of trapezius muscle function. Also unexpected was the number of patients with signs of muscle dysfunction despite nerve preservation.

Accessory Nerve↗

A comparative analysis of the clinical, sialographic, and pathologic findings in parotid disease.

In review of the clinical and sialographic ability to predict parotid pathology, it was found that the clinical exam was consistently more accurate. Sialographic findings and histopathology were compared in 119 patients who underwent 120 sialograms and subsequent parotidectomies. Sialography alone was able to diagnose a malignant tumor in only 8 per cent (1/13) of the cases. The sialogram proved most helpful for the clinician in the management of patients when the diagnosis was calculus, obstruction, or sialectasia. On the other hand, mass lesions in or adjacent to the parotid, diffuse enlargement of the gland, or conditions such as masseter muscle hypertrophy are probably better evaluated with newer CT techniques in conjunction with sialography or without sialography.

Adolescent↗

Value of contralateral supraomohyoid neck dissections.

This study was carried out to determine the merit of contralateral supraomohyoid neck dissection in the clinically negative neck. When performed in conjunction with a standard radical neck dissection on the ipsilateral side, a yield of 2.8 percent pathologically positive nodes (5 of 177) was obtained in the contralateral neck. Little difference was noted in the yield of midline lesions versus unilateral lesions which approached the midline (3 and 2.6 percent, respectively). Similarly, the yield with preoperative radiation was close to that of the nonradiated group (3 and 2.7 percent, respectively). Additionally, in 1.7 percent of patients (3 of 177) with both clinically and pathologically negative nodes, metastases later developed in the contralateral neck, which indicates that the dissection is not necessarily effective in preventing future disease. The contralateral supraomohyoid neck dissection in the treatment of malignancies of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx does not appear to be of significant therapeutic value.

Head and Neck Neoplasms↗

Head and neck surgery in the aged.

This study was carried out to determine the perioperative mortality rate of patients over the age of 65 years who are undergoing major head and neck resections under general anesthesia. The total number of patients was 810 and the perioperative mortality rate (death within 30 days of operation) was 3.5 percent (29 of 810). This rate is relatively low when compared with the rate for patients undergoing similar procedures during the same period in the 35 to 65 years age group. Since 1975 reports of other types of surgery in the elderly have given perioperative mortality rates of from 4.8 to 26 percent. Previous studies of head and neck surgery in the elderly have given perioperative mortality rates of from 1.3 to 13.6 percent. Head and neck surgery in the elderly continues to be a safe procedure when compared with other types of surgery. As the portion of patients in the population over the age of 65 continues to increase, advanced age alone should not be a deterrent to performing aggressive surgical therapy for head and neck cancer.

Aged↗

Surgical considerations in hyperparathyroidism: reappraisal of the need for multigland biopsy.

Sixty-seven cases of neck exploration for suspected hyperparathyroidism were reviewed. Thirty-nine patients underwent removal of an adenoma with biopsy of one or more other parathyroid glands. In another group, nine patients underwent removal of the adenoma only. Both groups have had no recurrences of hyperparathyroidism in follow-up periods of two months to twelve years. The data presented indicate that removal of a parathyroid adenoma alone, without biopsy of other tissue, represents satisfactory treatment. Experience with hyperplastic glands is also reviewed. Subtotal parathyroidectomy was effective treatment in all patients, but a 30 per cent incidence of hypocalcemia was noted after this operation.

Adenoma↗

Carcinoma of the oral cavity. An analysis of 478 cases.

Evaluation and analysis of 478 cases of carcinoma of the oral cavity treated from 1947 through 1970 shows a significant improvement in radiotherapy in the supervoltage (Co60) era. Survival in the early stages of disease (I and II) improved in the supervoltage era but not in the later stages of disease (III and IV). Results with combined therapy for advanced disease showed no significant difference from that of single mode therapy, whether with radiotherapy or with surgery in the supervoltage era.

Humans↗

Chylothorax complicating radical neck dissection.

The third reported instance of chylothorax occurring after left radical neck dissection is presented and the literature reviewed. The pathogenesis appears to be lymphatic leakage in the neck with accumulation of chyle in the pleural space in spite of the absence of pneumothorax. The means for entry across an intact pleura is uncertain. The condition can be managed by conservative means consisting of adequate neck drainage and thoracentesis or chest tube drainage. A favorable outcome can be expected.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Blindness following bilateral radical neck dissection.

Blindness after bilateral radical neck dissection is a rare complication. A recent patient, who suffered total blindness after simultaneous bilateral radical neck dissection, is the fifth case reported. It is, however, the first with pathological study of the optic tracts. Detailed microscopic examination revealed bilateral intraorbital hemorrhagic optic nerve infarction without evidence of embolization or ophthalmic artery occlusion. The probable etiology of this event is an episode of prolonged hypotension. An additional etiologic factor may be increased resistance to blood flow caused by venous hypertension, resulting from bilateral internal jugular vein ligation.

Aged↗