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Biomedical subjects

Yadranko Ducic

Publications and source records attributed to Yadranko Ducic.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Intraoperative evaluation of cortical bony margins with frozen-section analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate the efficacy of frozen-section analysis of cortical bone margins in surgery of the craniofacial skeleton. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of patients undergoing oncologic resection of various head and neck neoplasms with osseous involvement by the senior author (Y.D.) from 1998 to 2003. RESULTS: Frozen-section analysis of cortical bone was performed in 38 patients. Adequate specimens for histological analysis were obtained in all patients. Frozen sections were positive in 21 of 22 patients with bone invasion on decalcified specimens. After validating our technique for frozen analysis of cortical bone in 13 patients, the method had a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 100% in 25 patients. Malignancies diagnosed on frozen cortical bone specimens included squamous cell carcinoma (15), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (3), and sarcoma (3). Frozen cortical margins altered the extent of bony resection in 8 patients. CONCLUSION: A simple technique for analysis of cortical bone involvement by neoplasm is presented and reviewed. It allows for frozen-section analysis with standard equipment and appears to be a reliable method to evaluate bony margins intra-operatively. EBM RATING: C-4.

Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid↗
PubMed2006

Transoral approach to the superomedial parapharyngeal space.

OBJECTIVES: To present our early experience with the transoral approach to the superomedial parapharyngeal space (PPS) and describe our technique for removal of these neoplasms. STUDY DESIGN: Consecutive case series by one author (Y.D.). METHODS: Eight patients with various neoplasms of the superomedial PPS were retrospectively reviewed for type of neoplasm, size, success with the transoral approach, need for conversion to another approach, length of hospitalization, and complications. RESULTS: The transoral approach described herein safely allowed for en bloc resection of benign neoplasms with intraoperative control and exposure of the internal carotid artery. The most common pathology encountered was that of schwannoma. All patients were started on liquid diet on postoperative day 1. Average length of stay was 3.2 days (range, 2 to 5). Mean tumor size was 3.3 cm (range, 1.5 to 7 cm). No significant complications were felt to be related to the approach itself and visualization was felt to be excellent in each case without the need for conversion to a more extensive approach. CONCLUSIONS: The transoral approach safely provides access to superomedial PPS lesions with decreased morbidity compared with traditional approaches. This technique is indicated for neoplasms with benign appearance on preoperative imaging or fine needle aspiration. This approach alone may not provide adequate access for resection of malignant lesions especially those with extension intracranially or to more inferior or laterally placed lesions of the parapharyngeal space. EBM RATING: C-4.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Giant myxomas of the maxillofacial skeleton and skull base.

OBJECTIVES: To review our experience with patients diagnosed with giant myxomas of the maxillofacial skeleton. STUDY DESIGN: All patients undergoing excision of myxomas of the head and neck from September 1998 through September 2003 with a minimum follow-up of 1 year by the senior author (YD) were included in the study. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted to select all patients who met the inclusion criteria. Clinical presentation, preoperative radiology findings, excisions performed, reconstruction, and follow-up were recorded and reported. RESULTS: Four patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria. All underwent wide en bloc excision of the tumor with various reconstructions. Complete resection was achieved in each case, and no patients have had evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Giant myxomas of the maxillofacial skeleton have been reported to have significant rates of recurrence. Wide en bloc resection with appropriate reconstruction can result in excellent quality of life postoperatively and minimize the risk of recurrence. Lesser resections may not be appropriate especially in giant myxomas because of the potential morbidity that would be associated with a multifocal recurrence. EBM RATING: C-4.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Metastatic head and neck carcinoma to a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy site.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement is a safe and widely accepted alternate route for enteral alimentation in the head and neck cancer patient population. Cancer metastatic to a PEG tube exit site is a rare but serious complication of this procedure. We sought to determine the route of spread responsible for PEG site metastases such that we may prevent further occurrences of this highly morbid condition. We also report a case of PEG site metastasis at our institution. METHODS: We performed a MEDLINE search for the years 1962 to 2002 and conducted a review of the literature. In the case at our institution, a 63-year-old man was referred to our institution with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the right base of tongue; he also had a 1.5-cm left apical lung nodule. He underwent PEG tube placement at the time of staging panendoscopy. Six months after the original tube placement, he had an ulcerated mass develop at the PEG site; biopsy of the mass revealed squamous cell carcinoma histologically identical to the base of tongue tumor. He also had recurrent lung cancer and four hepatic lesions develop. RESULTS: In our MEDLINE search, of the five patients diagnosed with PEG site disease >10 months after PEG placement, all five (100%) had synchronous distant metastatic disease. In the group of patients diagnosed with PEG site metastases < or =10 months after PEG placement, only four (24%) of 17 had synchronous distant metastatic disease. All patients underwent PEG placement by means of the "pull" technique. Direct implantation with a variable-sized initial tumor burden can explain all cases of PEG site metastasis. The presence of distant metastases is representative of the natural history of advanced head and neck malignancies. Smaller initial tumor implants present later than would larger initial tumor burdens, when the patient is more likely to have distant metastatic disease. In the case at our institution, the patient did not respond to treatment for his hepatic and PEG site metastases and his lung cancer, and he died 4 months after detection of the PEG site metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: PEG site metastases are iatrogenic complications of PEG tube placement in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract. The use of laparoscopic, open, or the "push" technique of PEG tube placement in patients with head and neck cancer may prevent direct implantation of malignant cells into an enteral access site.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed2005

The utility of the temporalis muscle flap for oropharyngeal, base of tongue, and nasopharyngeal reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of temporalis muscle flap reconstruction of various defects of the oropharynx, nasopharynx, and base of tongue. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of a consecutive series of 24 patients who underwent a total of 26 temporalis flaps (2 bilateral) by the senior author (Y.D.) from September 1997 to August 2003 for reconstruction of defects of the oropharynx, nasopharynx, and base of tongue. METHODS: Variables and outcomes that were examined included defect location, size, adjunctive therapy, complications, and ability to tolerate oral intake at follow-up. RESULTS: There was no evidence of flap failure in our series of patients. There were 2 cases of minor flap loss related to early prosthetic rehabilitation. Two cases of transient frontal nerve paralysis were noted. A 30.8% rate of complication (all minor) was noted in this study. At a mean follow-up of 12 months, 54.2% of patients were tolerating a full diet, 37.5% were tolerating most of their nutrition by mouth, and 8.3% were g-tube dependent. CONCLUSION: The temporalis muscle flap represents an excellent alternative in reconstruction of otherwise difficult-to-reconstruct defects of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and base of tongue. Donor site aesthetics are well accepted by patients with primary hydroxyapatite cement cranioplasty with or without secondary lipotransfer.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Hydroxyapatite cement in craniofacial reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of hydroxyapatite cement in craniofacial reconstruction, specifically examining the role (if any) of radiation, implant location, and cement type. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients presenting to the senior surgeon (Y.D.) for craniofacial reconstruction from September 1997 to April 2004. METHODS: Data were collected including type of cement used, size of defect, complications, need for removal of cement, reason for defect, and pathologic results of examination of removed cements. RESULTS: One hundred two patients were identified who underwent craniofacial reconstruction with hydroxyapatite cements, 7 of whom required complete implant removal (6 Norian and 1 Mimix), and 4 (2 Norian and 2 Bone source) of whom required partial implant removal for foreign body reaction. Five of the removals were in patients who underwent postoperative radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Hydroxyapatite cements are safe in craniofacial reconstruction. The highest risk of implant infection comes from reconstruction in the area of the frontal sinus, immediately beneath coronal incisions, and in patients who receive postoperative radiation treatment. Based on our results, there does appear to be a statistically significant difference in rates of infection and foreign body reaction between the different types of hydroxyapatite cement. We would not recommend implantation of this material in contact with the frontal sinus. Caution should be exercised when it is placed directly beneath an incision or in patients receiving postoperative radiation, particularly if a boost dose is given.

Bone Cements↗
PubMed2005

Osteosarcomas of the larynx.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to review the etiology, presentation, treatment, and prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma of the larynx using an illustrative case example. STUDY DESIGN: Case report and literature review. METHODS: A case is reported, and a review of all available published cases of osteosarcoma of the larynx is presented. RESULTS: Osteosarcoma of the larynx may be a difficult clinical diagnosis. To be able to reach the correct diagnosis, a high index of suspicion and due diligence in obtaining deep biopsy specimens are important. Treatment is primarily surgical. Outcomes for this disease are generally poor, with most patients dying of the disease as a result of pulmonary metastasis. CONCLUSION: Osteosarcoma of the larynx is a rare entity, with only 14 cases reported to date. Pathological confirmation of osteoid is required for diagnosis. It is likely that aggressive surgical intervention directed at complete tumor extirpation is the treatment of choice, although long-term prognosis is poor.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Elective transcervical superior mediastinal lymph node dissection for advanced laryngeal and level 4 N3 squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To review our results with elective superior mediastinal lymph node dissections in patients with advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) and overt level 4 adenopathy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. METHODS: We searched operative case logs for all patients treated with an elective superior mediastinal dissection by the senior author (Y.D.) during a 7-year period. Charts were reviewed for demographic information, prior treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and pathologic results. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients who underwent elective superior mediastinal lymph node dissection for advanced laryngeal SCCA and overt level 4 adenopathy were reviewed, and superior mediastinal disease was present in 15 of 56 (26.8%) patients. Superior mediastinal nodes were positive in 11 of 42 (26.2%) patients with advanced laryngeal SCCA and 4 of 14 (28.6%) patients with N3 SCCA involving level 4. Patients with SCCA receiving prior chemotherapy and radiotherapy had a significantly higher rate of positive superior mediastinal nodes (10/21 patients, 47.6%) compared with patients without prior therapy (5/35 patients, 14.3%, P = .01, Fisher's exact test). There were no stomal recurrences in 42 patients treated for advanced laryngeal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Elective transcervical superior mediastinal dissection was positive in 26.8% of patients with advanced laryngeal cancer or N3 disease in level 4. A transcervical superior mediastinal dissection may be safely performed without a sternotomy.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Nasal reconstruction in surgery of the anterior skull base.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a number of surgical maneuvers in nasal reconstruction of a diverse population of patients undergoing skull base surgery. Study design We conducted a retrospective review of a cohort of patients undergoing nasal reconstruction during surgery of the anterior skull base and craniovertebral junction. METHODS: All patients undergoing skull base surgery and nasal reconstruction by the senior author (Y.D.) with a minimum follow-up of 12 months from 1997 to 2001 were evaluated. Preoperative and postoperative photographs and clinical evaluation were examined in detail with particular attention focused on the nasal complex. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients were evaluated for this study, including those who had undergone anterior craniofacial resections (n = 14), Le Fort osteotomies (n = 5), subcranial approaches (n = 10), maxillotomies (n = 8), and midfacial disassemblies (n = 10). Primary calvarial bone graft reconstruction of the anterior craniofacial group was facilitated with the use of positioning plates and resuspension of the upper lateral cartilages when available. In contradistinction to secondary bone grafting, dorsal grafts in this group extended to the native nasal bone length. A small overlay bone graft was thought to be necessary when the nasal root was osteotomized in conjunction with the orbital and/or maxillary segments to maintain dorsal height in the long term. Le Fort osteotomy patients require refixation of the septum to the anterior nasal spine region for stability. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the techniques outlined in this article appears to be associated with gratifying long-term nasal form in reconstruction of the anterior skull base.

Bone Plates↗
PubMed2004

The versatile extended pericranial flap for closure of skull base defects.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to demonstrate the technical aspects of the extended pericranial flap and its versatility in reconstruction of a variety of skull base defects. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 32 patients who underwent reconstruction of skull-base defects with an extended pericranial flap by the senior author (Y.D.) from September 1997 to July 2003. METHODS: Patients with skull base defects after trauma or extirpative surgery were reconstructed with either a lateral- or an anterior-based vascularized extended pericranial flap. Variables and outcomes measured included: the size and anatomical location of the defect, need for other flaps, preoperative and/or postoperative radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy, bone flap necrosis, hardware exposure, wound dehiscence, postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, and meningitis. RESULTS: There was no evidence of flap failure, 2 cases of transient (3 to 4 days) CSF leak without resultant meningitis, 3 patients with hardware exposure, and 2 patients with hydroxyapatite infection. The 2 transient cases of CSF leak both resolved without further surgical intervention or the placement of a lumbar drain. CONCLUSION: Both the lateral and anteriorly based extended pericranial flaps are reliable and versatile flaps associated with minimal morbidity and a low rate of complications when used to reconstruct defects of the anterolateral skull base.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Extended orbitozygomatic approach to the skull base to improve access to the cavernous sinus and optic chiasm.

BACKGROUND: The orbitozygomatic approach to the skull base has evolved over the past century, with a surge in development during the past 20 years. We describe an extension of this technique involving removal of the most inferior portion of the temporal bone to the level of the internal carotid artery as it enters the carotid canal, to further facilitate exposure of tumors in this region. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We performed the extended orbitozygomatic approach in a series of 17 patients with a variety of neoplastic lesions. Our case series was reviewed in a retrospective fashion, and our surgical approach is described. The approach is performed safely and effectively by using the spine of the sphenoid and middle meningeal artery as landmarks and then resecting the temporal bone from the temporal craniotomy site to the carotid canal. RESULTS: The extended orbitozygomatic approach has been performed at our institution over the past 6 years and has provided significantly improved access to this region of the skull base, facilitating tumor extirpation in our patient population without an increase in complications. CONCLUSIONS: The extended orbitozygomatic approach further improves exposure and facilitates surgical dissection in patients with neoplasms of the cavernous sinus, sellar region, interpeduncular region, and upper clivus. The improved access without an increase in complications supports the inclusion of the extended orbitozygomatic approach in the armamentarium of the skull base surgeon.

Cavernous Sinus↗
PubMed2004

Orbitozygomatic resection of meningiomas of the orbit.

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience with the surgical treatment of orbital meningiomas. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients presenting to the author for treatment of orbital meningiomas over a 5 year period with a minimum of 1 year follow-up were included in this review. Demographic data, surgical approaches, and recurrence rates were documented. RESULTS: A total of seven patients were treated for this condition. Complete surgical resection was achieved with the outlined technique in 71% of the patients, and gross tumor removal was achieved in the remaining 29% of patients. This latter group received postoperative gamma-knife treatment, and only a single patient has evidence of persistent disease that is nonprogressive at 3-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Meningioma of the orbit, whether primary (ectopic) or secondary. should be treated as at other sites with complete surgical excision if possible. Gamma knife or intensity modulated radiotherapy may be useful for residual microscopic disease. Surgical clearance is facilitated with the broad field exposure afforded by the orbitozygomatic approach outlined in the article, with particular attention directed at positive identification of key landmarks particularly in retro-orbital and cavernous sinus extension.

Adult↗