Lateral Temporal Bone Resection Research Articles

Management of lateral skull base cancer: United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines.

This is the official guideline endorsed by the specialty associations involved in the care of head and neck cancer patients in the UK. It provides recommendations on the work up and management of lateral skull base cancer based on the existing evidence base for this rare condition. Recommendations • All patients with more than one of: chronic otalgia, bloody otorrhoea, bleeding, mass, facial swelling or palsy should be biopsied. (R) • Magnetic resonance and computed tomography imaging should be performed. (R) • Patients should undergo audiological assessment. (R) • Carotid angiography is recommended in select patients. (G) • The modified Pittsburg T-staging system is recommended. (G) • The minimum operation for cancer involving the temporal bone is a lateral temporal bone resection. (R) • Facial nerve rehabilitation should be initiated at primary surgery. (G) • Anterolateral thigh free flap is the workhorse flap for lateral skull base defect reconstruction. (G) • For patients undergoing surgery for squamous cell carcinoma, at least a superficial parotidectomy and selective neck dissection should be carried out. (R).

Intraoperative radiation therapy as adjuvant treatment in locally advanced stage tumours involving the middle ear: a hypothesis-generating retrospective study.

SUMMARYThe objective of this study was to evaluate the safety, effectiveness and functional outcomes of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) followed by intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in locally advanced stage tumours involving the middle ear. Data on 13 consecutive patients treated for malignant tumor of external auditory canal involving the middle ear were retrospectively reviewed. Median follow-up was 33 months (range 6-133). Five (38%) patients were stage III and 8 (62%) were Stage IV according to the University of Pittsburgh staging system. Lateral temporal bone resection (LTBR) was performed in all cases. LTBR was associated with parotidectomy in 5 (38%) cases, and with neck dissection and parotidectomy in 6 (46%) cases. No patients had gross residual tumour. Surgical treatment was followed by IORT (12 Gy) and IMRT (50 Gy). Adjuvant chemotherapy was used in 4 (30%) cases. Preoperative and postoperative audiometric tests were performed to assess hearing loss. 5-year local-control (LC), 5-year distant-metastasis (DM), 5-year disease-free-survival (DFS) and 5-year overall-survival (OS) were calculated with Kaplan-Meyer method. Significant changes in bone conduction were reported after treatment. Partial flap necrosis was the only early complication observed in three (23%) cases, while meningeal fistula was seen in one (7.6%) case as a late complication. The 5-year LC-rate was 68%. The 5-year DM-rate was 90%. The 5-year DFS-rate was 61%. The 5-year OS-rate was 69%. IORT followed by IMRT for the treatment of advanced external auditory canal and middle ear tumours seems to be safe. No intraoperative death was reported. IORT may reduce the postoperative irradiation of remnant tissue obtaining the same full dose on the tumour bed. No complications of the residual external ear were observed. Detriment of neurosensory hearing may be expected. Future studies are required to confirm the benefit of this procedure in the ear.

Update on Surgical Outcomes of Lateral Temporal Bone Resection for Ear and Temporal Bone Malignancies

Background: Periauricular cutaneous malignancies may invade the adjacent temporal bone and surrounding structures resulting in a challenging oncologic problem. While these complex cases often require multidisciplinary management, complete surgical excision is thought to give patients the greatest chance of survival. Less-invasive approaches such as mastoidectomy or sleeve resection may be used for limited disease, but eradication of more aggressive disease requires lateral temporal bone resection (LTBR). The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of LTBR performed for malignancies of the ear and temporal bone.

Induced Hypothermia: Implications for Free Flap Survival.

Plastic surgeons may not be aware that the new advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) guidelines released in 2010 include induced hypothermia as an adjuvant treatment to improve neurologic outcomes following cardiac arrest [1]. Induced hypothermia (IH) is thought to mitigate ischemic damage by lowering metabolic demand and preventing noxious byproducts of resuscitation. IH is recommended for patients who experience the return of spontaneous circulation after cardiac arrest, but remain unconscious [2]. The hypothermia protocol involves the reduction of body temperature to 32℃–34℃ for 12 to 24 hours, followed by slow rewarming [1,2]. However, the use of induced hypothermia in microvascular free tissue transfer has not been studied. We present the case of a patient who underwent IH following free-flap reconstruction of a head and neck cancer defect. A 69-year-old male with a history of coronary artery disease and three-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting presented with recurrent basal cell carcinoma of the left ear canal. He underwent total auriculectomy and lateral temporal bone resection, and the defect was reconstructed with a left vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flap. On the second postoperative day, the patient was found unresponsive in pulseless electrical activity cardiac arrest. The ACLS protocol was initiated, including mechanical ventilation and vasopressors for hemodynamic support. The patient was successfully resuscitated but suffered a second cardiac arrest with ventricular fibrillations. He was resuscitated again but remained unresponsive. Hypothermia was induced, with the patient cooled to 32℃ for 48 hours (Fig. 1). The free flap remained well perfused with an audible Doppler signal during the cardiac arrests, vasopressor therapy, hypothermic cooling, and the remainder of his hospitalization (Fig. 2). Unfortunately, the patient had no meaningful neurologic recovery and magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse hypoxic brain injury. Therefore, the family elected to withdraw care on postoperative day 10. Fig. 1 Temperature curve showing induced hypothermia to 32℃–34℃, from postoperative day three until postoperative day five. Fig. 2 A 69-year-old male underwent composite resection of the left auriculotemporal area and temporal bone for recurrent basal cell carcinoma, and the defect was reconstructed with a left vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flap. The effects of systemic hypothermia on free tissue transfer are not fully understood. Limited animal and human studies have demonstrated conflicting results. Some data have suggested that hypothermia causes decreased perfusion, vasospasm, and thrombosis, while other animal experiments have shown a protective effect of mild hypothermia on free flaps [3,4,5]. Clotting enzymes, platelets, and leukocytes function less effectively in a hypothermic setting; however, no reports have been published on the effect of severe hypothermia (<34℃) on free flap survival in humans. This is the first reported case of induced hypothermia after free tissue transfer. Plastic surgeons should be aware of ongoing changes to the ACLS algorithm and its impact on perioperative care. In this case, a free tissue transfer remained viable despite induced hypothermia and vasopressors, which is a single data point suggesting that free flaps can tolerate such interventions. However, further research is needed to clarify the effects of hypothermia on free tissue transfer.

Infiltrating basal cell carcinoma with squamous differentiation: a case report

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;We describe a case of basal cell carcinoma of right pinna in a 54 year old man. The patient underwent wide local excision of the lesion with lateral temporal bone resection. The defect created was reconstructed using Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap on same side in collaboration with plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Review after 6 months does not reveal any signs of recurrence. &lt;/p&gt;

Management Outcomes following Lateral Temporal Bone Resection for External Auditory Canal Carcinomas

Management Outcomes following Lateral Temporal Bone Resection for External Auditory Canal Carcinomas

Surgical management of lateral skull base defects.

We sought to analyze key factors that influence the management of lateral skull base defects and implement an algorithm to improve outcomes of reconstruction. Retrospective chart review. Single tertiary academic referral center. Adults who underwent temporal bone resection were included. Variables included tumor characteristics, ablative procedure, reconstructive method, and wound complications. Seventy-one patients were studied. Lateral temporal bone resection was performed in 55 patients (77%), subtotal temporal bone resection in 14 (20%), and total petrosectomy in two (3%). Primary closure was achieved in 46 patients (35%), with rotational muscle flaps in 21 (46%). The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) was used in nine patients (13%) without major complications. Single-stage free tissue transfer was undertaken in 10 patients (14%) with no flap failures. Primary closure was achieved in 16 of 32 of previously untreated cases (50%) compared to nine of 39 cases of previously treated disease (23%) (P = 0.03). Pedicled or free flaps were used in 18 of 39 cases of previously treated disease (46%) compared to three of 32 previously untreated cases (9%) (P < 0.001). Pedicled or free flaps were used in 13 of 22 cases (59%) in which partial or total auriculectomy was performed, whereas primary closure was achieved in 39 of 49 cases (80%) in which the pinna was preserved (P < 0.001). Advanced tumors that require adjuvant therapy, revision cases for recurrent disease, and cases involving auriculectomy warrant free flap or PMMF reconstruction, with the latter preferred in poor free flap candidates. 4. Laryngoscope, 126:1911-1917, 2016.

Occult Temporal Bone Facial Nerve Involvement by Parotid Malignancies with Perineural Spread.

To characterize disease presentation and outcomes following surgical treatment of parotid malignancies with occult temporal bone facial nerve (FN) involvement. Case series with chart review. Tertiary academic referral center. Thirty consecutive patients (mean age 58 years; 77% men) who underwent surgery for parotid malignancies with occult perineural involvement of the intratemporal FN were included. Primary outcome measures included margin status and recurrence. The mean duration of clinical follow-up was 49 months, and the most common presenting symptom was FN paresis (n = 23; 77%) followed by pain (n = 15; 50%). To obtain a proximal FN margin, 27 patients (90%) underwent mastoidectomy, and 3 patients (10%) had lateral temporal bone resection. The intratemporal FN margin was cleared in 26 patients (87%), most commonly in the mastoid segment (60%). Adjuvant therapy was given in 25 patients (83%). Ten patients (33%) experienced locoregional (4; 13%) and/or distant (8; 27%) recurrence at a median of 19 months (mean 26, 2-54 months) following surgery. Locoregional failure was significantly more common in cases with a positive intratemporal FN margin (66% vs 8%; P = .045). Overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-specific survival rates were 83%, 79%, and 72%, respectively. Perineural invasion of the intratemporal FN by parotid malignancy is uncommon. Normal preoperative FN function does not preclude histopathologic involvement. Temporal bone FN exploration should be considered when a positive margin is encountered at the stylomastoid foramen, as failure to do so is associated with an increased rate of locoregional recurrence.

側頭骨外側部分切除後に遊離前外側大腿皮弁を用いて 鼓室・外耳道再建を行った 2 例

側頭骨外側部分切除後に遊離前外側大腿皮弁を用いて 鼓室・外耳道再建を行った 2 例

Reconstruction of Lateral Skull Base Defects with Radial Forearm Free Flaps: The Double-Layer Technique.

Introduction The radial forearm flap has fallen out of favor in lateral skull base reconstruction in recent literature. However, especially when used in a double layer, a radial forearm may be able to provide the thickness of a large flap while taking advantage of the pliability for which the flap is renowned. Objective To report the results of the double-layer technique of radial forearm free flap reconstruction of lateral temporal bone defects. Design A retrospective chart review. Setting A tertiary care institution. Participants All consecutive patients who underwent lateral temporal bone resections and were reconstructed with free flaps from 2006 to 2012. Major Outcome Measures Flap success rate, complications, and rate of revision surgery. Results A total of 17 patients were identified with free flap reconstruction of the lateral skull base. Seven received reconstruction with a double-layer radial forearm flap. Reconstruction-related complications in this group included one case of facial cellulitis. The flap success rate was 100%. These results were comparable with patients who had other flaps. Conclusions The radial forearm free flap may be an effective reconstruction option for lateral temporal bone defects especially when used in the double-layer technique.

En bloc resection of the temporal bone and temporomandibular joint for advanced temporal bone carcinoma.

Advanced skin malignancies involving the temporal bone can involve the temporomandibular joint and glenoid fossa. Many of these tumors can be removed with a lateral temporal bone resection; however, extensive involvement of the glenoid fossa should include an en bloc resection of the temporal bone, glenoid fossa, and condyle. We describe a novel surgical approach that is an extension of a temporal bone resection that includes the glenoid fossa and condyle in an en bloc resection with the temporal bone. This procedure has been performed in 7 patients with advanced carcinoma of the temporal bone involving the glenoid fossa. There were no short-term complications as a result of the surgical approach. The addition of a middle fossa craniotomy and inclusion of the glenoid fossa and condyle as part of an en bloc resection of the temporal bone can be performed safely.

Basosquamous cell carcinoma of pinna

Basosquamous cell carcinoma (BSC) is a rare cutaneous lesion with features of both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. We report a case of a 75-year-old male presented in our outpatient department with an ulceroproliferative lesion left pinna extending into the external auditory canal at Stage II temporal bone malignancy. Wide excision pinna and lateral temporal bone resection with reconstruction with a pedicled fascial flap was carried out.

側頭骨外側切除術にて治療を行った外耳道癌の検討

側頭骨外側切除術にて治療を行った外耳道癌の検討

Recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone: critical analysis of cases with a poor prognosis

PurposeTemporal bone squamous cell carcinoma (TBSCC) is an uncommon, aggressive malignancy with a significant recurrence rate. We reviewed our experience with recurrent TBSCCs. Materials and methodsClinicopathological and therapeutic variables potentially associated with disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were assessed in 17 TBSCC patients who died of their disease after treatment. ResultsTBSCC recurrences were treated with surgery in 12 cases (palliative in 11, with curative intent in 1) and palliative chemotherapy in 5; the median DFS and DSS were 6 and 16months, respectively. The mean DFS and DSS were longer in patients who had primary lateral temporal bone resection (LTBR) rather than subtotal temporal bone resection (STBR) (p=0.0173 and p=0.03, respectively). Patients given non-surgical palliative treatment for recurrences had a longer mean DSS than those who underwent surgery (trend toward significance, p=0.09). ConclusionsOur results reflect the aggressive nature of TBSCC recurrences. Our findings seem to support the use of non-surgical treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or specialist palliative care) in patients with loco-regionally advanced recurrent TBSCC. Salvage surgery might be considered for early recurrences when radicality is still achievable. Precise guidelines for the rational follow-up of surgically-treated TBSCCs need to be shared between tertiary centers.

Hearing Preservation after Lateral Temporal Bone Resection for Early-Stage External Auditory Canal Carcinoma

Objective: To evaluate postoperative hearing outcomes after lateral temporal bone resection (LTBR) with reconstruction of the external auditory canal (EAC) and conductive function for early-stage EAC carcinoma. Methods: We retrospectively examined patients diagnosed with early-stage EAC carcinoma treated with surgery alone between January 2006 and December 2012. Patients who had postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy were excluded. Patients receiving LTBR in combination with tympanoplasty were divided into two groups based on the reconstruction of the EAC with and without (w/o) split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs). Audiological data included the preoperative hearing thresholds and the most recent postoperative hearing thresholds obtained at least 12 months after surgery. The hearing outcome was evaluated based on pure-tone audiograms using the Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium guidelines of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery for the evaluation of the results of treatment of conductive hearing loss. The postoperative quality of life (QOL) for patients was evaluated using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI). Results: All patients (n = 15) achieved disease-free survival without significant morbidity or mortality. When we compared the mean air-bone gaps after surgery, those in the STSG group (n = 8) were found to be significantly lower than those in the w/o STSG group (n = 7; p < 0.001). The success rate for postoperative hearing was 75.0% in the STSG group, which was significantly higher than that in the w/o STSG group (p = 0.014). All patients in the w/o STSG group showed stenosis and closure of the EAC at fewer than 10 months after surgery. In contrast, all patients in the STSG group showed preserved conformation of the new EAC for more than 12 months after surgery. When we compared the mean GBI score between the two groups of patients, the overall and general health scores in the STSG group were found to be significantly higher than those in the w/o STSG group (p = 0.021, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Reconstruction of the EAC using a rolled-up STSG technique in combination with tympanoplasty after LTBR is useful for hearing preservation and the observation of locoregional lesions after surgery, resulting in improved QOL for patients. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel

Temporal Bone Malignancies Involving the Jugular Foramen: Diagnosis and Management

Purpose: To describe the diagnosis, management and outcomes of temporal bone malignancies involving the jugular foramen. Materials and Methods: The charts of 12 patients with temporal bone malignancies involving the jugular foramen were reviewed and analyzed. Results: The most frequent symptoms of temporal bone malignancies involving the jugular foramen were hearing loss (75%), otorrhea (66.67%) and otalgia (66.67%). In addition to the jugular foramen, the most invaded structure was the external auditory canal (91.67%), followed by the middle ear (75%) and facial nerve (58.33%). Four cases (33.33%) were misdiagnosed either with glomus jugulare tumor, Bell's palsy or chronic otitis media. Two patients underwent lateral temporal bone resection, whereas 10 patients underwent subtotal temporal bone resection. The mean follow-up time was 23.83 months (range, 2-85 months). The 2-year disease-free survival rate was 42.3%. Conclusions: Temporal bone malignancies involving the jugular foramen had a poor prognosis, especially in patients with squamous cell carcinoma. Misdiagnoses including glomus jugulare tumor, Bell's palsy and chronic otitis media were frequently encountered. Temporal bone malignancies involving the jugular foramen can be resected, and the choice of the surgical approach should be individualized.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging versus Computed Tomography in Temporal Bone Carcinoma: Radiological and Pathological Correlation

Objectives: Correlate the findings of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) in temporal bone carcinoma with histopathological findings following lateral temporal bone resection. Methods: In this retrospective review, 11 cases of temporal bone carcinoma over the past 3 years were reviewed at our institution. Preoperative CT and MRI scans were systematically reviewed for tumor involvement in 10 anatomic areas involving and surrounding the temporal bone. These were compared with results found on final histopathology. Results: Among the 11 cases, 30 anatomic areas of tumor involvement identified on CT imaging were also found on MRI and confirmed on final histopathology. Two areas suggestive on tumor involvement on CT and MRI (parotid gland and regional lymph nodes) and 2 areas on MRI alone (mastoid antrum and middle ear) were negative on final histopathology. MRI did not change the preoperative clinical staging in any of the 11 cases, however, examination of the MRI in 1 case suggested temporal lobe involvement that was not seen on CT images and subsequently changed the management of the patient. Conclusions: The addition of MRI in the preoperative evaluation of these patients confirmed the extent of tumor involvement seen on CT and did not identify additional tumor or facial nerve involvement in most cases except for one advanced case. In this case, the addition of the MRI findings changed the treatment plan. While CT remains the imaging gold-standard for preoperative evaluation and staging, MRI should be obtained in evaluating advanced temporal bone tumors.

Diagnosis and treatment of carcinoma in external auditory canal

ObjectivesTo evaluate outcomes in treating carcinoma of external auditory canal (EAC) and to analysis factors which effect the prognosis of this disease. MethodsA retrospectively review of 16 patients treated for carcinoma of EAC at our department between April 2000 and April 2014 was conducted. All patients underwent surgical treatment and the diagnosis confirmed by pathological examination. ResultsThere were adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) in 8 patients, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 5 patients, adenocarcinoma (AC) in 2 patients, and verrucous carcinoma (VC) in 1 patient. The tumors were classified as Stage I in 4 cases, Stage II in 2 cases, Stage III in 3 cases, and Stage IV in 7 cases. Five patients underwent extensive tumor resection (ETR), 2 patients underwent lateral temporal bone resection (LTBR), 5 patients underwent modified LTBR, 2 patients underwent subtotal temporal bone resection (STBR), and 2 patients underwent only open biopsy. Besides, adjunctive procedures, including neck dissection, parotidectomy and pinna resection were performed when indicated. Ten patients received postoperative radiotherapy. By the end of follow up, two patients had died of their disease, 2 lost to follow up, 2 survived with the disease, and the rest survived disease-free. The median follow-up period was 24 months. ConclusionComplete tumor resection appears to be an effective treatment for carcinoma of the EAC. Patients with SCC seem to have worse prognosis than those with ACC. Radiation therapy seems less effective for the disease than surgical treatment.

Myoepithelial carcinoma of the ear: A rare case report and review of the literature

The aim of this study was to present a unique case report of myoepithelial carcinoma arising from the external auditory canal and presenting as a huge tympanomastoid mass along with a review of the literature. A 52-year-old woman presented with a large periauricular swelling of a 3-year duration with a recent increase in size over the last 3 months along with pain and bleeding from the mass. The patient was evaluated by clinical examination, haematological and biochemical tests, and computed tomographic and MRI scan of the tympanomastoid region. An incision biopsy was performed before definitive management was initiated. Computed tomographic scan and MRI were suggestive of a large tympanomastoid mass without any intracranial extension. The incisional biopsy report was suggestive of invasive adenocarcinoma. En-bloc excision of the mass including lateral temporal bone resection along with ipsilateral selective (levels I, II and III) neck dissection was performed under general anaesthesia. The resultant defect was reconstructed by a rotational scalp flap. Immunohistochemistry and histopathology of the excised specimen proved the diagnosis of myoepithelial carcinoma. After surgery, the patient was treated with adjuvant radiotherapy. At 1½ years of follow-up, the patient was doing fine, without any recurrence of disease. Myoepithelial carcinoma of the ear has rarely been reported in the literature. Histopathology along with immunohistochemistry is the mainstay of diagnosing of this unusual lesion. Meticulous planning and proper execution of optimum surgical excision is the primary treatment modality, which should be supplemented with radiation therapy. Long-term disease-free survival, although rare, can be achieved as in the present case report.

Temporal Bone Squamous Cell Carcinoma the Outcome of Radical Surgery as an Initial Treatment

Aims: The aim of this study is to analyse the clinical data and management of patients with temporal bone carcinoma and to discuss the management outcomes. Study Design: Retrospective study Place and Duration of Study: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (academic tertiary centre) from January 2002 to December 2011. Methodology: Medical records of nine patients were retrieved for this study. There were seven male and two female patients. The mean age of presentation was 60 years old, with an age range between 49 to 75 years. The clinical presentations, investigations, staging, treatment modalities and outcomes are reviewed. Results: Four patients presented with primary tumour of the temporal bone, while the remaining five were referred from other centres with disease recurrence. Only one out of the five patients that were referred to us had underwent a lateral temporal bone resection Original Research Article British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(12): 2362-2368, 2014 2363 (LTBR) at presentation which was however an incomplete LTBR. Three out of the five patients (60%) have died with disease recurrence. One patient remained disease free while another patient was lost to follow up. Two out of the four patients who presented with primary tumour remained well while two others had positive margins due to advanced disease at presentation. Conclusion: Recurrence of disease is likely to occur if aggressive treatment is not offered at presentation or if the diagnosis is delayed. We therefore strongly suggest for early referral to a tertiary centre as aggressive primary surgical treatment with adjuvant radiotherapy shows a better prognosis.