OBJECTIVES: Managing patients with refractory head and neck cancer pain is one of the more challenging issues in clinical practice, and traditional intrathecal drug delivery also fails to provide adequate analgesia. There are currently no comprehensive and effective treatment methods. This study aims to observe the efficacy and safety of treating intractable head and neck cancer pain with morphine pump via lumbar approach to the prepontine cistern. METHODS: A total of 18 patients with intractable head and neck cancer pain treated with prepontine cistern morphine pumps were selected from the Department of Pain Management, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University between September 2019 and July 2023. Statistical analysis was performed on patients' preoperative and postoperative (1 week, 1 month, and 2 months after surgery), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores, daily oral morphine consumption, the number of daily breakthrough pain episodes, and postoperative daily intrathecal morphine dosage. RESULTS: The NRS scores, SDS scores, daily oral morphine consumption, and the number of daily breakthrough pain episodes of patients at each time point after surgery were significantly lower than before surgery (all P<0.05). With the gradual increase in the dosage of intrathecal morphine, the daily oral morphine consumption of patients at each postoperative time point was significantly reduced compared to preoperative levels (all P<0.05). The complications related to the operation were mild, including nausea in 5 cases (31.3%), headache in 2 cases (12.5%); hypotension, urine retention, hypersomnia and constipation in 1 case (6.3% each), and no serious adverse events occurred. All improved and were discharged after symptomatic treatment. CONCLUSIONS The implantation of prepontine cistern morphine pump effectively controls intractable head and neck cancer pain, demonstrating characteristics of minimal invasiveness, mild side effects, and low medication dosage under the premise of standardized procedures.
Humans ; Morphine/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Head and Neck Neoplasms/surgery* ; Analgesics, Opioid/administration & dosage* ; Cancer Pain/drug therapy* ; Pain, Intractable/etiology* ; Aged ; Adult ; Infusion Pumps, Implantable ; Pain Management/methods*

Objective:To explore the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, pathological types and prognosis of primary cervical neuroblastoma in children. Methods:The clinical data of 11 children with primary cervical neuroblastoma admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at Shanghai Children's Hospital from April 2015 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical characteristics, imaging findings, pathological types, treatment methods, and outcomes of these 11 patients were examined in conjunction with a review of the literature. Results:The cohort of 11 neuroblastoma patients ranged in age from 28 days to 88 months （median age: 24 months）, including 3 males and 8 females. Among the 11 patients, 4 had tumors located in the carotid sheath area, 4 in the cervical space, and 3 in the parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal spaces. The clinical manifestations primarily included painless cervical masses and laryngeal stridor. There were 3 cases of primary cervical tumors with cervical lymph node metastasis and 1 case with bone marrow metastasis. Pathological findings revealed neuroblastoma in 8 cases and ganglionic neuroblastoma in 3 cases. In this group, 7 patients underwent surgery combined with chemotherapy, 2 patients received surgery combined with chemoradiotherapy, and 2 patients underwent surgery alone. Surgical resection was performed via a cervical approach in 7 cases, while 3 cases were treated using a transoral endoscopic approach. Additionally, one patient underwent a transoral endoscopic approach initially and a cervical approach subsequently. All patients completed their treatment and were followed up regularly, with follow-up durations ranging from 6 to 79 months （median: 34 months）. Nine patients achieved complete remission, 2 patients achieved partial remission, and none experienced disease progression. Conclusion:Primary cervical neuroblastoma exhibits a high degree of heterogeneity and presents at a younger age, primarily with cervical masses. Compared to external approaches, endoscopy-assisted transoral resection of parapharyngeal tumors offers advantages such as reduced damage to surrounding tissue and no visible neck scars, providing a new method for clinical treatment. Regular follow-up is essential for children with neuroblastoma, along with the establishment of specific disease management protocols and comprehensive care to improve survival quality.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Neuroblastoma/surgery* ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Retrospective Studies ; Child ; Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology* ; Prognosis

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 （NF1） is an autosomal dominant hereditary neurological disorder. One of the typical manifestations of NF1 is neurofibroma, which can develop gradually over time. When the volume exceeds 100 cm², it is referred to as giant neurofibroma, representing a tumor-like proliferation of Schwann cells within the nerve fiber sheath. The Department of Otolaryngology at the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University received a rare case involving a patient with giant neurofibromatosis affecting the maxillofacial region, neck, and chest. The patient underwent successful surgical treatment with the collaboration of various medical disciplines.
Humans ; Head and Neck Neoplasms/surgery* ; Neck ; Neurofibromatoses ; Neurofibromatosis 1/surgery* ; Thoracic Neoplasms/surgery*

Objective:To compare the clinical outcomes of reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects using superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap （SCIA PF） and radial forearm free flap （RFF）. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 90 patients with head, neck, and maxillofacial tumors who were treated in our department from June 2019 to January 2024. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical method used: the SCIA group（n=45）, who underwent reconstruction with SCIA PF, and the RFF group（n=45）, who received RFF reconstruction. Six months postoperatively, clinical efficacy was evaluated by comparing flap swelling, flap survival rate, and patient satisfaction. Oral function was assessed using standardized scoring systems before surgery, at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months post-surgery. Hemorheological parameters, including high-shear viscosity（shear rate 200/s）, low-shear viscosity（shear rate 30/s）, plasma viscosity, erythrocyte aggregation index, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate（ESR）, were also measured at each time point. Results:Compared with the RFF group, the SCIA group showed significantly larger flap size, longer flap harvesting and reconstruction times, earlier nasogastric tube removal and oral intake initiation, higher scores in all aspects of oral function, reduced flap edema and faster resolution, higher flap survival rates, and greater overall satisfaction （all P<0.05）. During the follow-up period （preoperative, 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months post-surgery）, hemorheological indices including high-and low-shear viscosity, plasma viscosity, erythrocyte aggregation index, and ESR progressively decreased in the SCIA group （P<0.05）. In the RFF group, these parameters improved significantly by 6 months postoperatively compared with preoperatively and 1-week postoperatively, with a notable decrease in erythrocyte aggregation index at 6 months （P<0.05）. Conclusion:Compared with RFF, SCIA PF provides larger flaps, better functional recovery, higher patient satisfaction, improved flap survival, fewer complications, and more favorable hemorheological profiles following reconstructive surgery for oral and maxillofacial defects.
Humans ; Perforator Flap/blood supply* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Iliac Artery/transplantation* ; Forearm/surgery* ; Male ; Female ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Head and Neck Neoplasms/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult

Surgical robots, leveraging a 10-fold magnified field of view, 3D visualization, and stable robotic arms, address the limitations of traditional 2D endoscopic surgery. They have been applied in multiple surgical fields, with remarkable potential in head and neck surgery. This article elaborates on their applications in surgeries for laryngeal cancer （supraglottic and glottic types）, pharyngeal tumors （oropharyngeal cancer, recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma, etc.）, thyroid tumors, and neck cysts. Combined with multi-center research data, it confirms the advantages of surgical robots in minimally invasive procedures and functional preservation. Additionally, the article looks ahead to the future applications of single-port robots, VR/AR, AI, domestically produced specialized robots, and 5G-enabled remote surgery. The development of robotic surgery is closely intertwined with advancements in science and technology, and it will undoubtedly drive the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck tumors into the "era of precise minimally invasive care".
Humans ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/trends* ; Head and Neck Neoplasms/surgery*

Objective:To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and technical advantages of the domestic Jingfeng single-port robotic surgical system in transoral and transaxillary approach surgeries for multisite diseases. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 6 patients who underwent Jingfeng SP1000 single-port robotic-assisted surgery at our hospital from June 2025 to July 2025. They were divided into the transoral robotic surgery group（4cases） and the transaxillary approach thyroid cancer radical resection group（2cases） based on surgical approaches. The transoral robotic surgery group included extended resection of right tonsillar cancer with cervical lymph node dissection, epiglottic cyst resection, extended resection of right pyriform sinus cancer with cervical lymph node dissection, and surgery for epiglottic cyst and obstructive sleep apnea（OSA）. For each case, parameters including operative time, intraoperative blood loss, perioperative complications, robotic operation performance, and postoperative recovery were recorded. Results:All 6 surgeries were successfully completed without conversion to open surgery or system failure. In the transoral robotic surgery group, the mean robotic operation time was（60.00±34.88） minutes, and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 20.00（5.75，20.00）mL. In the transaxillary robotic surgery group, the robotic operation time was respectively 60.00 and 40.00 minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was 10.00 and 5.00 mL, respectively. One case of minor perioperative complication（in the flap dissection area） occurred, with no severe complications reported. All patients recovered smoothly after surgery, with a median follow-up of 1.9 months showing no residual lesions, recurrence, or functional impairment. Conclusion:This case series confirms the safety and feasibility of the domestic Jingfeng single-port robot in transoral and axillary approach surgeries in oropharyngeal-head and neck surgery. Its single-port design reduces trauma and the risk of robotic arm collision, adapts to minimally invasive needs, and its domestic production attribute lowers costs to facilitate popularization, providing a new option for such patients.
Humans ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Operative Time ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Neck/surgery* ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/surgery* ; Adult ; Head and Neck Neoplasms/surgery* ; Oropharynx/surgery* ; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/surgery*

Objective: To identify in what phases in the treatment of head and neck cancer do delays happen at a tertiary hospital and to determine the association between the length of treatment delays and the oncologic outcomes (disease-free survival and overall survival) for patients with head and neck cancer. : Methods Design: Retrospective Cohort Study Setting: Tertiary National University Hospital Participants: Sixty-eight (68) patients who had surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy for invasive head and neck cancer at the Philippine General Hospital during the 5-year period of January 2014 to December 2019 were included in the initial consideration. Only 15 had survival data and were thus eligible for inclusion in this study. Results: The median treatment package time for head and neck cancers in our institution was 27.6 weeks or 193 days. The treatment package time statistically correlated with both overall survival, F(1,13)=12.952, p <0.005, R2=0.499, and disease-free survival, F(1-13)=12.823, p <0.005, R2= 0.497. However, the independent effects of other predictors such as time interval between first consult to histopathologic diagnosis, diagnosis to surgery, and surgery to post-operative radiotherapy, showed no statistically significant association with overall survival and disease free survival. Conclusion All study patients experienced treatment delays from diagnosis to surgery, and surgery to adjuvant radiation therapy, and in their total treatment package time. The positive correlation among treatment package time, and disease-free and overall survival in this study must be further investigated in order to elucidate the true effect of delays across time intervals in the treatment of head and neck cancer in the Philippine General Hospital. Every effort should be made towards timely management of these patients.
Head and Neck Neoplasms ; Radiotherapy ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome ; Time-to-Treatment ; Surgery ; Disease-Free Survival ; Delayed Diagnosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Postoperative Care

Humans ; Neck Dissection ; Head and Neck Neoplasms/surgery* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/surgery*

Objective: To retrospectively analyse the efficacy of surgerical comprehensive treatment for hypopharyngeal cancer. Methods: Four hundred and fifty-six cases of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated from Jan 2014 to Dec 2019 were analyzed retrospectively, including 432 males and 24 females, aged 37-82 years old. There were 328 cases of pyriform sinus carcinoma, 88 cases of posterior pharyngeal wall carcinoma, and 40 cases of postcricoid carcinoma. According to American Joint Committe on Cancer(AJCC) 2018 criteria, 420 cases were of stage Ⅲ or Ⅳ; 325 cases were of T3 or T4 stage. Treatment methods included surgery alone in 84 cases, preoperative planned radiotherapy plus surgery in 49 cases, surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy in 314 cases, and inductive chemotherapy plus surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy in 9 cases. The primary tumor resection methods included transoral laser surgery in 5 cases, partial laryngopharyngectomy in 74 cases, of them 48 cases (64.9%) presented with supracricoid hemilaryngopharyngectomy, total laryngectomy with patial pharyngectomy in 90 cases, total laryngopharyngectomy or with cervical esophagectomy in 226 cases, and total laryngopharyngectomy with total esophagectomy in 61 cases. Among 456 cases, 226 cases received reconstruction surgery with free jejunum transplantation, 61 cases with gastric pull-up, and 32 cases with pectoralis myocutaneous flaps. All patients underwent retropharyngeal lymph node dissection, and high-definition gastroscopy was performed during admission and follow-up. SPSS 24.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results: The 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were respectively 59.8%, and 49.5%. The 3-year and 5-year disease specific survival rates were respectively 69.0% and 58.8%. Total metastasis rate of retropharyngeal lymph nodes was 12.7%. A total of 132 patients (28.9%) suffered from simultaneous and metachronous multiple primary carcinoma of the hypopharynx. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that T3-4 disease, cervical lymph node metastasis, retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy were independent factors affecting the prognosis of patients (all P<0.05). As of April 30, 2022, a total of 221 patients died during follow-up, of 109 (49.3%) with distant metastases, which were the main cause of death. Conclusions: The efficacy of comprehensive treatment for hypopharyngeal cancer can be improved by accurate preoperative evaluation, improved surgical resection, active retropharyngeal lymph node dissection and full process intervention of the second primary cancer.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology* ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Retrospective Studies ; Neck Dissection/methods* ; Head and Neck Neoplasms/surgery*

Objective:To investigate the diversity and clinical effect of supraclavicular island flap in repairing the defect after head and neck tumor surgery. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 30 patients who received the repair of head and neck defects with supraclavicular island flaps at Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2017 to March 2023. The sites and types of defects, intraoperative blood loss, time of flaps preparation, areas of flaps, survival of the flaps and other complications were recorded. Results:A total of 30 patients were enrolled, including 26 males and 4 females, aged 36-82 years. Among them, 22 patients with hypopharyngeal partial defect were repaired （19 patients with ipsilateral defect and 3 patients with contralateral defect）. In addition, 2 patients were repaired with contralateral pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap around the hypopharynx, the neck skin defect was repaired in 2 patients, the parotid skin defect was repaired in 2 patients, the temporal bone skin defect was repaired in 1 patient, and the cervical esophageal defect was repaired in 1 patient. The average blood loss during the operation was 8 ml, and the average time was 32 min. The flap areas ranged from 5.0 cm×4.0 cm to 20.0 cm×8.0 cm. 27 of 30 flaps survived（90.0%）, and pharyngeal fistula occurred in 6 patients after operation（4 flaps survived after local dressing）. One patient was complicated with venous thrombosis（the flap necrosis after local dressing）. Shoulder and neck functions（lift, internal rotation and abduction） were not significantly affected in 29 patients, and the function of 1 patient with shoulder infection was not affected after treatment. Conclusion:Supraclavicular island flap is a highly vascularized axial fascial flap. It is easy to make, thin, and soft in texture, and can be used to repair different sites and types of postoperative head and neck tumor defects with a low donor site complication rate. Good results in post-operative repair of head and neck tumors are worth promoting.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Plastic Surgery Procedures ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin Transplantation ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Surgical Flaps ; Head and Neck Neoplasms/surgery*