Khosa SK, Vahanwala S, Pagare SS. Correlation of Parotid Gland Function in Head and Neck Cancer Patients treated with Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(1):1-4.

Various approaches can be employed when teaching thyroidectomy. Delivery of the gland prior to complete dissection and identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is sometimes utilized in the absence of laryngeal nerve monitoring (LNM), while identification and dissection of the RLN from the gland is more feasible in the presence of LNM. We hypothesized that teaching RLN dissection technique to residents as primary surgeons (using loupes and nerve monitoring) did not increase postoperative morbidity in head and neck endocrine surgery.

In 101 consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomies/parathyroidectomies, we have modified our technique to teach our residents consistent early identification of the RLN in the paratracheal region by direct visualization (loupe magnification) and nerve stimulation. All patients had preoperative fiberoptic laryngoscopy and a repeat laryngoscopy 1 week after surgery. Presence or absence of true vocal fold paralysis/paresis was documented.

One hundred and nineteen surgical procedures were available for study. One patient developed a permanent vocal fold paralysis (1/119 or 0.84%). There was another patient with a vocal fold paresis which recovered in 4 weeks (1/119 or 0.84%).

The RLN dissection technique with early identification, dissection and preservation of the nerve using magnification combined with nerve monitoring has emerged as an important resident teaching tool. The morbidity rate is acceptable. Notably in light of the increasing rates of thyroid surgery and LNM utilization, resident physicians may benefit from exposure to this technique as a component of their training.

Sundaram K, Aynehchi BB. Teaching Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Dissection to Residents in Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(1):5-7.

Aim of the study was to find out the number of miniplates used by Indian oral and maxillofacial surgeons for parasymphysis fractures.

A survey was done among oral and maxillofacial surgeons of India at the 34th annual meeting of Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India. Four questions were given to each individual to find out their opinion regarding use of miniplates in parasymphysis fractures.

Eighty-eight percent of Indian surgeons were in favor of using intraoperative or postoperative intermaxillary fixation. Thirty-eight percent responded in favor of using single miniplate for parasymphysis fracture instead of using two miniplates. 54% maxillofacial surgeons use various modifications depending on different conditions. 42% of maxillofacial surgeons accepted that lower arch bar can be used as a tension band.

Use of miniplates for the treatment of parasymphysis fracture varies from center to center and from surgeon to surgeon. Though miniplates are best used following Champy's principle, still many surgeons use single miniplate. Arch bars placed for intermaxillary fixation can be used as a tension band, again eliminating the need for upper plate.

Saluja H, Dehane V, Kini Y, Mahindra U. Use of Miniplates in Parasymphysis Fractures: A Survey Conducted among Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(1):8-10.

Ramachandra NB. Impact of HIV on Head and Neck in South India: A Cytology Study. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(1):11-14.

Agarwal J, Kundu S, Krishnatry R Gupta T, Murthy V, Budrukkar A, Laskar SG. Salvage Neck Dissection after Chemoradiation in Head and Neck Cancer: Practice and Pitfalls. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(1): 15-21.

Mohanty S, Maraignanam G, Somu L. Sinonasal Teratocarcinosarcoma: A Rare Clinical Entity. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(1):22-23.

Anand A. Vocatio Specialis. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(1):24.

Veerabhadraiah P, Nanjundappa A, Amirtham U, Thyagarajan S, Shivappa A, Burrah R. A Rare Case of Salivary Duct Carcinoma of the Hypopharynx. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(1):25-27.

Aimed to highlight a rare anatomical variation of right recurrent laryngeal nerve and a brief review of literature.

Nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve is a rare anatomical variation with an incidence of 0.5 to 0.7% in thyroid surgery. It is difficult to identify this variation preoperatively either by imaging or by signs and symptoms, unless a vascular anomaly is suspected.

This study aims to underline the necessity of recognizing the possibility of non-RLN and also to follow a systematic dissection of recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgeries, to prevent intraoperative nerve damage.

Raj S, Deo RP, Mohiyuddin A, Merchant S, Ramachandra M. Nonrecurrent Laryngeal Nerve: An Indian Documentation. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(1):28-29.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) metastatic to the thyroid is rare. In this case report and literature review, we discuss the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of MFH.

We present a case of MFH metastatic to the thyroid. A literature review on malignant fibrous histiocytoma involving the thyroid was performed.

We present a case of MFH metastatic to the thyroid from a lower extremity primary, treated by excision. The initial diagnosis of MFH metastatic to the thyroid relies on history and histopathology. Treatment is excision, sometimes followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.

This is the sixth documented case of MFH metastatic to the thyroid. Due to the rarity of this disease, treatment decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis.

Yang CJ, Anand A, Amedee RG, Naing W, Hebert AF. Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma Metastatic to the Thyroid Gland. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(1): 30-32.

Schwannomas are solitary, encapsulated tumor usually attached to, or surrounded by a nerve and are not associated with von Recklinghausen's disease and rarely show malignant degeneration.

Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, KVG Medical College, Sullia.

A 68-year-old female presented with pain at the left side of the tongue since 1 month. Also a firm to soft 7 × 5 cm sublingual swelling of long-standing duration was seen. FNAC was inconclusive and contrast CT showed a sublingual swelling with mild-contrast enhancement.

Sublingual excision of the tumor was done under general anesthesia and the tumor enucleated. No complications were seen and the recovery was uneventful. Histopathological report came as benign schwannoma and immunoreactive to S- 100 protein.

Most of the intraoral schwannomas are managed by complete surgical excision and recurrence are not reported. Malignant transformation is not seen in any of the intraoral schwannomas but definite preoperative diagnosis is necessary to avoid wide excision when the tumors can be easily enucleated without recurrence.

Naik SM, Goutham MK, Ravishankara S, Appaji MK. Sublingual Schwannoma: A Rare Clinical Entity reported in a Hypothyroid Female. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(1):33-39.

Dhawan A, Duggal P, Sandhu S. A Rare Anatomical Relationship of Spinal Accessory Nerve to Internal Jugular Vein. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(1): 40-41.

Seth S, Kaur K, Bhardwar V. Cavernous Hemangioma of Maxillary Sinus. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(1):42-44.

Thiagarajan S, Shenoy AM, Veerabadriah P, Chavan P, Halkud R. Massive Chylorrhea following Total Thyroidectomy and Neck Dissection. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(1):45-48.

Kumar S, Singh HP, Agarwal SP. Tuberculosis of the Maxilla and Reconstruction of Midfacial Defect using Temporalis Muscle Flap. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(1):49-52.

Kulkarni AS, Karnik P. Occult Neoplasm (mucoepidermoid carcinoma) in a Parotid Cyst. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(1):53-55.

Gupta N, Anjum R, Gupta S, Lone P. Ameloblastoma of the Mandible: A Case Report with Review of Literature. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(1):56-58.