BACKGROUND: In advanced head and neck tumors margins are very rarely comprehensively checked by frozen sections. The goal of this study was to analyze a new proposal for harvesting margins using a double-bladed scalpel. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients underwent a comprehensive resection of advanced head and neck tumors with a double-bladed scalpel. Margins were mapped and checked by frozen sections, while tumor resection continued. When positive margins were identified, they were excised again, and checked by frozen sections. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (87%) had clear skin and soft tissue margins at frozen sections. Five patients (13%) had focal skin and soft tissue-positive margins at frozen sections, which were re-excised. Two patients (5%) had skin and soft tissue-positive margins only at permanent sections. One was reoperated and 1 received radiation therapy. The 3-year local control rate was 58%. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study, the double-bladed scalpel appeared to be an interesting option for complete intraoperative evaluation of surgical margins of advanced head and neck tumors. Copyright 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.
BACKGROUND: In advanced head and neck tumors margins are very rarely comprehensively checked by frozen sections. The goal of this study was to analyze a new proposal for harvesting margins using a double-bladed scalpel. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients underwent a comprehensive resection of advanced head and neck tumors with a double-bladed scalpel. Margins were mapped and checked by frozen sections, while tumor resection continued. When positive margins were identified, they were excised again, and checked by frozen sections. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (87%) had clear skin and soft tissue margins at frozen sections. Five patients (13%) had focal skin and soft tissue-positive margins at frozen sections, which were re-excised. Two patients (5%) had skin and soft tissue-positive margins only at permanent sections. One was reoperated and 1 received radiation therapy. The 3-year local control rate was 58%. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study, the double-bladed scalpel appeared to be an interesting option for complete intraoperative evaluation of surgical margins of advanced head and neck tumors. Copyright 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Authors: Cornelia G F van Lanschot; Hetty Mast; Jose A Hardillo; Dominiek Monserez; Ivo Ten Hove; Elisa M Barroso; Froukje L J Cals; Roeland W H Smits; Martine F van der Kamp; Cees A Meeuwis; Aniel Sewnaik; Rob Verdijk; Geert J L H van Leenders; Vincent Noordhoek Hegt; Tom C Bakker Schut; Robert J Baatenburg de Jong; Gerwin J Puppels; Senada Koljenović Journal: Head Neck Date: 2019-02-01 Impact factor: 3.147