Double-Bladed Scalpel: A New Option for Harvesting Margins in Head and Neck Cancers.

Cernea, Claudio R.; Velasco, Otavio; Gomes, Marcos Q.T.; Vellutini, Eduardo; Hojaij, Flavio C.; de Carlucci, Jr., Dorival; Nishio, Sunao; Morais-Besteiro, Julio; Ishida, Luis C.; Ferraz, Alberto R.

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

ORL (0301-1569), 2006, Vol 68, Issue 2, p83

0301-1569

Academic Journal

10.1159/000091208