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Applied Sciences
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Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: From Diagnosis to Treatment
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Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: From Diagnosis to Treatment

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2026 | Viewed by 2598

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Giorgio Barbera

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Piazzale Aristide Stefani, 1, 37126 Verona, Italy
Interests: microsurgery; head and neck surgery; maxilla-facial surgery
Prof. Dr. Massimo Albanese

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Piazzale Aristide Stefani, 1, 37126 Verona, Italy
Interests: orthognatic surgery; oral surgery; maxilla facial surgery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Luca Sacchetto

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Piazzale Aristide Stefani, 1, 37126 Verona, Italy
Interests: oncological; cervical-cephalic; rhinosinus surgery; functional and rehabilitative ear surgery; endoscopic diagnosis of the rhinosinus and laryngeal regions

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past decade, the field of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery has witnessed remarkable advancements and transformations. This period has been characterized by significant innovations in diagnostic techniques, surgical procedures, and treatment modalities, which have collectively enhanced patient outcomes and expanded the scope of practice. One of the most notable developments has been the integration of robotic surgery into otolaryngology. This technology has allowed for greater precision and minimally invasive procedures, reducing recovery times and improving surgical accuracy . Additionally, microsurgery has seen substantial progress, enabling surgeons to perform intricate operations with enhanced dexterity and control.

The field has also embraced advancements in oncology, particularly in the management of head and neck cancers. Improved imaging techniques and targeted therapies have revolutionized cancer treatment, offering patients more effective and personalized care. Furthermore, the evolution of orthognatic surgery has provided new solutions for correcting jaw and facial deformities, significantly improving patients' quality of life.

In the field of skull base and ear surgery, endoscopic assisted procedures have introduced new methods for treating conditions involving the ear and adjacent structures.

Overall, the last decade has been a period of dynamic growth and transformation for otolaryngology and head and neck surgery, driven by technological advancements and a commitment to improving patient care. These developments have not only enhanced the capabilities of surgeons but also paved the way for future innovations in the field. This special issue aims to highlight recent developments, providing current insights and perspectives on these advancements.

Dr. Giorgio Barbera
Prof. Dr. Massimo Albanese
Dr. Luca Sacchetto
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • head and neck surgery
  • oncology
  • microsurgery
  • robotic surgery
  • orthognatic surgery
  • skull base
  • ontology
  • ear surgery
  • rhinoplasty

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 2470 KB  
Article
Accuracy of PET Imaging and Ultrasonography for Preoperative Staging of Cervical Lymph Node Status in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
by Andreas Sakkas, Johannes Schulze, Majeed Rana, Michael Grunert, Mario Scheurer, Robin Kasper, Marcel Ebeling, Alexander Schramm, Frank Wilde, Alisa Schramm and Janik Schmidt
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 11880; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152211880 - 7 Nov 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1150
Abstract
Purpose: Cervical lymph node status is the strongest prognostic factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). While 18F-FDG-PET and cervical ultrasonography are widely used for preoperative staging, their diagnostic accuracy remains limited for small or equivocal nodes. This study compared both modalities against [...] Read more.
Purpose: Cervical lymph node status is the strongest prognostic factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). While 18F-FDG-PET and cervical ultrasonography are widely used for preoperative staging, their diagnostic accuracy remains limited for small or equivocal nodes. This study compared both modalities against histopathology on a per-level basis and examined correlations of SUVmax and RECIST values with metastatic involvement. Methods: This retrospective single-centre study included patients with histologically confirmed OSCC who underwent preoperative 18F-FDG-PET and cervical ultrasonography, followed by resection and neck dissection (October 2018–December 2024). Imaging was interpreted independently and blinded to clinical and histopathological data. Histopathology served as the reference standard. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed on a level-by-level basis. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated and compared using McNemar’s test and logistic regression. Results: Among 100 patients (mean age 63.5 ± 10.6 years; 54% male, 46% female), the lateral tongue was the most frequent site (44%), and 31% showed nodal involvement on PET imaging. PET imaging yielded 59% sensitivity, 87% specificity, and 77% accuracy; ultrasonography achieved higher sensitivity (76%) but lower specificity (67%). Combined assessment improved sensitivity (78%) and NPV (82%) but reduced specificity. PET imaging was more specific, while ultrasonography was more sensitive. SUVmax and RECIST values were higher in metastatic nodes and independently predicted metastasis, though with substantial overlap and no reliable cut-off. Conclusions: PET imaging offers higher specificity, whereas ultrasonography provides greater sensitivity. Their complementary performance supports a multimodal approach to cervical staging in OSCC. Neither SUVmax nor RECIST values reliably distinguished benign from malignant lymph nodes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: From Diagnosis to Treatment)
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10 pages, 584 KB  
Article
The Anterolateral Thigh Flap as a Solution for Extensive Lateral Skull Base Defects: A Case Series
by Riccardo Nocini, Athena E. Arsie, Valerio Arietti, Marco Mazzola, Maria Sofia Salvetta and Luca Sacchetto
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10543; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910543 - 29 Sep 2025
Viewed by 906
Abstract
Introduction: Tumors of the lateral skull base, particularly those arising from the external auditory canal and peri-retroauricular regions, present considerable surgical and reconstructive difficulties due to their intricate anatomy and aggressive nature. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap offers a viable reconstruction [...] Read more.
Introduction: Tumors of the lateral skull base, particularly those arising from the external auditory canal and peri-retroauricular regions, present considerable surgical and reconstructive difficulties due to their intricate anatomy and aggressive nature. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap offers a viable reconstruction option, enhancing oncological radicality while minimizing morbidity. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on five cases of malignant tumors involving the external auditory canal and adjacent soft tissues, treated at a tertiary center from March 2023 to March 2025. All patients underwent radical resection, which included lateral or subtotal temporal bone resection, along with parotidectomy and neck dissection when necessary. Reconstruction was performed using myocutaneous anterolateral thigh free flaps. The study evaluated clinical outcomes, complications, and esthetic results. Results: The ALT flap was used in all cases without major postoperative complications. Two patients received adjuvant radiotherapy; one did not start treatment due to early recurrence. At follow-up, three patients were disease-free, while two had died from unrelated causes. Esthetic and functional outcomes were satisfactory in all patients. Conclusions: The ALT free flap is a universal and reliable option for the reconstruction of complex lateral skull base defects, especially in patients following the radical removal of tumors of the external auditory canal and peri-retroauricular areas. It offers excellent tissue coverage, facilitates adjuvant treatment, and has a low complication rate. While our experience supports its use in aggressive oncological resection, larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. Level of evidence: 4. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: From Diagnosis to Treatment)
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