Introduction: Warthin's tumor (WT) is a common benign salivary gland neoplasm with a negligible risk of malignant transformation. However, there is a risk of malignant tumors being misdiagnosed as WT on cytology and inappropriately managed conservatively. Methods: Patients from nine centers in Italy and the United Kingdom undergoing parotid surgery for cytologically diagnosed WT were included in this Daniele Borsetto and Jonathan M. Fussey contributed equally to this study. /journal/hed multicenter retrospective series. Definitive histology was compared with preoperative cytological diagnoses. Surgical complications were recorded.Results: A total of 496 tumors were identified. In 88.9%, the final histological diagnosis was WT. In 21 cases (4.2%) a malignant neoplasm was diagnosed, which had been incorrectly labeled as WT on cytology. Conclusions:The risk of undiagnosed malignancy should be balanced against surgical risks when considering the management of WT. Although nonsurgical management remains an appropriate option, there may be a rationale for serial clinical or radiological evaluation if surgical excision is not performed.K E Y W O R D S extracapsular dissection, facial nerve palsy, fine needle aspiration cytology, parotid, parotidectomy, Warthin's tumor

Hypocalcemia is a recognized complication following thyroid surgery. Variability in the definition of hypocalcemia and different opinions on its management can lead to unnecessary patient morbidity and longer hospital stays as a result of inappropriate or untimely treatment. Therefore, we developed a management guideline for the recognition and treatment of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia, and we conducted a retrospective study to assess its impact on length of stay (LOS). Between April 1, 2007, and March 31, 2009, 29 adults had undergone a total or completion thyroidectomy at our large district general hospital. Of this group, postoperative hypocalcemia (defined as a serum calcium level of <2.00 mmol/L) developed in 13 patients (44.8%) during the first 3 postoperative days. Our guideline went into effect on July 1, 2009, and from that date through June 30, 2010, 18 more adults had undergone a total or completion thyroidectomy. Of that group, hypocalcemia developed in 7 patients (38.9%); the guideline was actually followed in 5 of these 7 cases (71.4%). In the preguideline group, the development of hypocalcemia increased the mean LOS from 2.0 days to 7.0 days (p < 0.001). The management of postoperative hypocalcemia in these cases was highly variable and was dictated by variations in practice rather than patient needs. In the postguideline group, postoperative hypocalcemia increased the mean LOS from 2.7 days to only 3.7 days (p = 0.07). While the difference between LOS in the two hypocalcemic groups did not reach statistical significance, we believe it merely reflects the relatively small number of patients rather than any lack of guideline efficacy. The implementation of a simple flowchart guideline for the management of postoperative hypocalcemia in our hospital has resulted in more uniform management and a reduced LOS.

Securing a tracheostomy tube after insertion is essential to prevent accidental decannulation. Although this is uncommon, its associated mortality is high. Common practice involves suturing the lateral edges of the tube flanges to the skin. This can allow movement along the axis of the flanges. We describe a modification of the suture placement, which provides a more robust fixation.

Keypoints • Our previous retrospective audit (Clinical Otolaryngology, December 2004) identified considerable variation in post‐thyroidectomy calcium assessment. This led to a well‐structured protocol. • The protocol was introduced into two trusts. The results were prospectively collated for 64 thyroid procedures over a period of 6 months. • All patients that warranted it were tested on day 1, and 71% were tested on day 2 – highlighting a more structured approach, and avoiding unnecessary vene‐ puncture in all thyroid lobectomy patients. • Such protocols have been proven to be an important tool in the effort to improve the quality and lower the cost of care. • Resistance to change, established practise and lack of data collection resources prevented this protocol from becoming established in more regional trusts.

No abstract