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Open research questions in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology

60 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 294 Head and Neck Surgical Oncology papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • There is a need for a simple, reproducible, and low-cost reconstructive technique for dural and osseous defect closure after anterior petrosectomy. Prior reconstructive strategies have limitations related to increased morbidity, longer operative time, high costs, or limited availability.

    Reconstrucción de bajo costo mediante técnica “tejida” para defectos de la fosa media después de petrosectomía anterior · 2026 · DOI

  • The association of a meningioma and a meningoencephalocele is extremely rare and poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. There is a need for further research on the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

    A rare combination of a meningioma and an ethmoidal meningoencephalocele with osteo-dural defect: Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges · 2026 · DOI

  • Radical surgery for LA-MSC is associated with substantial cosmetic deformity and functional impairment. The outcomes of systemic chemotherapy for LA-MSC remain unsatisfactory compared with those of curative surgical treatment.

    Clinical effectiveness of intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy for advanced maxillary sinus carcinoma: based on the reports of the head and neck cancer registry of Japan · 2026 · DOI

  • The proximity of PPS tumors to vital structures. The complexity of the anatomical region. The need for accurate preoperative imaging and patient selection.

    Assessment of endoscopic-assisted transoral approach excision to benign parapharyngeal space tumors · 2026 · DOI

  • The risk of thromboembolic complications after intracardiac device implantation. The need to individualize antithrombotic therapy based on patient characteristics and the presence of concomitant indications.

    Antithrombotic therapy after percutaneous closure of paravalvular leaks: Patterns of use and clinical outcomes in a single-center retrospective registry · 2026 · DOI

  • The study faced challenges in terms of selection bias and limited completeness of data collection due to its retrospective design. The study had to adapt to the inconsistent use of FESS and ESS terminology in the operative records.

    Endoscopic surgical treatment of sinonasal Schneiderian papillomas: our experience · 2026 · DOI

  • The interposition of the spinal cord within the operative corridor. The risk of iatrogenic neurological morbidity associated with posterior approaches. The need for adequate exposure and maneuverability while minimizing the risk of complications.

    Minimally invasive extracavitary approach for selected ventral intradural extramedullary thoracic lesions: quantitative anatomical analysis and technical feasibility · 2026 · DOI

  • The complexity of the defect and the need for a multidisciplinary approach. The risk of complications, such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage and meningitis.

    Multidisciplinary management of frontoethmoidal meningoencephalocele: an institutional experience highlighting the role of endoscopic skull base reconstruction · 2026 · DOI

  • The procedure imposes intense but intermittent nociceptive surges upon a narrow, blood-intolerant surgical field. The risk of diabetes insipidus and dysnatremia must be planned for before rather than after it manifests. The need for a neuroanesthetic plan that reconciles profound analgesia, brain relaxation, and hemodynamic stability.

    Multimodal Neuroanesthesia with an Ultrasound-Guided Dexamethasone-Adjuvanted Scalp Block for Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Resection of a Giant Sellar-Suprasellar Rathke Cleft Cyst: A Case Report · 2026 · DOI

  • The anatomical complexity of paranasal sinus osteomas can make surgical planning challenging. The lack of a comprehensive decision-making flowchart can lead to variability in surgical approaches.

    Endoscopic and combined approaches in the surgical management of frontal and ethmoidal sinus osteomas: a novel decision-making flowchart · 2026 · DOI

  • Maxillary cancers have a marked tendency to extend along posterior craniofacial corridors. Margin control is technically demanding in the pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa. There is a need for a feasible and anatomically standardized surgical strategy for selected maxillary cancers.

    The combined compartmental maxillary resection: technique codification and preliminary multicenter series analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • Inherent limitations include a limited sample size of 134 PitNET patients, 129 non-tumor controls, and use of still bone-window CT images. Inherent limitations to deep-learning model training include overfitting, particularly in the setting of a smaller sample size. Although the models inherently execute separation of a dataset for evaluation purposes, additional external validation through multi- institutional collaboration may assist with assessing generalizable performance of these models. The typical functioning pituitary ade- noma population is younger and more often female, which may introduce bias given known age- and sex-related morphologic differ- ences. Model may not generalize to atypical functioning adenoma populations.

    Clinical application of artificial intelligence algorithms in detecting clival remodeling in the setting of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors/pituitary adenomas · 2026 · DOI

  • Tension pneumocephalus can occur with non-displaced fractures, which is a rare incidence. The presenting case highlights the clinical significance of this condition.

    Tension Pneumocephalus in the Setting of Non-Displaced Occipital Bone Fracture Resulting in Bifrontal Craniotomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature · 2026 · DOI

  • Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term outcomes of surgical management of spontaneous CSF otorrhea or otorhinorrhea. Research is needed to develop more effective surgical techniques and materials to reduce recurrence.

    Diagnosis and management of spontaneous CSF otorrhea associated with skull base defects · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a lack of understanding of the clinical presentation, management outcomes, and causes of recurrence of spontaneous CSF otorrhea or otorhinorrhea from skull base defects. The condition has a low incidence and insidious onset, making it challenging to diagnose and manage.

    Diagnosis and management of spontaneous CSF otorrhea associated with skull base defects · 2026 · DOI

  • Herein, the authors describe the successful performance of a C1–2 CSF tap in a 6-month-old infant for diagnostic evaluation of suspected meningitis, highlighting the technical considerations, safety measures, and clinical implications of this rarely reported approach in infancy.

    C1–2 CSF tap in a 6-month-old infant: illustrative case · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a lack of data on the long-term outcomes of surgical treatment for post-dural puncture headache. The current study aims to address this gap by investigating the headache burden after surgical treatment of post-dural puncture headache.

    Persistent headache burden after surgical treatment of post-dural puncture headache: a cross-sectional study · 2026 · DOI

  • The outcomes of systemic chemotherapy for LA-MSC remain unsatisfactory compared with those of curative surgical treatment. There is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of IA-CRT compared with IV-CRT in patients with LA-MSC.

    Clinical effectiveness of intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy for advanced maxillary sinus carcinoma: based on the reports of the head and neck cancer registry of Japan · 2026 · DOI

  • Further study of the functional significance of the occipital emissary vein and its foramina. Examination of the anatomy of the occipital emissary vein and its foramina in other age groups. Development of new surgical techniques for skull base surgery informed by the study's findings.

    The enigmatic occipital emissary vein, foramina, and canals: anatomical study with application to skull base surgery · 2026 · DOI

  • The literature reports variable auditory outcomes after microvascular decompression surgery, but the study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach in evaluating auditory function. The study demonstrates the importance of considering functional parameters and patient reports in evaluating surgical success.

    Auditory Findings Related to Compression of the 7th and 8th Cranial Nerves Following Microvascular Decompression: A Case Report · 2026 · DOI

  • There is still no universal agreement on the ideal approach to frontal sinus trauma. The management of frontal sinus fractures requires careful evaluation and treatment to avoid long-term problems.

    Current Concepts in Frontal Sinus Fracture Management · 2026 · DOI

  • Further studies are needed to assess the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing the endoscopic-assisted transoral approach. Comparison to other surgical approaches is necessary to determine the optimal treatment strategy. Assessment of the technique for malignant PPS tumors is required.

    Assessment of endoscopic-assisted transoral approach excision to benign parapharyngeal space tumors · 2026 · DOI

  • The lack of a minimally invasive approach for removing benign midline cervical neoplasms. The need for a method that achieves high patient satisfaction with minimal complications.

    Endoscope-assisted transoral removal of benign midline cervical neoplasms: A preliminary study · 2026 · DOI

  • The lack of clear recommendations regarding optimal postprocedural antithrombotic therapy after transcatheter PVL closure. The need to evaluate the outcomes associated with antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy following transcatheter PVL closure.

    Antithrombotic therapy after percutaneous closure of paravalvular leaks: Patterns of use and clinical outcomes in a single-center retrospective registry · 2026 · DOI

  • Current guidelines limit the indication for PFO closure to patients with a prior ischemic cerebral event. There is a need for more research on PFO closure for other indications.

    A look from a distance on patent foramen ovale closure · 2026 · DOI

Most-cited papers in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology

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60 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 294 Head and Neck Surgical Oncology papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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