Background Low‐risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (LR‐PTC) can be managed by immediate surgery (IS) or active surveillance (AS). We compare the psychological impact of these treatments on patients with LR‐PTC. Methods Psychological data were collected over 1 year, with assessments at the time of treatment decision (T1), at 6 months (T2) and 12 months (T3) follow‐up. Assessments included 13 validated psychological tools. Results Of 27 enrolled patients, 20 chose AS and 7 chose IS. The average times to T2 and T3 were 5.7 and 11.3 months, respectively. For both groups, Impact of Events Scale scores significantly decreased (p = 0.001) at T2, and depressive/anxiety symptoms remained low. Conclusions This study demonstrates the feasibility of assessing psychological outcomes among patients treated for LR‐PTC. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of AS versus IS on quality of life and changes that patients experience over longer time periods following their treatment decision.

Tracheostomal stenosis following total laryngectomy presents a serious concern for surgeons and patients. Although various techniques correct tracheostomal stenosis, none address an existing tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP). We present an approach to repair tracheostomal stenosis, requiring tracheal resection, and preserve the TEP in a functional position needed for speech rehabilitation. A 62-year-old male with squamous carcinoma of the right true vocal fold underwent a salvage total laryngectomy with placement of a tracheoesophageal prosthesis. Seven years later, he developed tracheal narrowing. A tracheal resection and tracheoplasty were performed to manage

Open-mouth deformity after mandibular resection presents a challenge for surgeons and patients, contributing to significant functional and cosmetic morbidity. We present an innovative surgical technique to prevent or correct open-mouth deformity. Tensor fascia lata slings were utilized in combination with maxillomandibular fixation to surgically correct or prevent open-mouth deformity in four patients who had previously undergone mandibulectomy or at the time of a contralateral mandibulectomy following prior hemimandibulectomy and reconstruction. Two patients achieved favorable outcomes, including oral competence and improved resting jaw position, while open-mouth deformity could not be corrected for one patient. Another patient remains in the early postoperative period following a secondary procedure to correct open-mouth deformity. Openmouth deformity is a functional/aesthetic problem that has not been addressed in the literature. Use of tensor fascia lata slings to suspend the mandible is a novel approach to the surgical management of open-mouth deformity.