About

Luke O. Buchmann, M.D., is a Professor of Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He specializes in the diagnosis and surgical management of head and neck neoplasms, including those of the upper aerodigestive tract, salivary glands, thyroid, neck, and paragangliomas. Dr. Buchmann has expertise in microvascular reconstruction following head and neck cancer surgery. He is the director of the Huntsman Cancer Institute's Hereditary Paraganglioma Program, providing multidisciplinary care involving screening, management, treatment, and research opportunities for patients at high risk for these rare tumors due to genetic predisposition. He led the effort to establish the program as a Clinical and Research Center of Excellence with Pheo/Para Alliance, the first in the nation to achieve this designation. His research interests include evaluating functional outcomes following head and neck cancer surgery, such as swallowing and quality of life, as well as assessing psychological distress in cancer patients. Dr. Buchmann completed his residency at the University of Kansas and a fellowship in Head & Neck Surgery and Microvascular Reconstruction at the Medical University of South Carolina. He has published extensively in medical journals and serves on a national committee related to head and neck cancer.

Research topics

• Surgery
• Medicine
• Internal medicine

Selected publications

• Expanding Access to Neuroendocrine Tumor Care: Early Impact of the University of Utah NET Destination Care Program

  Endocrine Abstracts · 2026-03-04

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Implementation of point-of-care genetic testing for head and neck paragangliomas: early experience and future directions

  Oral Oncology · 2025-08-12 · 3 citations

  articleOpen access

  • POC testing increased completion from 71% to 93% compared to traditional referral. • 20% of patients tested via POC had a pathogenic germline variant. • Age distributions differed significantly between POC and traditional cohorts. • Variant-positive patients were significantly younger than variant-negative peers. • Middle ear and jugular PGLs were more often treated than carotid body tumors. This study evaluates the success of a point-of-care genetic testing system for patients with head and neck paragangliomas. We subsequently compare our findings with traditional referral-based testing pathways. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 293 patients with HNPGLs evaluated at a tertiary referral center between 2015 and 2024. We compared uptake, detection rates, and age distributions between patients tested via traditional referral and those tested via point-of-care. The point-of-care model embeds panel testing into routine otolaryngology clinic visits. Testing completion was significantly higher in the POC cohort (93 %) compared to the traditional cohort (71 %). Pathogenic germline variants were identified in 20 % of POC-tested patients. Variant-positive individuals were significantly younger than variant-negative individuals across both cohorts. Patients who declined testing were significantly older than those who completed testing. Age distributions between POC and traditional cohorts differed significantly (p = 0.0023). POC genetic testing for HNPGLs increases testing rates and allows for earlier risk identification for patients with head and neck paragangliomas. Our data support institutional integration of point-of-care models into routine care.

  PublisherDOI

• Accuracy in navigated percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  BMC Surgery · 2025-03-05 · 8 citations

  reviewOpen access

  INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation of pelvic fragility fractures is increasingly being used to maintain mobility and reduce pain in the elderly patient population. Traditionally, this is performed using 2D fluoroscopy. Several newer, navigated techniques have emerged that may further facilitate this procedure. It, however, remains unclear whether there is a benefit regarding accuracy, radiation exposure and complications of these new navigation techniques when compared to the traditional 2D fluoroscopy. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. PubMed, CENTRAL and Embase were searched for both randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing new navigation techniques to 2D fluoroscopy for percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation. Effect estimates were pooled (random effects) and presented as odds ratio, mean difference and standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: 19 studies were included. The 2D fluoroscopy group had 642 patients and the new navigation group 663 patients. Accuracy was significantly higher in the new navigation group (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.53-3.90), especially O-Arm, 3D CT and Robotic navigation. On average, accuracy was 82% in the 2D group and 92% in the new navigation group, which was significant. Also, fluoroscopy time (MD 71.89 s, 95% CI 51.37-92.41) and frequency (MD 17.22 images in total, 95% CI 7.73-26.70) were significantly reduced in the new navigation group. Complications are acceptably low, however, poorly reported in both groups. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrated a higher accuracy, lower fluoroscopic frequency and time for new navigation techniques compared to 2D fluoroscopy. More advanced navigation techniques, such as 3D CT and robotic navigation, appeared to be even better.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Succinate Dehydrogenase Pathogenic Variants Among Older Adults With Head and Neck Paragangliomas

  Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology · 2025-11-11

  articleOpen access

  ABSTRACT Introduction The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of patients over the age of 50 who have HNPGL related to an SDH PV. Methods Patients seen at a single, tertiary‐care academic medical center diagnosed with a new HNPGL over the age of 50 were included and analyzed. Results One hundred and eleven individuals (155 tumors) were included. Eighty (72%) patients underwent genetic testing. Twenty‐one PVs of known significance were identified ( SDHA in 1, SDHB in 11, SDHC in 5, SDHD in 3, and FH in 1). The rate of SDH PVs in the tested group was 25%. The median age in patients with a PV was 60 years (IQR: 54–67) years, compared to 67 years (IQR: 59–71) in those without. Conclusions Patients diagnosed with a HNPGL over the age of 50 are still at risk for having an SDH PV. Older patients with HNPGL and their families should still be referred for genetic testing. Level of Evidence IV.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Risk of cardiovascular disease among head and neck cancer survivors: A population-based matched cohort study

  Oral Oncology · 2024-09-29 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Early ambulation after fibular free flap surgery is associated with reduced length of stay, increased mobility independence, and discharge to home

  Head & Neck · 2024-03-18 · 6 citations

  reviewOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Fibula free flaps (FFF) are one of the most common bony flaps utilized. This paper describes a quality improvement project aimed at increasing early ambulation. METHODS: A review of FFF patients at an academic hospital was completed (2014-2023). In 2018, an institutional change to encourage early ambulation without placement of a boot was made. Changes in hospital disposition and physical therapy outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 168 patients underwent FFF reconstruction. There was a statistically significant lower length of stay in Group 2 (early ambulation, no boot) (8.1 vs. 9.4; p = 0.04). A higher rate of discharge to a skilled nursing facility was noted in Group 1 (delayed ambulation with boot) (21.3% vs. 11.9%; p = 0.009). A higher proportion of patients in Group 2 demonstrated independence during bed mobility, transfers, and gait (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Early ambulation without boot placement after FFF is associated with decreased length of hospital stay, improved disposition to home and physical therapy outcomes.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Management of bilateral head and neck paragangliomas at a single‐institution across four decades

  Head & Neck · 2024-08-21 · 4 citations

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Bilateral head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) require nuanced management to balance tumor control with functional preservation. METHODS: All patients seen at a single-institution for bilateral paraganglioma between 1983 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, genetic testing results, and tumor characteristics were analyzed and compared to treatment modality and cranial nerve outcomes. RESULTS: There were 49 patients with 116 tumors (90 carotid body tumors [CBTs], 15 vagal paragangliomas [VPs], and 11 jugular paragangliomas [JPs]). Twenty-six patients had SDH pathologic variants (PV). Surgical management was more commonly utilized in younger patients (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.950-0.992) and for JPs (OR: 9, 95% CI: 1.386-58.443). In surgical cases, CBTs had a lower risk of postoperative cranial nerve deficits compared to JPs and VPs (OR: 0.095, 95% CI: 0.013-0.692). CONCLUSIONS: Younger patients with bilateral HNPGLs, especially those with JP and CBT, are more often treated with surgery. CBTs have lowest risk of cranial nerve deficits after surgery.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The Natural History of Observed SDHx-Related Head and Neck Paragangliomas Using Three-Dimensional Volumetric Tumor Analysis

  Otology & Neurotology · 2023-08-15 · 4 citations

  articleCorresponding

  OBJECTIVE: Characterize the natural history and clinical behavior of head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) in subjects with succinate dehydrogenase ( SDHx ) pathogenic variants using volumetric tumor measurements. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary academic referral center. PATIENTS: Subjects with SDHx HNPGLs under observation for at least 6 months with 2 or more magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scans. INTERVENTIONS: Diagnostic interventions include next-generation sequencing, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography. Therapeutic interventions include microsurgical resection or stereotactic radiosurgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Radiographic progression was defined as a 20% or greater increase in volume. Cranial nerve (CN) functional outcomes were assessed using clinical documentation. RESULTS: A total of 19 subjects with 32 tumors met the inclusion criteria. Median radiographic follow-up was 2.2 years, and the median volumetric growth rate was 0.47 cm 3 /yr. Kaplan-Meier estimated rates of survival free of radiographic progression for all SDHx tumors at 1, 2, and 3 years were 69, 50, and 22%, respectively. No tumors developed new CN palsies during the period of observation. CONCLUSIONS: Over intermediate-term follow-up, observation of treatment-naive SDHx -related HNPGLs did not result in new cranial neuropathy. Although indefinite observation is only appropriate for select cases, these data support an interval of observation to characterize growth rate in asymptomatic to minimally symptomatic patients, who are at high risk of treatment-related morbidity. Given the early age at diagnosis and high risk of bilateral multifocal phenotypes in SDHx HNPGL mutation carriers, these data may aid in optimizing patient tumor control and CN functional preservation. Further studies are necessary to determine whether pretreatment growth rate is correlated with clinical outcomes.

  PublisherDOI

• Impact of COVID-19 on individuals with paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma history and/or hereditary risk.

  Journal of Clinical Oncology · 2022-06-01

  article

  10613 Background: Patients with paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma (PPGL) or hereditary predisposition to PPGL often need screening with biochemical labs, imaging and physical exam. Given the rarity of PPGL and hereditary PPGL, care is often provided through specialty centers. Subsequently, patients may have experienced restrictions on travel and delayed scheduling of non-elective procedures due to COVID-19. This study aimed to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on seeking PPGL management. Methods: Patients with a personal history of PPGL or hereditary PPGL risk from the University of Michigan, Brigham Women’s Hospital, and Huntsman Cancer Institute were sent a survey in 2021. The survey included questions regarding tumor history (Y/N), gene status, demographics, and experience with COVID. The survey assessed whether they missed any exams related to PPGL diagnosis or screening. Comparative analyses utilized regression and chi-square tests. Patient factors measured in analyses evaluated COVID surveillance (labs, imaging, doctor visit) as the primary outcome and age, institution, gene status, sex, and PPGL history as predicting variables. Results: In total, 241 respondents across three institutions completed the survey. The cohort was primarily female (n = 158, 65.6%). A majority of the cohort identified as White (n = 222, 92%) and non-Hispanic (n = 226, 93.8%). PPGL history was reported in 158 patients (65.6%), 43 of which were pheochromocytoma and 113 were paraganglioma, primarily in the head and neck (n = 78). At time of survey completion, 209 (87%) respondents answered COVID-related questions. Thirty-nine respondents (19.2%) reported missing doctor visits, while 31 (15.3%) report missing HPPGL imaging and 33 (16.3%) report missing lab tests. There were no differences by institution (p &gt; 0.05) on patient reported missed visits. Logistic regression analysis showed no difference in missing visits based on having a hereditary PPGL predisposition gene or sex of respondent (all p-values &gt; 0.05). There was no difference based on PPGL history, though it is unknown if patients missed PGL follow-up or screening. Individuals who missed imaging (Y/N) were more likely to report missing their lab tests (OR = 1.8, p &lt; 0.01) and doctor visit (OR = 1.25, p &lt; 0.01). Age was a significant predictor for missing doctor visits (p = 0.02) with an odds ratio of 1.002 per 1 year increase in age. Conclusions: Though institutions had different COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines by state, there was no difference on missing surveillance or screening. Over 15% of respondents reported missing at least one aspect of PPGL care, indicating a need to re-engage those with PPGL and hereditary PPGL to return to typical screening and surveillance. Patients who miss one aspect of surveillance are likely to have missed other aspects of surveillance and will require evaluation of all aspects of screening to return up to date on needed visits and procedures.

  PublisherDOI

• Two sides of the same coin: elements that can make or break clinical learning encounters

  Global Surgical Education - Journal of the Association for Surgical Education · 2022-02-18 · 1 citations

  article
  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Jason P. Hunt

  University of Utah

  90 shared

• Marcus M. Monroe

  University of Utah

  52 shared

• Ying J. Hitchcock

  University of Utah

  39 shared

• Richard B. Cannon

  University of Utah

  31 shared

• Shane Lloyd

  Columbia University

  24 shared

• Wendy Kohlmann

  University of Utah

  14 shared

• Mia Hashibe

  Huntsman Cancer Institute

  14 shared

• Anne Naumer

  Huntsman Cancer Institute

  14 shared

Education

• M.D.

  University of Kansas

• Other, Head & Neck Surgery and Microvascular Reconstruction

  Medical University of South Carolina

Awards & honors

• Clinical and Research Center of Excellence with Pheo/Para Al…