Split cricoideo anterior posterior: una novedosa técnica para evitar la traqueotomía en parálisis cordal bilateral en pacientes pediátricos / Posterior anterior cricoid split: a cutting-edge technique to avoid tracheostomy in bilateral cordal paralysis in pediatric patients

Introducción: La parálisis cordal bilateral en aducción es la segunda causa de estridor congénito y genera una grave obstrucción de la vía aérea, debutando con estridor. La traqueotomía ha sido durante mucho tiempo el gold estándar para el tratamiento de esta afección, no exenta de complicaciones. Existen procedimientos que intentan evitar la traqueotomía, como el split cricoideo anterior posterior endoscópico (SCAPE). Objetivo: Presentar experiencia con SCAPE en pacientes pediátricos como tratamiento alternativo de parálisis cordal bilateral en aducción. Material y Método: Análisis retrospectivo de los resultados quirúrgicos obtenidos en pacientes con parálisis cordal bilateral en aducción tratados con SCAPE entre enero de 2016 y diciembre de 2019 en el Hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente de Concepción, Chile. Resultados: Siete pacientes se sometieron a SCAPE. Todos los pacientes presentaban insuficiencia respiratoria severa, cinco requirieron asistencia ventilatoria mecánica. Seis pacientes tenían el diagnóstico de parálisis cordal bilateral (PCB) congénita y uno PCB secundaria a tumor de tronco cerebral. Cuatro pacientes presentaron comorbilidad de la vía aérea: dos pacientes presentaron estenosis subglótica grado I y dos pacientes presentaron laringomalacia que requirió manejo quirúrgico. Los días promedio de intubación fueron once días. Ningún paciente requirió soporte ventilatorio postoperatorio, sólo un paciente recibió oxigenoterapia nocturna debido a hipoventilación secundaria a lesión de tronco. Ningún paciente ha presentado descompensación respiratoria grave. Un 40% ha recuperado movilidad cordal bilateral. Conclusión: Split cricoideo anteroposterior endoscópico es una alternativa eficaz para tratar el PCB en pacientes pediátricos. Nuestro estudio evidencia que es una alternativa a la traqueotomía, con excelentes resultados y menor morbimortalidad.

Introduction: Bilateral vocal fold paralysis in adduction is the second cause of congenital stridor and generates a serious obstruction of the airway. Tracheostomy has long been the gold standard for the treatment of this condition, but it has inherent complications. There are procedures that try to avoid tracheotomy, such as the endoscopic anterior posterior cricoid split (EAPCS). Aim: Present our experience with EAPCS in pediatric patients as a treatment for bilateral vocal fold paralysis in adduction. Material and Method: Retrospective analysis of the surgical results obtained in patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis in adduction treated with EAPCS between January 2016 and December 2019 at Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital in Concepción, Chile. Results: Seven patients underwent EAPCS. All patients had severe respiratory failure, five required mechanical ventilation assistance. Six patients were diagnosed with congenital bilateral cord palsy (BCP) and one BCP secondary to a brainstem tumor. Four patients had airway comorbidity: two patients had grade I subglottic stenosis and two patients had laryngomalacia that required surgical management. The average days of intubation were eleven days. No patient required post op invasive/non-invasive ventilation, only one patient received nocturnal oxygen therapy due to hypoventilation secondary to trunk injury. None of the patients has presented severe respiratory decompensation. Forty percent have recovered bilateral chordal mobility. Conclusion: SCAPE is a cutting-edge and effective alternative to treat PCB in pediatric patients. Our study shows that it is an alternative to tracheotomy, with excellent results and lower morbidity and mortality.

Rehabilitación del nervio recurrente laríngeo postiroidectomía / Recurrent laryngeal nerve rehabilitation after thyroidectomy

El carcinoma papilar tiroideo es el tipo de cáncer más común de esta glándula, y su tratamiento de elección es la tiroidectomía. Entre las complicaciones asociadas resalta la parálisis de las cuerdas vocales, la cual ocurre por una lesión directa del nervio laríngeo recurrente durante la cirugía. Se presenta una paciente de 22 años de edad con este diagnóstico, a la cual se le realizó una tiroidectomía total; en el postoperatorio inmediato la paciente comenzó con estridor laríngeo intenso que requirió una traqueotomía de urgencia. En el examen físico se constató una parálisis bilateral de las cuerdas vocales y se decidió comenzar un tratamiento de rehabilitación del nervio recurrente laríngeo con laserterapia y HIVAMAT-200 como modalidades combinadas. Los resultados alcanzados con la fisioterapia fueron satisfactorios y la paciente se reintegró rápidamente a su ámbito familiar, escolar y social.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common type of cancer of this gland, and its treatment of choice is thyroidectomy. Vocal cord paralysis stands out among the associated complications, in which a direct injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve occurs during surgery. We present a 22-year-old female patient with this diagnosis, who underwent a total thyroidectomy; in the immediate postoperative period the patient began with intense laryngeal stridor requiring an emergency tracheotomy. Physical examination revealed bilateral vocal cord paralysis and it was decided to begin rehabilitation treatment of the recurrent laryngeal nerve with laser therapy and HIVAMAT-200 as combined modalities. The results achieved with physiotherapy were satisfactory and the patient was quickly reintegrated into her family, school and social environment.

Long-term outcomes of lateral vocal fold autologous fat injection for unilateral vocal fold paralysis / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the long-term outcomes of patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis resulting in dysphonia treated with lateral vocal fold autologous fat injection. To analyze the factors that may affect the long-term efficacy of the procedure. Methods: From July 2003 to June 2020, 163 patients (86 males and 77 females), aged 9-73 years (mean (34.50±12.94) years) with unilateral vocal fold paralysis resulting in dysphonia underwent transoral laryngoscopic injection of autologous fat into the lateral vocal folds. Subjective auditory perception assessment (GRBAS scale), objective acoustic assessment, voice handicap index (VHI) evaluation and stroboscopic laryngoscopy were compared before and after the surgery. Patients were followed up for 1 to 18 years, with median follow-up time of 6 years. SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Of 163 patients, 17 patients (10.4%) had mild hoarseness (G1) and 146 patients (89.6%) had moderate to severe hoarseness (G2-3). Stroboscopic laryngoscopy revealed an arch-shaped vocal fold on the affected side, fixed in the paramedian position or abduction position, with obvious glottic closure fissure. Postoperatively, voice recovered to normal (G0) in 139 patients (85.3%), mild hoarseness (G1) in 18 patients (11.0%) and moderate hoarseness (G2) in 6 patients (3.7%). Of these, 131 patients (80.4%) showed significant improvement in hoarseness, 29 patients (17.8%) showed mild improvement and 3 patients (1.8%) showed no significant improvement in hoarseness. Objective acoustic parameters of Jitter, Shimmer, NHR and MPT improved significantly, as did VHI scores. Stroboscopic laryngoscopy showed medialization of the affected vocal folds, improved vocal fold closure and normal or nearly normal vocal fold mucosal waves. With a fat injection volume of 3.0-4.5 ml, the patient's subjective auditory perception scores of G, R, B and A improved more significantly within 3 months after surgery, and both VHI and MPT were significantly better since 1 year after surgery. With bilateral vocal fold injection, the B and A scores improved significantly from 1 month postoperatively compared to unilateral injections(unilateral vs. bilateral injection 1 month post-operation, tB scores=1.42,tA scores=1.51,P<0.05). Conclusions: The long-term efficacy of autologous fat injection in the paraglottic space for the treatment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis was stable. The efficacy of the surgery was related to the amount of fat injected, unilateral or bilateral of the injection.

Initial outcomes of endoscopic CO2 laser posterior cordectomy and partial arytenoidectomy among patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis: A Case series

Objective@#To describe the initial outcomes of endoscopic CO2 laser posterior cordectomy and partial arytenoidectomy among patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis in our institution.@*Methods@# Design: Case Series Setting: Tertiary National University Hospital Participants: 17 Patients @*Results@#Seventeen (17) patients who underwent transoral posterior cordectomy and partial arytenoidectomy using carbon dioxide laser were included in the study consisting of 14 females and 3 males. Iatrogenic injury was the most common cause of bilateral vocal cord paralysis in this subset of patients. Five patients who tolerated decannulation and another six who had no preoperative tracheostomy all reported subjective improvement in breathing. All of them were also observed to have resolution of stridor and increased respiratory comfort compared to their preoperative condition. The most common postoperative complication was granuloma formation at the medial arytenoidectomy site occurring only in 4 patients. None of the patients complained of aspiration episodes or dysphagia during the postoperative period. @*Conclusion@#Our initial experience with transoral endoscopic posterior cordectomy and partial arytenoidectomy using carbon dioxide laser has good postoperative outcomes among patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis.

Hoarseness due to aortic arch aneurysms

Abstract Objective: To give an overview of the Ortner's syndrome caused by an aortic arch aneurysm. Methods: By comprehensive retrieval of the pertinent literature published in the past two decades, 75 reports including 86 patients were collected and recruited into this study along with a recent case of our own. Results: The aortic arch aneurysms causing hoarseness were most commonly mycotic aneurysms. In this patient setting, in addition to the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, trachea was the most commonly affected structure by the aortic arch aneurysm. Surgical/interventional/hybrid treatments led to a hoarseness-relieving rate of 64.3%, much higher than that of patients receiving conservative treatment. However, hoarseness recovery took longer time in the surgically treated patients than in the interventionally treated patients. Conclusion: The surgical and interventional treatments offered similar hoarseness-relieving effects. Surgical or interventional treatment is warranted in such patients for both treatment of arch aneurysms and relief of hoarseness.

Cervical plexus block as an alternative anesthetic approach for type I thyroplasty: a case report / Bloqueio do plexo cervical como técnica anestésica alternativa para tireoplastia tipo I: relato de caso

Abstract Background: The role of type I thyroplasty (TIP) is well established as the treatment for glottal insufficiency due to vocal fold paralysis, but the ideal anesthetic management for this procedure is still largely debated. We present the case of a novel anesthetic approach for TIP using combined intermediate and superficial Cervical Plexus Block (CPB) and intermittent mild sedation analgesia. Case report: A 51-year-old presenting with left vocal fold paralysis and obstructive sleep apnea was scheduled for TIP. An ultrasound-guided intermediate CPB was performed using the posterior approach, and 15 mL of ropivacaine 0.5% were injected in the posterior cervical space between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the prevertebral fascia. Then, for the superficial CPB, a total of 10 mL 0.5% ropivacaine was injected subcutaneously, adjacently to the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, without penetrating the investing fascia An intermittent sedation analgesia with a target-controlled infusion of remifentanyl (target 0.5 ng.mL-1) was used to facilitate prosthesis insertion and the fiberoptic laryngoscopy. This technique offered a safe anesthetic airway and good operating conditions for the surgeon, as well as feasible voice monitoring and optimal patient comfort. Conclusion: The use of a regional technique is a promising method for the anesthetic management in TIP, especially in patients with compromised airway.

Resumo Introdução: O papel da tireoplastia tipo I (TPI) está bem estabelecido no tratamento de insuficiência glótica após a paralisia das pregas vocais, mas o manejo anestésico ideal para a TPI ainda é controverso. Descrevemos uma nova técnica anestésica para a TPI usando o Bloqueio do Plexo Cervical (BPC) superficial e o BPC intermediário associados, em presença de analgo-sedação leve e intermitente. Relato de caso: Paciente de 51 anos de idade com paralisia da prega vocal esquerda e apneia obstrutiva do sono foi agendada para TPI. BPC intermediário guiado por ultrassom foi realizado usando acesso posterior, e 15 mL de ropivacaína a 0,5% foram injetados no espaço cervical posterior entre o músculo esternocleidomastoideo e a fáscia prevertebral. A seguir, para o BPC superficial, 10 mL de ropivacaína a 0,5% foram injetados na região subcutânea adjacente à borda posterior do músculo esternocleidomastoideo, sem transfixar a fáscia de revestimento. Analgo-sedação intermitente com infusão alvo-controlada de remifentanil (alvo de 0,5 ng.mL-1) foi usada para facilitar a inserção da prótese e a laringoscopia com fibra ótica. A técnica ofereceu via aérea segura durante a anestesia, boa condição para o cirurgião, possibilidade de monitorar a voz, além de ótimo conforto à paciente. Conclusões: O uso de anestesia regional é uma técnica promissora para o cuidado anestésico durante a TPI, especialmente em pacientes com via aérea comprometida.

Resultados polisomnográficos de pacientes adultos con parálisis de cuerdas vocales y diagnóstico de síndrome de apnea hipopnea obstructiva del sueño llevados a cordectomía posterior: estudio antes-después / Polisomnographic results of adult patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis and diagnosis of hypopnea sleep apnea syndrome managed with posterior cordectomy: study before-after

Introducción: la parálisis bilateral de cuerdas vocales (PBCV) y el síndrome de apnea hipoapnea obstructiva del sueño (SAHOS) son patologías que generan limitación respiratoria. Por tratarse de patologías obstructivas, es razonable considerar una posible relación. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio antes y después en dos centros universitarios de Bogotá. Se describieron frecuencias y medidas de tendencia central. Se utilizaron las pruebas de McNemar BoWker y T pareada o Wilcoxon, considerándose significativo un p <0,05. Resultados: se incluyeron 14 pacientes con PBCV manejados con cordectomía posterior transversa. 100 % fueron del género femenino y la media de edad de 51,2±10,73 años. El promedio de índice de masa corporal (IMC) fue 25,42±5,4, 50 % tuvieron IMC normal. La severidad del SAHOS fue leve (42,9 %), moderada (28,6 %) y severa (28,6 %). La intervención fue exitosa en un 64,28 %, lo que evidencia una reducción del 54 % del índice apnea/hipopnea (IAH) prequirúrgico comparado con el posquirúrgico (p = 0,029), 85,6 % reducción en el índice de apneas obstructivas (p = 0,017), en el índice de hipopneas en 52 % (p = 0,028) y la latencia del sueño en 33,3 % (p = 0,025). Otras variables no mostraron diferencias significativas (p >0,05). Conclusiones e importancia clínica: los resultados descritos evidencian una relación estadísticamente significativa del SAHOS y la PBCV. Los pacientes con PBCV se beneficiaron del uso de la cordectomía posterior como intervención terapéutica ya que disminuye los índices de severidad del SAHOS y, por ende, mejora la calidad de vida de los pacientes.

Background: bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVFP) and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) are pathologies that generate respiratory limitation. As they are obstructive airway diseases, it is reasonable to consider a possible relationship. Materials and methods: a before and after study was performed, in two university centers in Bogotá, frequencies and measures of central tendency were described. The McNemar BoWker and paired T or Wilcoxon tests were used, considering p <0.05 significant. Results: 14 patients were managed with transverse posterior cordectomy. 100 % were female and the mean age of 51.2±10.73 years. The average BMI was 25.42±5.4, 50 % had normal BMI. OSAHS severity was mild 42.9 %, moderate 28.6 % and severe 28.6 % disease classification. The intervention was successful in 64.28 %, there was a 54 % reduction in presurgical Apnea Hypopnea Index compared to the post-surgical one (p = 0.029), 85.6 % reduction in the index of obstructive apneas (p = 0.017), in the index of hypopneas in 52 % (p = 0.028) and sleep latency in 33.3 % (p = 0.025). Other variables showed no significant differences (p >0.05). Conclusions: the results described show a statistically significant relationship between OSAHS and BVFP. Patients with BVFP benefited from the use of posterior cordectomy as a therapeutic intervention reducing the severity rates of OSAHS and thus improving the quality of life of patients.

Split cricoídeo posterior endoscópico con injerto de cartílago costal / Endoscopic posterior cricoid split with costal cartilage graft

RESUMEN A pesar de los avances en cirugía de vía aérea, tanto abierta como endoscópica, la inmovilidad bilateral de cuerdas vocales continúa representando un desafio significativo para los cirujanos de vía aérea. Entre las alternativas quirúrgicas existen tanto abordajes endoscópicos como transcervicales, no obstante, la mayoría de estas técnicas modifican estructuralmente regiones de la cuerda vocal y/o aritenoides de manera permanente. La traqueostomía ha sido el tratamiento de elección en niños con inmovilidad bilateral de cuerdas vocales severamente sintomática, sin embargo, el procedimiento ideal debiese establecer una vía aérea adecuada evitando la necesidad de realizar una traqueostomía, y a la vez no generar un deterioro de la función fonatoria. La capacidad de expandir el aspecto glótico posterior sin modificación estructural de aritenoides y/o ligamento vocal ha convertido a la sección cricoidea posterior endoscópica con injerto de cartílago costal en una alternativa quirúrgica atractiva para estos casos. En este trabajo se realiza una revisión de la literatura y presenta un caso tratado mediante esta técnica en el Hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente de Concepción, Chile.

ABSTRACT Despite advances in both open and endoscopic airway surgery, bilateral vocal cord immobility still poses a significant challenge for airway surgeons. Among the surgical alternatives there are both endoscopic and transcervical approaches. However, most of these techniques structurally modify certain regions of the vocal cord and/or arytenoids permanently. Tracheostomy has been the treatment of choice in severely symptomatic children with bilateral immobility of vocal cords. Nevertheless, the ideal procedure should establish an adequate airway, avoiding the need to perform a tracheostomy, and at the same time not causing a deterioration of the phonatory function. The ability to expand the posterior glottis without structural modification of the arytenoids and/or vocal ligament has converted the posterior endoscopic cricoid split with costal cartilage graft into an attractive surgical alternative for these cases. In this article we review the literature and present a case treated by this technique in the Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital in Concepción, Chile.

Laryngeal and vocal alterations after thyroidectomy / Alterações laríngeas e vocais após tireoidectomia

Abstract Introduction: Dysphonia is a common symptom after thyroidectomy. Objective: To analyze the vocal symptoms, auditory-perceptual and acoustic vocal, videolaryngoscopy, the surgical procedures and histopathological findings in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Methods: Prospective study. Patients submitted to thyroidectomy were evaluated as follows: anamnesis, laryngoscopy, and acoustic vocal assessments. Moments: pre-operative, 1st post (15 days), 2nd post (1 month), 3rd post (3 months), and 4th post (6 months). Results: Among the 151 patients (130 women; 21 men). Type of surgery: lobectomy + isthmectomy n = 40, total thyroidectomy n = 88, thyroidectomy + lymph node dissection n = 23. Vocal symptoms were reported by 42 patients in the 1st post (27.8%) decreasing to 7.2% after 6 months. In the acoustic analysis, f0 and APQ were decreased in women. Videolaryngoscopies showed that 144 patients (95.3%) had normal exams in the preoperative moment. Vocal fold palsies were diagnosed in 34 paralyzes at the 1st post, 32 recurrent laryngeal nerve (lobectomy + isthmectomy n = 6; total thyroidectomy n = 17; thyroidectomy + lymph node dissection n = 9) and 2 superior laryngeal nerve (lobectomy + isthmectomy n = 1; Total thyroidectomy + lymph node dissection n = 1). After 6 months, 10 patients persisted with paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (6.6%). Histopathology and correlation with vocal fold palsy: colloid nodular goiter (n = 76; palsy n = 13), thyroiditis (n = 8; palsy n = 0), and carcinoma (n = 67; palsy n = 21). Conclusion: Vocal symptoms, reported by 27.8% of the patients on the 1st post decreased to 7% in 6 months. In the acoustic analysis, f0 and APQ were decreased. Transient paralysis of the vocal folds secondary to recurrent and superior laryngeal nerve injury occurred in, respectively, 21% and 1.3% of the patients, decreasing to 6.6% and 0% after 6 months.

Resumo Introdução: A disfonia é um sintoma comum após a tireoidectomia. Objetivo: Analisar os sintomas vocais, auditivo-perceptivos e acústica vocal, videolaringoscopia, procedimento cirúrgico e achados histopatológicos em pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia. Método: Estudo prospectivo. Pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia foram avaliados da seguinte forma: anamnese, laringoscopia e avaliações vocais acústicas. Momentos: pré-operatório, 1ª avaliação pós (15 dias), 2ª avaliação pós (1 mês), 3ª avaliação pós (3 meses) e 4ª avaliação pós-operatória (6 meses). Resultados: Dos 151 pacientes, 130 eram mulheres e 21, homens. Tipos de cirurgia: lobectomia + istmectomia n = 40, tireoidectomia total n = 88, tireoidectomia + dissecção de linfonodo n = 23. Sintomas vocais foram relatados por 42 pacientes na 1ª avaliação pós-operatória (27,8%), reduzidos para 7,2% após 6 meses. Na análise acústica, f0 e APQ estavam diminuídos nas mulheres. As videolaringoscopias mostraram que 144 pacientes (95,3%) tiveram exames normais no momento pré-operatório. Paralisia das cordas vocais foi diagnosticada em 34 pacientes na 1ª avaliação pós-operatória, 32 do nervo laríngeo recorrente (lobectomia + istmectomia - n = 6; tireoidectomia total - n = 17; tireoidectomia total + dissecção de linfonodos - n = 9) e 2 do nervo laríngeo superior (lobectomia + istmectomia - n = 1; tireoidectomia total + dissecção de linfonodos - n = 1). Após 6 meses, 10 pacientes persistiram com paralisia do nervo laríngeo recorrente (6,6%). Histopatologia e correlação com paralisia das cordas vocais: bócio coloide nodular (n = 76; paralisia n = 13), tireoidite (n = 8; paralisia n = 0) e carcinoma (n = 67; paralisia n = 21). Conclusão: Os sintomas vocais, relatados por 27,8% dos pacientes na 1ª avaliação pós-operatória, diminuíram para 7% em 6 meses. Na análise acústica, f0 e APQ diminuíram. A paralisia transitória de cordas vocais secundária à lesão do nervo laríngeo recorrente e nervo laríngeo superior ocorreu, respectivamente, em 21% e 1,3% dos pacientes, reduziu-se para 6,6% e 0% após 6 meses.

Loud and clear: A case report on Ortner’s Syndrome (Cardiovocal Syndrome)

Introduction@#Ortner’s syndrome encompasses any intrathoracic process resulting to stretching of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The stress to this nerve weakens the intrinsic muscles of the larynx and manifests as vocal hoarseness.@*Case@#A 46-year-old female was admitted due to progressive hoarseness. She tolerated this for six months until the onset of other symptoms like orthopnea, bipedal edema, and chest pain. She consulted various doctors and was initially diagnosed with chronic laryngitis from gastroesophageal reflux disease. She was given omeprazole and spironolactone that afforded little help. On examination, the precordium was dynamic with heaves and thrills, PMI was displaced, and systolic murmurs were heard. The ECG revealed left ventricular hypertrophy with left atrial abnormalities. Chest radiograph showed leftsided cardiomegaly. A 2D-echocardiogram divulged severe mitral regurgitation, anterior mitral valve leaflet thickening, and dilated left atrium. Therefore, the impression was Ortner’s syndrome, rheumatic heart disease. The patient underwent mitral valve replacement. She was given warfarin, bisoprolol, losartan, spironolactone, and vitamin B complex. At subsequent visits, she reported improvement in her voice. Penicillin injections were also given as secondary prophylaxis. A repeat 2D-echocardiogram displayed a decrease in size of the left atrium.@*Conclusion@#This case has emphasized three important points: First, a comprehensive history and physical examination is vital to reach the correct diagnosis. Second, once the common causes of hoarseness have been excluded yet symptoms persist, it is therefore prudent to look beyond the larynx. And third, the vocal cord paralysis experienced by the patient is just the tip of the iceberg. Her heart is the one dying to be heard.

Morbidity outcomes of prophylactic central neck dissection with total thyroidectomy versus total thyroidectomy alone in patients with node-negative papillary thyroid cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies

@#<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The primary objective of this meta-analysis is to compare locoregional recurrence, vocal cord paralysis, and permanent hypoparathyroidism in patients with thyroid papillary carcinoma without neck node metastases, after total thyroidectomy with and without prophylactic central neck dissection.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Two independent reviewers performed a detailed literature search of MEDLINE (PubMed), HERDIN and Cochrane Library electronic databases to assess research studies until 2018 for inclusion. The primary endpoints of locoregional recurrence, permanent hypoparathyroidism, and vocal cord paralysis were included in the assessment.</p><p><strong>Design:           </strong>Meta-analysis of Retrospective Cohort Studies</p><p><strong>Setting:          </strong>University Hospitals and Tertiary Referral Centers</p><p><strong>Participants:            </strong>Patients with node-negative papillary thyroid cancer who underwent either total thyroidectomy alone or total thyroidectomy with prophylactic central neck dissection (either unilateral or bilateral).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This meta-analysis showed that there is a significantly increased risk for locoregional recurrence in the total thyroidectomy alone group (1.96% TT with pCND VS 2.60% TT, RR=0.62, 95% Cl=0.40-0.95, p=.03), permanent hypoparathyroidism in the total thyroidectomy with prophylactic central neck dissection group (5.72% TT with pCND vs 3.34% TT, RR=2.19, 95% Cl=1.62-2.98, p=.00001) and no significant difference for vocal cord paralysis between the 2 groups (RR=1.56, 95% Cl=0.86-2.84, p=.14).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This meta-analysis revealed that performing pCND in patients with node-negative PTC increases the risk of morbidity for hypoparathyroidism but not for vocal cord paralysis. More importantly, the incidence of recurrence is decreased in the pCND group, which may have implications on the overall survival of patients. The benefit of performing pCND may outweigh the risk but the role of prophylactic CND in the treatment of patients with PTC with clinically negative lymph nodes is still debatable in terms of overall survival.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Keywords:</strong>  thyroidectomy, complications; neck dissection; papillary thyroid carcinoma; lymph node dissection; recurrence; vocal cord paralysis; hypoparathyroidism</p>

Lower Cranial Nerve Palsy Due to Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia

No abstract available.

Asymmetric crying facies and vocal cord paralysis accompanied by congenital heart disease in an infant / 中国当代儿科杂志

A female infant was admitted to the hospital due to perioral cyanosis two hours after birth. The infant was born at the gestational age of 35 weeks by cesarean section with a birth weight of 2 400 g. Physical examination revealed wry mouth to the left side while crying, small auricles, and high palatal arch; fibrolaryngoscopy suggested bilateral vocal cord paralysis; echocardiography suggested ventricular septal defect; single nucleotide polymorphism testing showed 22q11.21 microdeletion. Therefore, the infant was given a definite diagnosis of asymmetric crying facies syndrome accompanied by 22q11.21 microdeletion. After 8-month follow-up, the infant still had asymmetric crying facies with presence of growth retardation.

Laryngeal granulomas in patients after two-jaw surgery: Four cases report

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal intubation can cause focal ischemia, damage or edema to the laryngeal mucosa, and may be followed by serious complications such as vocal cord paralysis, ulcers, and granulation tissue formation. Laryngeal granuloma is rare but also a significant late complication of endotracheal intubation, and anesthesiologists should be concerned about it.CASE: We experienced four cases of laryngeal granuloma that developed after two-jaw surgery January 2017–December 2018 in our hospital and would like to report these cases with brief review of literature.CONCLUSIONS: There are frequent movements on the head and neck in maxillofacial surgery and the nasotracheal intubation should be prolonged after bimaxillary osteotomy surgery because of post-operative airway problems. This may be why two-jaw surgery may have higher occurrence of laryngeal granuloma than others.

Quantitative Measurement of Laryngeal Electromyography Using Motor Unit Action Potential in Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) is valuable to evaluate the innervation status of the laryngeal muscles and the prognosis of vocal fold paralysis (VFP). However, there is a lack of agreement on quantitative interpretation of LEMG. The aim of this study is to measure the motor unit action potentials (MUAP) quantitatively in order to find cut-off values of amplitude, duration, phase for unilateral vocal fold paralysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Retrospective chart review was performed for the unilateral VFP patients who underwent LEMG from March 2016 to May 2018. Patient's demography, cause of VFP, vocal cord mobility, and LEMG finding were analyzed. The difference between normal and paralyzed vocal folds and cut-off values of duration, amplitude, and phase in MUAP were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were enrolled in this study. Paralyzed vocal fold had significantly longer duration (p=0.021), lower amplitude (p=0.000), and smaller phase (p=0.012) than the normal. The cut-off values of duration, amplitude, and phase in MUAP for unilateral VFP were 5.15 ms, 68.35 µV, and 1.85 respectively. CONCLUSION: An analysis of MUAP successfully provided quantitative differences between normal and paralyzed vocal folds. But, additional research is needed to get more available cut-off value which is helpful to evaluate the status of laryngeal innervations.

A Case of Recurred Herpes Zoster Oticus Concomitantly Occurred with Zoster Laryngopharyngitis Without Vocal Cord Palsy

Herpes zoster oticus is one of complication of varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation in the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve, which is the most common presentation of herpes zoster in the head and neck region. However, VZV infection of the larynx has rarely been described in the literature compared with Herpes zoster oticus. Moreover, zoster laryngopharyngitis simultaneously occurred with recurred Herpes zoster oticus which has no newly developing motor dysfunction has not been reported yet. Therefore, these diseases are difficult to diagnose due to its rareness. However, distinctive appearances such as unilateral herpetic mucosal eruptions and vesicles are useful and essential in making a quick and accurate diagnosis. Thus, we report a characteristic case of zoster laryngopharyngitis simultaneously occurred with recurred Herpes zoster oticus not accompanied by any newly developing motor palsy.

A Case of Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Combined with Facelift Modified Radical Neck Dissection / 대한이비인후과학회지

We recently experienced a case of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy combined with a modified radical neck dissection (MRND) using a facelift approach in a patient with keloid-prone skin. A 35-year-old female was diagnosed with a papillary thyroid carcinoma, which was 1.2 cm in diameter and showed level II-III lateral cervical metastases. The patient required total thyroidectomy and MRND; however, she was concerned about the neck incision because she had keloid-prone skin. We first performed a transoral, endoscopic total thyroidectomy combined with bilateral central node dissection via a tri-vestibular approach, and then followed it by MRND (II-V) using a facelift approach with the Da Vinci robotic system. We noted no significant complications, such as vocal cord palsy, hypoparathyroidism, or permanent loss of the lower lip or auricle. This new method of combining transoral and facelift approaches will be useful for patients with small thyroid cancers and lateral neck metastases.

The Evaluation of the Short-Term Voice Outcome of Injection Laryngoplasty Using Two Types of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse versus Facetem) / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Radiesse® is a widely used calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) injection material used for vocal fold injection. Recently, a new CaHA injection material (Facetem ®) which complements the structural disadvantages of Radiesse has been developed and released in the market. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and short-term voice outcome of these two CaHA materials. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A retrospective analysis was performed for 70 patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis who underwent vocal fold injection using CaHA materials. Acoustic voice analysis, maximal phonation time (MPT), voice handicap index (VHI), and Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain (GRBAS) scale were evaluated between Radiesse and Facetem injection group. RESULTS: Both groups showed a signifcant improvement of MPT, VHI, and G, B, A scale after injection. The Facetem group showed similar voice improvement as the Radiesse group, where pre- and postoperatively objective and subjective voice evaluation results were compared. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals that there is no significant difference in efficacy and nor any short-term vocal improvement between Radiesse and Facetem. Therefore, the use of Facetem as CaHA injection material could be considered as an alternative material for patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis.

Vocal cord paralysis after endotracheal intubation: an uncommon complication of general anesthesia / Paralisia de cordas vocais após intubação endotraqueal: uma complicação incomum da anestesia geral

Abstract Background: General anesthesia is a safe, frequent procedure in clinical practice. Although it is very unusual in procedures not related to head and or neck surgery, vocal cord paralysis is a serious and important complication. Incidence has been associated with patient age and comorbidities, as well as the position of the endotracheal tube and cuff. It can become a dangerous scenario because it predisposes aspiration. Objectives: To present a case and analyze the risk factors associated with increased risk of vocal cord paralysis described in the literature. Case report: 53 year-old diabetic man, who developed hoarseness in the postoperative period after receiving general anesthesia for an elective abdominal laparoscopic surgery. Otolaryngological evaluation showed left vocal cord paralysis. Conclusions: Vocal cord paralysis can be a serious complication of general anesthesia because of important voice dysfunction and risk of aspiration. The management is not yet fully established, so prevention and early diagnosis is essential.

Resumo Justificativa: A anestesia geral é um procedimento seguro e frequente na prática clínica. Embora seja muito rara em procedimentos não relacionados à cirurgia de cabeça ou pescoço, a paralisia das cordas vocais é uma complicação séria e importante. Sua incidência tem sido associada à idade e comorbidades do paciente, bem como à posição do tubo endotraqueal e seu balonete. A paralisia das cordas vocais pode ser uma condição perigosa porque predispõe à aspiração. Objetivos: Apresentar um caso e analisar os fatores de risco associados ao aumento do risco de paralisia das cordas vocais descritos na literatura. Relato de caso: Paciente do sexo masculino, 53 anos, diabético, que desenvolveu rouquidão no pós-operatório após anestesia geral para cirurgia laparoscópica abdominal eletiva. A avaliação otorrinolaringológica mostrou paralisia da corda vocal esquerda. Conclusão: A paralisia de cordas vocais pode ser uma complicação séria da anestesia geral devido ao risco grave de disfunção da voz e aspiração. O manejo dessa condição ainda não está totalmente estabelecido, de modo que a prevenção e o diagnóstico precoce são essenciais.