Dysphagia After Partial Horizontal Supracricoid Laryngectomy: A Close Look.

Partial horizontal supracricoid laryngectomy (SCPL) with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) is a conservative surgical alternative for laryngeal cancer in the glottic or supraglottic region. Dysphagia and aspiration are frequently reported consequences of this surgery. We describe the case of a 72-year-old male patient diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (T2N0M0), who underwent SCPL with CHEP reconstruction. The patient was initially fed through a nasogastric tube post-surgery, later replaced by a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. Swallowing evaluations were periodically conducted in collaboration with a speech therapist using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). In FEES assessments, the patient consistently presented with laryngeal penetration and possible tracheal aspiration. These findings were confirmed by VFSS. Additionally, a narrowing of the initial segment of the cervical esophagus was observed, caused by a large osteophyte in the anterior region of the C5 vertebral body, compromising the passage of the bolus, and leading to its accumulation above the upper esophageal sphincter and subsequent entry into the airway. Rehabilitation exercises for swallowing were recommended, maintaining an exclusive PEG diet. Three months after rehabilitation, a follow-up VFSS revealed that, for pasty consistency, the accumulation of the bolus above the cervical osteophyte was resolved with multiple swallows, without evidence of penetration or aspiration. Thus, it was possible to introduce oral intake of pasty consistency. Considering the anatomical and physiological complexity of swallowing, along with patient-specific characteristics, predicting the rehabilitation time for reconstructive laryngeal surgery is challenging. This case emphasizes the importance of a collaborative evaluation involving otorhinolaryngologists, speech therapists, and radiologists in studying dysphagia in patients undergoing conservative laryngeal surgeries to adapt and personalize rehabilitation.

Surgical Closure of Tracheoesophageal Puncture Without a Flap Interposition.

Tracheoesophageal puncture for voice prosthesis placement is often used in vocal rehabilitation of patients undergoing total laryngectomy. Although its closure can occur spontaneously, some patients require a surgical procedure. We propose a surgical technique, without flap interposition, that begins with careful separation of the esophagus and trachea and identification of the site of tracheoesophageal fistula. After continuous suture closure of the esophagus, the anterior segment of the first tracheal rings is vertically incised to facilitate tracheal closure in a suture without tension. Finally, a small pectoral skin flap is made and mobilized to suture to the free edges of the sectioned tracheal rings, thus reducing the risk of tracheal stenosis. Four patients underwent this procedure with uneventful postoperative evolution and permanent closure of the fistula.

Laryngeal chondrosarcoma--ten years of experience.

INTRODUCTION: Laryngeal involvement by cartilaginous tumors is rare. However, although accounting for only 1% of laryngeal tumor pathology, they are the most frequently occurring non-epithelial neoplasms. The most probable location is the endolaryngeal surface of the cricoid cartilage. Their symptoms are variable, depending on the size and location, and may include hoarseness, stridor, and dyspnea. Treatment is based on surgical excision. Some centers take into account the degree of differentiation and whether it is a case of relapse when deciding to perform a radical resection. AIM: To evaluate this disease in a sample of the Portuguese population. METHODS: A review of the medical records from 2002 to 2012 by assessment of clinical processes was performed. Data on demographics, clinical treatments, and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Six patients were included in the study. Five of them underwent total laryngectomy, and in one case, partial excision of the thyroid cartilage was performed. None of the patients had either metastases or tumor-related death. CONCLUSION: Laryngeal chondrosarcomas remain a rare disease of unknown etiology, with slow and insidious symptoms. The treatment is surgical, with favorable prognosis, and metastases rarely occur. The main concern regards their propensity to relapse.

Laryngeal chondrosarcoma - Ten years of experience / Condrossarcoma da laringe - 10 anos de casuística

INTRODUCTION: Laryngeal involvement by cartilaginous tumors is rare. However, although accounting for only 1% of laryngeal tumor pathology, they are the most frequently occurring non-epithelial neoplasms. The most probable location is the endolaryngeal surface of the cricoid cartilage. Their symptoms are variable, depending on the size and location, and may include hoarseness, stridor, and dyspnea. Treatment is based on surgical excision. Some centers take into account the degree of differentiation and whether it is a case of relapse when deciding to perform a radical resection. AIM: To evaluate this disease in a sample of the Portuguese population. METHODS: A review of the medical records from 2002 to 2012 by assessment of clinical processes was performed. Data on demographics, clinical treatments, and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Six patients were included in the study. Five of them underwent total laryngectomy, and in one case, partial excision of the thyroid cartilage was performed. None of the patients had either metastases or tumor-related death. CONCLUSION: Laryngeal chondrosarcomas remain a rare disease of unknown etiology, with slow and insidious symptoms. The treatment is surgical, with favorable prognosis, and metastases rarely occur. The main concern regards their propensity to relapse. .

INTRODUÇÃO: O acometimento laríngeo por tumores cartilaginosos é raro. No entanto, apesar de representarem 1% da patologia tumoral laríngea, são as neoplasias não epiteliais mais frequentes. Localizam-se mais frequentemente na face endolaríngea da cartilagem cricóide. Tem sintomatologia variável consoante o tamanho e a localização, podendo incluir disfonia, estridor e dispneia. O tratamento é essencialmente cirúrgico. Alguns centros levam em conta o grau de diferenciação e de se tratar ou não de recidiva, quando da decisão de ressecção mais ou menos radical. OBJETIVO: Avaliar esta patologia numa amostra da população portuguesa. MÉTODO: Revisão da casuística no intervalo de tempo 2002-2012, através de consulta dos processos clínicos. Foram coligidos os dados demográficos e clínicos relevantes, os tratamentos efetuados e os resultados. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos seis pacientes. Cinco foram submetidos à laringectomia total e um foi submetido à excisão da asa esquerda da cartilagem tiroide. Nenhum apresentou metástases ou morte relacionada com o tumor. CONCLUSÃO: Os condrossarcomas laríngeos permanecem como patologia rara, de etiologia desconhecida, com crescimento lento e clínica insidiosa. O tratamento é cirúrgico, com prognóstico favorável, com a metastização a ocorrer raramente. A maior preocupação decorre da sua propensão à recidiva. .