[Advantages of pH-impedance monitoring in gastroesophageal reflux and dysphagia investigations]. / Apport de la pH-impédancemétrie au diagnostic du reflux gastro- oesophagien et de la dysphagie.

ENT symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux are frequent. pH-impedance can detect acid and non-acid reflux and measure their proximal extension. The technique identifies the refluxate by changes in impedance. We discuss 2 clinical situations where correlation of symptoms could be explained by a non-acid reflux in the first case, and a lack of acid suppression in the second case, respectively. These results lead to a specific additional treatment to proton pump inhibitors (PPI). This technology provides a better understanding of the pathogenesis of reflux laryngitis, and affords the prescription of PPI on a proven diagnosis. Detection of non-acid reflux leads to an optimized medical treatment.

Meyer's surgical procedure for the treatment of lip carcinoma.

Lip carcinomas are generally treated by surgery. A reconstruction is often required if the resected segment exceeds one-third of the lip. Meyer's plasty is an alternate way of reconstructing the lower or upper lip. The aim of this study is to describe the technique, its indications and results. A retrospective review of all patients who underwent a Meyer's plasty in our institution is presented. Twenty-four consecutive patients were treated in Lausanne for T1 and T2 lip carcinomas between 1983 and 2001. Primary surgery associated with Meyer's plasty was performed in all cases. Data were collected from the medical records, and eight patients were recalled for clinical evaluation. The oncological, functional and aesthetic results were analyzed. The 5-year local control was 100%. Three patients developed metachronous lymph node metastasis. No patient died from the disease. A hindering microstomy was found in three cases, and two patients suffered from temporary oral leakage. No speech difficulty was encountered. The aesthetics was described as satisfying or good in 87% of the patients. Meyer's plasty following lip surgery of the upper or lower lip allows an aesthetic and functional one-stage reconstruction without compromising the oncological outcome.

Globus sensation and gastroesophageal reflux.

Recent studies suggest that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be a major cause of globus sensation. However, the incidence and severity of GERD in patients with globus sensation without reflux symptoms are unknown. In order to establish the relationship between globus sensation in the jugular fossa and GERD, 20 patients attending our ear, nose and throat (ENT) outpatient clinic with globus sensation were investigated with 24-h pH monitoring. A four-channel pH catheter was used with the pH electrodes spaced 5 cm apart in order to detect reflux along the whole length of the esophagus. Fifteen patients complained about globus sensation only; five patients complained additionally about classical reflux symptoms. Thirteen patients showed pathologic reflux measurements. Most of the patients had reflux limited to the distal one-third of the esophagus. Patients with pathologic pH measurements were treated with proton pump inhibitors. Ten out of 13 patients improved with treatment. This study suggests that globus may be associated with reflux, and acidity does not have to reach the pharynx to produce globus sensation.

Functional analysis after supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess prospectively speech and swallowing function in a series of 17 patients after supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: From 1983 to 1996, 69 patients at Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, CHUV (Lausanne, Switzerland) underwent a supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy. Seventeen of them (25%) could be contacted and accepted participation in a functional evaluation that included a questionnaire to document their present nutritional status and diet. A formal voice evaluation was also performed, which included psychoacoustic evaluation of vocal qualities, fundamental frequency parameters, phonation intensity range, phonatory quotient (vital capacity divided by maximum phonation time), and a laryngeal video laryngoscopy performed with a rigid endoscope. RESULTS: Median postoperative follow-up was 66 months (range, 12-152 mo). Nine of 17 patients (53%) recovered a normal diet with no increased incidence of aspirations. Seven of 17 had minor limitations such as no peanuts, dry bread, or rice. Two of 17 patients were restricted to pureed food. Assessment of voice showed a clearly decreased mean fundamental frequency at 70.1 Hz (normal range, 121-211 Hz) and a narrowed frequency range of phonation with a mean value of 8.8 semitones (normal value, 27). Forty-two percent of the patients went back to their normal professional life after the operation. Among the 10 who did not, 3 (16%) retired and 7 actually had to give up their profession, because of the modification of their voice or general asthenia and age close to retirement. CONCLUSION: Restoration of laryngeal function after supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy is satisfactory. Although most of the patients seem to recover normal swallowing function, severe voice alterations appear to be inevitable.

Jejunum free graft for reconstruction of circular defects after total pharyngolaryngectomy

Durante tres años, a 12 pacientes se les realizó reconstrucción con interposición de colgajo libre de jejuno posterior a faringolaringectomía circular por carcinoma epidermoide de laringe e hipofaringe. Tres pacientes no tenían ningún tratamiento previo. Nueve pacientes se trataban de recidiva de tratamientos previos (Radioterapia y/o Cirugía). Nueve (75 por ciento) de los pacientes presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias, cinco (42 por ciento) de ellos presentaron complicación y cuatro (33 por ciento) tenían múltiples complicaciones. Dos pacientes (17 por ciento) recidivaron en cuatro meses. La tasa de supervivencia global (OS) a los 20 meses fue de 41 por ciento. La supervivencia relacionada a la enfermedad (DRS) fue de 67 por ciento y la incidencia de la recidiva (IR) fue de 38 por ciento