ABSTRACT
The pharyngoesophageal high pressure zone (PE-HPZ) was measured prelaryngectomy and postlaryngectomy with a new force-summing probe that accounts for sphincter pressure asymmetry. A total of 31 patients were studied six times each. Postoperatively, pressures dropped from 130+/-24 mm Hg to 66+/-9 mm Hg. After a standardized, intensive laryngectomy rehabilitation program, 12 of 19 postoperative patients acquired acceptable esophageal speech and 7 did not. Speakers and nonspeakers were found to have nearly identical PE-HPZ pressures (speakers = 70+/-10 mm Hg, nonspeakers = 59+/-18 mm Hg). Differences in sphincter length or relaxation likewise did not discriminate between these two groups. We conclude that PE-HPZ pressure is not a critical determinant of the acquisition of esophageal speech.
Subject(s)
Laryngeal Neoplasms/physiopathology , Laryngectomy , Aged , Esophagus/physiopathology , Humans , Laryngeal Neoplasms/surgery , Laryngectomy/rehabilitation , Larynx/physiopathology , Manometry , Middle Aged , Postoperative Period , Preoperative Care , Pressure , Speech Therapy , Speech, EsophagealABSTRACT
A patient with a symptomatic duodenal duplication cyst demonstrated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is presented. This lesion usually does not communicate with duodenal lumen but should be added to the list of cystic duodenal lesions demonstrable by ERCP. ERCP preoperatively is helpful to the surgeon in isolating adjacent duct structures but cyst wall histology is mandatory for correct anatomic diagnosis as this lesion has often been confused with Type III choledochal cysts.
