Laryngeal graft after total laryngectomy in humans: A SWiM analysis.

Evaluation of the results of laryngeal transplantation (LT) in humans. Analysis of 3 bibliographic databases with the keywords "larynx, transplantation, autograft". In total, 626 abstracts were read and 25 articles selected. The main objective was to analyze the characteristics of laryngeal transplant patients. The accessory objectives comprised analysis of operative technique, immunosuppressive treatment and results. Four articles were selected for analysis. Two patients were transplanted after total laryngectomy for laryngeal carcinoma and 2 after laryngeal trauma. Three of the 4 patients had true transplantation with arterial, venous and neural microanastomosis. Two patients were decannulated and the tracheostomy tube was maintained in the other 2. Three of the 4 patients had good-quality phonation and could feed without a gastric tube. One patient died of carcinoma progression and 1 patient had to be explanted 14 years after transplantation. The number of LTs reported is too small for scientific determination of the place of this intervention in laryngology. The published results could, at first sight, suggest that the future of LT is uncertain. However, several elements, also suggest that otolaryngologists should continue to take an interest in this technique.

Short-term hearing outcome of malleus removal for surgery: An observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The main goal of the present study was to assess hearing outcome for malleus removal in cholesteatoma surgery compared to a group with malleus conservation. The secondary aim was to compare the auditory involvement of the stapes between the two groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center observational study included adult patients operated on by ossiculoplasty for acquired cholesteatoma between 2015 and 2019. Endpoints comprised improvement in pure-tone average air-bone gap (PTA-ABG) and air-bone gap (ABG) at conversational frequencies and, independently, per frequency. 136 patients were included: 95 with conserved malleus (M+) and 41 with malleus removal (M(). Mean time to audiometric follow-up was 9 months in both groups. RESULTS: The PTA-ABG improvement was 4.4±12.6dB for the M+ group and 3.8±13.4dB for the M- group, with no significant significance (P=0.8). Better results (not exceeding 7.5dB) were found for the M+ group at 2 and 8kHz (P=0.3 and P=0.052 respectively). Presence or absence of the stapes did not affect the results in either group. CONCLUSION: Those results suggest a negligible role of the malleus in early hearing outcome of tympanoplasty for cholesteatoma. A slight improvement was observed in the M+ group at 2 and 8kHz, but its interpretation remains uncertain.

The Regenerative Effect of Trans-spinal Magnetic Stimulation After Spinal Cord Injury: Mechanisms and Pathways Underlying the Effect.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to a loss of sensitive and motor functions. Currently, there is no therapeutic intervention offering a complete recovery. Here, we report that repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation (rTSMS) can be a noninvasive SCI treatment that enhances tissue repair and functional recovery. Several techniques including immunohistochemical, behavioral, cells cultures, and proteomics have been performed. Moreover, different lesion paradigms, such as acute and chronic phase following SCI in wild-type and transgenic animals at different ages (juvenile, adult, and aged), have been used. We demonstrate that rTSMS modulates the lesion scar by decreasing fibrosis and inflammation and increases proliferation of spinal cord stem cells. Our results demonstrate also that rTSMS decreases demyelination, which contributes to axonal regrowth, neuronal survival, and locomotor recovery after SCI. This research provides evidence that rTSMS induces therapeutic effects in a preclinical rodent model and suggests possible translation to clinical application in humans.

Retropharyngeal lipostructure in the treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency: A prospective study and update.

INTRODUCTION: Retropharyngeal lipostructure is a recent procedure in velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), offering an effective alternative to heavier surgery. OBJECTIVES: To update and assess retropharyngeal lipostructure as a treatment for VPI in the University Hospital Center of Rouen (France). TYPE OF STUDY: Single-center prospective study, from May 2012 to May 2014. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six patients (4 girls, 2 boys) presenting with VPI were treated by retropharyngeal lipostructure. Age at surgery ranged between 6 and 12 years. Four of the patients bore a 22q11 microdeletion. Treatment was indicated in case of Borel-Maisonny type 2b (n=2) or 2m (n=4) despite well-conducted speech therapy and of≥50% velopharyngeal sphincter closure on nasal endoscopy. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at 3 months, by a multidisciplinary team. Borel-Maisonny type was assessed by a speech therapist. Nasality was measured on assisted vocal evaluation (EVA®). Sphincter closure was assessed on dynamic MRI. RESULTS: Between 6 and 8cm3autologous fat was injected. At 3months, 4 children showed 1-grade improvement in Borel-Maisonny type. Nasality decreased systematically, from a mean 14.5% preoperatively to 10.5% postoperatively. MRI showed improvement in all cases, with complete closure in occlusive vowels in 3 children. CONCLUSION: EVA® and MRI provide precise objective assessment of VPI. Retropharyngeal lipostructure is a simple, relatively non-invasive, reproducible technique, providing good results in VPI.

Sensorineural hearing loss in patients with vestibular schwannoma correlates with the presence of utricular hydrops as diagnosed on heavily T2-weighted MRI.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess whether the volume of the vestibular endolymphatic space correlates with the degree of hearing loss using heavily T2-weighted fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition with cycle phase (FIESTA-C) MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 23 patients with vestibular schwannoma, as diagnosed on typical image findings, who underwent FIESTA-C MRI were included. There were 13 women and 10 men with a mean age of 63.5±9.3 (SD) years (range: 49-88years). Two radiologists independently evaluated the volume of the utricle and saccule. Correlation between tumor volume, vestibular endolymphatic space volume and degree of hearing loss - as evaluated with the levels of pure-tone average and speech recognition threshold - were searched for. RESULTS: The mean saccular, utricular and tumor volumes were 3.17±1.1 (SD) mm3 (range: 1.45-5.7mm3), 14.55±5 (SD) mm3; (range: 6.6-23.9mm3) and 17.4±5.5 (SD) mm3; (range: 8.3-25.4mm3), respectively. There was a moderate correlation between the volume of the utricle and the degree of hearing loss as evaluated with the levels of pure-tone average (rho=0.5; P=0.015) and speech recognition threshold (rho=0.58; P=0.004). There were no significant correlations between saccular and tumor volumes and the degree of hearing loss. CONCLUSION: The volume of the utricle in patients with obstructive vestibular schwannoma moderately correlates with the degree of hearing loss.

Modified first or second cervical nerve transplantation technique for the treatment of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy in horses.

BACKGROUND: In horses, the only established method for reinnervation of the larynx is the nerve-muscle pedicle implantation, whereas in human medicine, direct nerve implantation is a standard surgical technique for selective laryngeal reinnervation in human patients suffering from bilateral vocal fold paralysis. OBJECTIVES: (1) To describe a modified first or second cervical nerve transplantation technique for the treatment of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) in horses and (2) evaluate the outcomes of reinnervation using direct nerve needle-stimulation of the first cervical nerve and exercising endoscopy before and after surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Nerve transplantation surgery, in which the first or second cervical nerve is tunnelled through the atrophied left cricoarytenoideus dorsalis muscle, was performed in combination with ipsilateral laser ventriculocordectomy. Ultrasound-guided stimulation of the first cervical nerve at the level of the alar foramen was used to confirm successful reinnervation post-operatively. Exercising endoscopy was performed before and after surgery. The exercising RLN grade of the left arytenoid was blindly determined at the highest stride frequency for each examination. RESULTS: Surgery was performed in 17 client-owned animals with RLN. Reinnervation was confirmed by nerve stimulation and subsequent arytenoid abduction observed in 11 out of 12 cases between 4 and 12 months post-operatively. Fourteen horses had exercising endoscopy before and after surgery. Nine horses had an improved exercising RLN grade, four horses had the same exercising grade and one horse had a worse exercising grade after surgery. MAIN LIMITATIONS: A sham-operated control group was not included and follow-up beyond 12 months and objective performance data were not obtained. CONCLUSIONS: The modified first or second cervical nerve transplantation technique, using tunnelling and direct implantation of the donor nerve into the cricoarytenoideus dorsalis muscle, resulted in reinnervation in 11 out of 12 cases and improved exercising grade in 9 out of 14 horses within 12 months after surgery.

Lateral skull base chondroblastoma resected with facial nerve posterior transposition.

INTRODUCTION: Chondroblastoma is a rare tumor that can involve the temporal bone. Because it is a benign tumor, functional surgery must be proposed. We report a case of a patient with a massive chondroblastoma operated on with preservation of the facial nerve, and description of the surgical technique. CASE PRESENTATION: A 37-year-old man presented with a 9-month history of a growing left pre-auricular mass and hearing loss. Neuroimaging showed an osteolytic mass invading the temporal bone and temporomandibular joint. Excision was performed via a transpetrosal and transcochlear approach with posterior transposition of the facial nerve. EMG monitoring was effective in preventing facial palsy. Four years later, no sign of recurrence was observed. DISCUSSION: Chondroblastoma is a locally aggressive tumor, especially when located in the petrous bone and temporomandibular joint. The suggested treatment is a complete excision.

Transalar transsphenoidal meningoencephalocele presenting in the form of recurrent meningitis: Report of two cases and discussion of the diagnosis and treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Skull base meningoencephaloceles are rare congenital malformations. The two cases of transalar transsphenoidal malformation reported here differ from the classical transsphenoidal meningoencephalocele. CASE REPORTS: Case 1 was a three-and-a-half-year-old boy and case 2 was a 36-year-old man. Both cases presented with clinical features of recurrent meningitis. Surgical management of case 1 was performed via an intradural infratemporal fossa craniotomy with reoperation 2years later. In the second case, surgery was initially performed via an endonasal approach and then via pterional craniotomy. Reoperation via Sekhar's transpetrosal approach was also a failure. Only closure of the trigeminal-pontine angle via a suboccipital retrosigmoid approach allowed repair of the defect. DISCUSSION: Surgical access to the pterygopalatine fossa is complex due to its anatomical position and its anatomical relations with nerves and vessels. An endoscopic approach appears to be a valuable alternative to classical craniotomy. CONCLUSION: In the two cases reported here, neurosurgery allowed lasting closure of the defect.

[A tamponade complicating an acute eosinophilic pericarditis due to a myeloproliferative/myelodysplastic syndrome]. / Une tamponnade compliquant une péricardite à éosinophiles au cours d'un syndrome myéloprolifératif/myélodysplasique.

Cardiac involvement in eosinophilia is potentially fatal and requires early diagnosis and prompt treatment. We report here the case of a 71-year-old female patient with eosinophilia>10,000/mm(3) for 2 months due to a myeloproliferative/myelodysplastic syndrome, with a rapidly progressive exertional dyspnea explained by an important circumferential eosinophilic pericarditis. Due to a rapid evolution to a tamponade, an emergent surgical drainage was performed. Subsequent medical treatment combined high-dose corticosteroids (1mg/kg/day) with hydroxyurea and imatinib. The outcome was favourable with regression of the effusion, of the volume overload symptoms and decrease in eosinophilia.

Olfaction preservation after removal of large tuberculum sellae meningiomas via a superior interhemispheric approach. A quantitative and qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: We present a prospective series of tuberculum sellae meningioma (TSM) resected via a superior interhemispheric (IH) approach in 10 patients who preoperatively and postoperatively underwent extensive olfaction testing using a standardised test battery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective longitudinal study evaluated the olfactory function after TSM resection. The resection was performed via a superior interhemispheric (IH) approach. The quantitative and qualitative analyses of the olfactory function were assessed with the Biolfa(®) olfactory test (at 6 months). RESULTS: Between November 2009 and April 2012, 10 consecutive patients with symptomatic TSM and preserved olfactory function were operated via a superior IH approach. For the self-evaluation criteria of the olfactory function, the mean preoperative visual analog scale score was 8.8. The mean preoperative total quantitative (/27) scored 18.2 ± 6.3 for this cohort of 10 patients. In the postoperative period, the mean total score decreased non-significantly to 15.8 ± 8.8 (Wilcoxon test, P = 0.085). The mean preoperative qualitative score (/8) was 5.5 ± 1.7 and in the postoperative period decreased, non-significantly, to 4.7 ± 2.6 (Wilcoxon test, P = 0.12). The olfactory function was quantitatively and qualitatively preserved in 6 patients (60%), but a postoperative deterioration occurred in 2 (20%) and an anosmia in 2 (20%). Size and invasive characteristics of the meningioma determined the post-surgical deterioration. CONCLUSION: Olfaction is an important factor of emotional and social life, which needs to be integrated into the challenge regarding the resection of TSM. The risks of nerve damage are reviewed.

High numbers of mobilized CD34+ cells collected in AML in first remission are associated with high relapse risk irrespective of treatment with autologous peripheral blood SCT or autologous BMT.

The faster hematopoietic recovery after autologous peripheral blood SCT (APBSCT) in patients with AML may be offset by an increased relapse risk as compared with autologous BMT (ABMT). The EORTC and GIMEMA Leukemia Groups conducted a trial (AML-10) in which they compared, as second randomization, APBSCT and ABMT in first CR patients without an HLA compatible donor. A total of 292 patients were randomized. The 5-year DFS rate was 41% in the APBSCT arm and 46% in the ABMT arm with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.17; 95% confidence interval=0.85-1.59; P=0.34. The 5-year cumulative relapse incidence was 56% vs 49% (P=0.26), and the 5-year OS 50% and 55% (P=0.6) in the APBSCT and ABMT groups, respectively. APBSCT was associated with significantly faster recovery of neutrophils and platelets, shorter duration of hospitalization, reduced need of transfusion packed RBC and less days of intravenous antibiotics. In both treatment groups, higher numbers of mobilized CD34+ cells were associated with a significantly higher relapse risk irrespective of the treatment given after the mobilization. Randomization between APBSCT and ABMT did not result in significantly different outcomes in terms of DFS, OS and relapse incidence.

Assessment of chronic childhood dysphonia.

Chronic childhood dysphonia is a common condition in the school-age period. Perceived functional disorder is subjective and the alert is usually given by a person not belonging to the child's immediate environment. History-taking often suggests a malformation or acquired lesion. Functional assessment helps measure and diagnose the vocal impairment. Physical and endoscopic assessment in consultation is the key examination: it is only rarely impossible in children and can often found diagnosis. Additional examinations are sometimes necessary.

[Which prostheses to use in mesh sacrocolpopexy? Experimental and clinical study]. / Promontofixation : quelles prothèses choisir ? Étude expérimentale et clinique.

BACKGROUND: Sacrocolpopexy is the standard surgical treatment of genital prolapse of the upper vaginal wall. Nowadays, the laparotomy approach is progressively supplanted by the laparoscopic procedure for the same anatomical results. About sacrocolpopexy, to date it still remains details of the technique, which differ with surgical teams maintaining controversy. Among them, the choice of the meshes certainly creates debate. OBJECTIVES: To state the basic physicochemical principles which are necessary for surgeons to select the most suitable prosthetic material to obtain the most beneficial anatomic and functional outcomes for patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The concepts of prosthetic biocompatibility, strength, shrinkage, deformation and elasticity are discussed. They are illustrated by experimental animal references and also human clinical references. RESULTS: Macroporous polypropylene and polyester prostheses (pore size>1 mm) are properly integrated. Collagen prosthetic coating improves tissue integration. Absorbable and nonabsorbable ultralight prostheses expose patients to a high risk of recurrence. Multifilament polyester wide pore-side prostheses have less retraction and are more flexible than monofilament polypropylene prostheses. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The prosthetic cut-off weight below which the mesh does not offer any guarantee of strength is not precisely known. Moreover, the benefit of weight reduction is not proved. Currently, heavy weight multifilament polyester prostheses with wide pore size, more than 1mm, appear to be the most appropriate meshes for sacrocolpopexy without vaginal incision.

BRAF mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma: predictive value for long-term prognosis and radioiodine sensitivity.

OBJECTIVES: BRAF pV600E mutation is the most common oncogenic event and the most specific mutation for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Many studies over the last decade have shown a direct relationship between BRAF mutation and aggressive tumour characteristics, resulting in poor prognosis. However, several recent studies have suggested that BRAF mutation is not associated with poor prognosis of PTC. The present study was designed to evaluate the association between BRAF mutation with clinicopathological factors and tumour recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, BRAF mutation status was examined by direct sequencing on paraffin-embedded tumour specimens from 46 patients undergoing surgery for PTC in our institution from 1985 to 2000. The relationship between BRAF mutation and gender, advanced age, extrathyroid extension, multifocal tumour, cervical lymph node metastasis, tumour size and advanced pT stage of PTC and its predictive role for the risk of tumour recurrence were investigated with a median follow-up of 10.1 (±6.5)years. RESULTS: BRAF mutation was detected in 20 of the 46 patients (43.5%) included in the study. No statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between the presence of BRAF mutation and the various clinicopathological factors studied. No significant difference in tumour recurrence rate or radioiodine sensitivity was observed between the two subgroups: mutant BRAF and wild-type BRAF. CONCLUSION: Although BRAF mutation appears to play a role in local tumour progression, it is not a risk factor for poor prognosis or tumour recurrence in PTC.

Tacrolimus enhances the recovery of normal laryngeal muscle fibre distribution after reinnervation.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the recovery of various muscle fibre types in the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle after laryngeal reinnervation in the rat, and to determine the influence of tacrolimus on this process. METHODS: Four groups of rats underwent resection and anastomosis of the left vagus nerve, and were administered either tacrolimus at a low dose or an immunosuppressive dose, or cyclosporin A at a low dose or an immunosuppressive dose. A fifth group received surgery alone, and a sixth group received neither surgery nor drug treatment (healthy group). Muscles were removed for immunohistochemical analysis 45 days after surgery. RESULTS: There was no difference in the proportion of types 1, 2a and 2b muscle fibres, comparing the immunosuppressive tacrolimus group and the healthy group, whereas there were fewer type 1 fibres in the group receiving surgery alone, compared with the healthy group (7 vs 12.1 per cent, respectively; p = 0.0303). CONCLUSION: Tacrolimus enhanced the recovery of normal laryngeal muscle fibres after reinnervation in the rat, indicating a possible role in laryngeal transplantation.

Acquired cholesteatoma in children: strategies and medium-term results.

OBJECTIVES: To assess paediatric cholesteatoma surgical management strategies, residual disease and recurrence rates and especially the medium-term auditory impact. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 22 cases of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma selected from a series of 77 children under the age of 16 operated for cholesteatoma between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2003 on the basis of the following criteria: first-line surgical management with postoperative follow-up greater than four years. Surgical strategies, preoperative and postoperative (at 1 year and at the final visit) audiograms and residual disease and recurrence rates were analysed. RESULTS: A canal wall up tympanoplasty was performed in 82% of cases as first-line procedure and a canal wall down tympanoplasty was performed in 32% of cases. Residual cholesteatoma was observed in 9% of cases and recurrent disease was observed in 18% of cases. The mean preoperative hearing loss was 26dB with an air-bone gap of 23dB with values of 26dB and 20dB respectively at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The majority of children were operated by two-stage canal wall up tympanoplasty. Long-term hearing results remained stable and close to preoperative values. The recurrence rate (residual disease and relapse) was low (27%), as reported in the literature.

Laryngeal abnormalities are frequent in the 22q11 deletion syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The 22q11 microdeletion is a chromosomal disorder detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). It has been known since the 80s, and is involved in many malformative syndromes (DiGeorge sequence, VCFS syndrome, etc.). Airway abnormalities are frequently localized in the larynx, as reported in the following series. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of laryngeal abnormalities and 22q11 deletion in a tertiary referral center. RESULTS: Five cases of laryngeal abnormalities associated to 22q11 deletion syndrome (DS) were found in a series of 35 cases. Abnormalities encountered were subglottic stenosis (3%), glottic web (9%), laryngeal paralysis (9%), vocal nodule (3%), laryngomalacia (3%) associated with bronchial malposition (3%). CONCLUSION: Laryngeal abnormalities are relatively common (14% in this series) and important to recognize with the 22q11 deletion syndrome, especially if cardiac surgery is planed. Conversely, in case of laryngeal abnormalities associated to other malformation (like facial dysmorphia or cardiac malformation), the 22q11 deletion must be searched.