Hyperspectral imaging for monitoring of free flaps of the oral cavity: A feasibility study.

OBJECTIVES: Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) provides spectral information about hemoglobin, water and oxygen supply and has thus great potential in perfusion monitoring. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of HSI in the postoperative monitoring of intraoral free flaps. METHODS: The 14 patients receiving reconstructive head and neck surgery with a radial forearm free flap were included. HSI was performed intraoperatively (t0), on Day 1 (t1), 2 (t2), 3-6 (t3), 7-9 (t4), 10-11 (t5) and 12-15 (t6) postoperatively. Flap tissue perfusion was assessed on defined regions of interest by calculating the perfusion indices Tissue Hemoglobin Index (THI), hemoglobin oxygenation (StO2 ), Near Infrared Perfusion Index (NIR Perfusion Index) and Tissue Water Index (TWI). RESULTS: Image quality varied depending on location of the flap and time of measurement. StO2 was >50 intraoperatively and >40 on t1 for all patients. A significant difference was found solely for TWI between t0 and t2 and t0 and t4. No flap loss occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The use of HSI in the monitoring of intraoral flaps is feasible and might become a valuable addition to the current clinical examination of free flaps.

[Child with a vascularized throat mass]. / Kind mit gefäßreichem "Kloß" im Hals.

We report the case of an 11-year-old girl with difficultly speaking and a history of singular, self-limiting oral bleeding. Clinical and radiological examination in the emergency room showed a vascularized tumor of the base of the tongue, which almost completely occluded the oropharynx. After complex anesthesiologic preparation and endoluminal embolization, the tumor was safely removed by transoral laser microsurgery. Histology revealed a rare benign schwannoma of the oropharynx. Further clinical examinations and genetic screening were recommended.

Anatomical Variations of the Epitympanum and the Usable Space for Middle Ear Implants Analyzed With CT-assisted Imaging Using a Tablet-based Software.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate interindividual anatomical variations of the epitympanum and the usable space for implantation of active middle ear implants (AMEI) as well as the usefulness of a tablet-based software to assess individual anatomy on computed tomography (CT) scans. PATIENTS: CT scans of 126 patients, scheduled for cochlea implantation (50.8% men; 0.6-90.0 yr) without middle ear malformations or previous middle ear surgery and with slice thickness ≤0.7 mm were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Since no standardized measurements to assess the size of the epitympanum are available, relevant distances were defined according to anatomical landmarks. Three independent raters measured these distances using a tablet-based software. Interrater correlation was computed to evaluate the quality of the measurement process. Descriptive data were analyzed for validation and for evaluation of interindividual anatomical variations. Influence of age and sex on the taken measurements was assessed. RESULTS: No relevant correlation between age or sex and the anatomy of the epitympanum was found. Interrater correlation ranged from Spearman's ρ = 0.3-0.9 and there were significant differences between individual rater results for various combinations. Descriptive data revealed high interindividual anatomical variance of the epitympanum, especially regarding the distance between incus and skull base. CONCLUSION: The reported descriptive data regarding the anatomy of the epitympanum emphasizes the importance of preoperative planning, especially since the height of the epitympanum showed great interindividual variance potentially limiting implantation of AMEIs. The herein used tablet-based software seems to be convenient for preoperative assessment of individual anatomy in the hand of otosurgeons.

Audiological results and subjective benefit of an active transcutaneous bone-conduction device in patients with congenital aural atresia.

PURPOSE: To review functional and subjective benefit after implantation of an active transcutaneous bone conduction device (BCD) in patients with congenital microtia with atresia or stenosis of the external auditory canal. METHODS: Retrospective chart analysis and questionnaire on the subjective impression of hearing ( Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ-B) of patients treated between 2012 and 2015. RESULTSRESULTS: 18 patients (24 ears) with conductive or mixed hearing loss in unilateral (n = 10) or bilateral (n = 8) atresia were implanted with a BCD. No major complications occurred after implantation. Preoperative unaided air conduction pure tone average at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz (PTA 4 ) was 69.2 ± 11.7 dB, while postoperative aided PTA 4 was 33.4 ± 6.3 dB, resulting in a mean functional hearing gain of 35.9 +/- 15.6 dB. Preoperatively, the mean monosyllabic word recognition score was 22.9 % ± 22.3 %, which increased to 87.1 % +/- 15.1 % in the aided condition. The Oldenburger Sentence Test at S0N0 revealed a decrease in signal-to-noise-ratio from - 0.58 ± 4.40 dB in the unaided to - 5.67 ± 3.21 dB in the postoperative aided condition for all patients investigated. 15 of 18 patients had a subjective benefit showing a positive SSQ-B score (mean 1.7). CONCLUSION: The implantation of an active bone conduction device brings along subjective and functional benefit for patients with conductive or combined hearing loss.

Evaluation of hyperspectral imaging to quantify perfusion changes during the modified Allen test.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the capability of hyperspectral imaging (HSI), a contact-less and noninvasive technology, to monitor perfusion changes of the hand during a modified Allen test (MAT) and cuff occlusion test. Furthermore, the study aimed at obtaining objective perfusion parameters of the hand. METHODS: HSI of the hand was performed on 20 healthy volunteers with a commercially available HSI system during a MAT and a cuff occlusion test. Besides gathering red-green-blue (RGB) images, the perfusion parameters tissue hemoglobin index (THI), (superficial tissue) hemoglobin oxygenation (StO2), near-infrared perfusion (NIR), and tissue water index (TWI) were calculated for four different regions of interest on the hand. For the MAT, occlusion (OI; the ratio between the condition during occlusion and before occlusion) and reperfusion (RI; the ratio between the non-occlusion state and the prior occlusion state) indices were calculated for each perfusion parameter. All data were correlated to the clinical findings. RESULTS: False-color images showed visible differences between the various perfusion conditions during the MAT and cuff occlusion test. THI, StO2, and NIR behaved as expected from physiology, while TWI did not in the context of this study. During rest, mean THI, StO2, and NIR of the hand were 34 ± 2, 72 ± 9, and 61 ± 6, respectively. The RI for THI showed a roundabout threefold increase after reperfusion of both radial and ulnar artery and was thus, distinctly pronounced when compared with StO2 and NIR (~1.25). The OI was lowest for THI when compared with StO2 and NIR. CONCLUSIONS: HSI with its parameters THI, StO2, and NIR proved to be suitable to evaluate perfusion of the hand. By this, it could complement visual inspection during the MAT for evaluating the functionality of the superficial palmary arch before radial or ulnar artery harvest. The presented RI might deliver useful comparative values to detect pathological perfusion disorders at an early stage. As microcirculation monitoring is crucial for many medical issues, HSI shows potential to be used, besides further applications, in the monitoring of (free) flaps and transplants and microcirculation monitoring of critically ill patients.

Evaluation of an image enhancement system for the assessment of nasal and paranasal sinus diseases.

PURPOSE: Dysplasia and cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract are characterized by significant neoangiogenesis. This can be recognized by optical methods like the Storz Professional Image Enhancement System (SPIES). Up to now, there are no reports of using this novel technique for examining nasal diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of SPIES during sinus surgery to help differentiate various nasal pathologies and determine their extension. METHODS: Patients (n = 27) with different pathologies in the region of the paranasal sinuses were operated via functional endoscopic surgery using a 2D-HD-camera with white light and SPIES. In addition, 10 healthy individuals were examined. The system was evaluated using two different questionnaires. RESULTS: The handling and operation of SPIES was intuitive and easy. Use of SPIES did not prolong the procedure. There was no disturbing image distortion. SPIES seemed to improve the visualization, differentiation and evaluation of vascularization of paranasal pathologies and allowed for precise and accurate surgery. Compared to examination with the 2D-HD-camera and white light alone, SPIES appeared to facilitate the identification of mucosal pathologies. CONCLUSION: SPIES could be a promising adjunct tool to evaluate nasal pathologies intraoperatively. Especially in the case of vascularized tumors the enhanced image endoscopy seemed to be clearly superior to standard white light alone. In our study, the system facilitated the assessment of tumor extension and vascularization as well as the differentiation of healthy mucosa. Future randomized studies will be necessary to prove the potential of integrating this novel technique into the clinical routine for the differentiation of nasal pathologies and the improvement of resection margins during nasal tumor surgery.

Stapes and Stapes Revision Surgery: Preoperative Air-Bone Gap Is a Prognostic Marker.

OBJECTIVE: Stapes surgery is considered an effective treatment in otosclerosis, but controversy remains regarding predictors of surgical outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: One hundred sixty three cases of stapes surgery between 2012 and 2019 were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measures were relative hearing improvement (relHI), defined as preoperative minus postoperative air conduction divided by preoperative air-bone gap (ABG), as well as relative ABG closure (relABGc), defined as preoperative ABG minus postoperative ABG divided by preoperative ABG. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictors for these outcomes. RESULTS: Higher preoperative bone conduction (BC) and primary surgery (compared with revision) were independently associated with increased relHI (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). Lower preoperative BC, higher preoperative ABG, primary surgery, and age were independently associated with increased relABGc (p = 0.0030, p < 0.001, p = 0.0214, and p = 0.0099, respectively). Sex did not predict surgical outcome. In patients with less than 20 dB preoperative ABG, likelihood of negative relABGc was increased (compared with 20-30 dB or >30 dB preoperative ABG, p = 0.0292, Fisher's exact test). This tendency was not significant for relHI (p = 0.074). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that calculating HI and ABGc in relation to preoperative ABG can reliably predict outcomes of stapes surgery. Both primary and revision stapes surgery are effective treatment options, but relative improvement is higher in primary cases. Preoperative BC, preoperative ABG, and age predict surgical outcomes as well. Otosclerosis patients with low preoperative ABG, especially less than 20 dB, should be counseled and selected cautiously regarding stapes surgery.

Value of Component Resolved Diagnostics to Aspergillus fumigatus in Patients with Upper Airway Complaints.

INTRODUCTION: Sensitization to Aspergillus fumigatus is a risk factor for severe asthma. However, little is known about its presence, appearance, and impact on allergic rhinitis. Herein, we investigated the usefulness of component resolved diagnostics in patients sensitized to Aspergillus fumigatus protein extract. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with suspected allergic rhinitis and elevated IgE levels toward Aspergillus fumigatus protein extract were retrospectively evaluated regarding their total and Aspergillus-specific IgE levels and their skin prick test. Furthermore, they were tested for specific IgE antibodies against Asp f 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. RESULTS: Skin prick test missed 6 patients (7.7%) with elevated IgE toward Aspergillus fumigatus protein extract. Fifty percent of patients (n = 39) were sensitized to at least one component. Even though monosensitization affected all components, all patients with positivity toward more than one component were sensitized to Asp f 1. There was a statistically significant increase of Aspergillus-specific IgE with increasing number of components affected by sensitization. Many patients were oligo- (34.6%) or polysensitized (51.3%). There was a high prevalence of sinusitis (61.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Component resolved diagnostic testing toward the major allergen Asp f 1 was less sensitive than skin prick test and serology to Aspergillus fumigatus protein extract. However, sensitivity of component resolved diagnostics might be underestimated. Diagnostics of the species-specific allergens Asp f 1, 2, and 4 might allow to differentiate between genuine and cross-reactive sensitization. In the clinical routine, skin prick test and serology to crude extract remain the methods of choice.

Ni endoscopic classification for Storz Professional Image Enhancement System (SPIES) endoscopy in the detection of upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) tumours.

The diagnostic procedure for upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) tumours is by white light endoscopy (WLE) combined with biopsy. However, WLE has difficulty identifying minute epithelial changes which hinders early diagnosis. Storz Professional Image Enhancement System (SPIES) is designed to enhance the visualization of microvasculature on the mucosal surface and detect any epithelial changes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the use of Ni endoscopic classification with SPIES endoscopy in the detection of UADT tumours. Fifty-nine patients with suspected UADT tumours underwent WLE followed by SPIES endoscopy. All the tumours were biopsied and sent for histopathological examination (HPE). The kappa index (κ) was used to evaluate the agreement between the methods. The level of agreement between SPIES using Ni classification and HPE showed almost perfect agreement as compared to moderate agreement between WLE and HPE. The sensitivity and specificity for WLE and HPE were 77.5% and 84.2% respectively with positive predictive value (PPV) of 91.2% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 64%. The sensitivity and specificity for SPIES endoscopy using Ni classification and HPE were 97.5% and 94.7% respectively with PPV of 97.5% and NPV of 94.7%. SPIES endoscopy using Ni classification is a valid tool for earlier tumour detection.

Identification of risk factors for residual cholesteatoma in children and adults: a retrospective study on 110 cases of revision surgery / Identificação de fatores de risco para colesteatoma residual em crianças e adultos: um estudo retrospectivo de 110 casos de cirurgia revisionais

Abstract Introduction: Residual disease after cholesteatoma removal is still a challenge for the otorhinolaryngologist. Scheduled "second-look" surgery and, more recently, radiological screenings are used to identify residual cholesteatoma as early as possible. However, these procedures are cost-intensive and are accompanied by discomfort and risks for the patient. Objective: To identify anamnestic, clinical, and surgery-related risk factors for residual cholesteatoma. Methods: The charts of 108 patients, including children as well as adults, having undergone a second-look or revision surgery after initial cholesteatoma removal at a tertiary referral hospital, were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Gender, age, mastoid pneumatization, prior ventilation tube insertion, congenital cholesteatoma, erosion of ossicles, atticotomy, resection of chorda tympani, different reconstruction materials, and postoperative otorrhea did not emerge as statistically significant risk factors for residual disease. However, prior adenoid removal, cholesteatoma growth to the sinus tympani and to the antrum and mastoid, canal-wall-up 2 ways approach, and postoperative retraction and perforation were associated with a statistically higher rate of residual disease. A type A tympanogram as well as canal-wall-down plus reconstruction 2 ways approach for extended epitympanic and for extended epitympanic and mesotympanic cholesteatomas were associated with statistically lower rates of residual disease. A score including the postoperative retraction or perforation of the tympanic membrane, the quality of the postoperative tympanogram and the intraoperative extension of the cholesteatoma to the sinus tympani and/or the antrum was elaborated and proved to be suitable for predicting residual cholesteatoma with acceptable sensitivity and high specificity. Conclusion: Cholesteatoma extension to the sinus tympani, antrum and mastoid makes a residual disease more likely. The canal-wall-down plus reconstruction 2 ways approach seems safe with similar rates of residual cholesteatoma and without the known disadvantages of canal-wall-down surgery. The described score can be useful for identifying patients who need a postoperative radiological control and a second-look surgery.

Resumo Introdução: A doença residual após a remoção do colesteatoma ainda é um desafio para o otorrinolaringologista. A cirurgia revisional programada e, mais recentemente, exames radiológicos são usados para identificar o colesteatoma residual o mais precocemente possível. Entretanto, esses procedimentos são dispendiosos e acompanhados de desconforto e riscos para o paciente. Objetivo: Identificar fatores de risco anamnésicos, clínicos e relacionados à cirurgia para o colesteatoma residual. Método: Foram analisados retrospectivamente os prontuários de 108 pacientes, crianças e adultos, que passaram por revisão cirúrgica após a remoção inicial do colesteatoma em um hospital terciário de referência. Resultados: Sexo, idade, pneumatização da mastoide, inserção anterior de tubo de ventilação, colesteatoma congênito, erosão dos ossículos, aticotomia, ressecção da corda do tímpano, diferentes materiais de reconstrução e otorreia pós-operatória não se mostraram fatores de risco estatisticamente significantes para a ocorrência de doença residual. Entretanto, remoção prévia da adenoide, crescimento do colesteatoma para o interior do seio timpânico e para o antro e a mastoide, abordagem de duas vias com canal wall-up e retração e perfuração pós-operatórias foram associados a uma taxa estatisticamente maior de doença residual. Um timpanograma tipo A, assim como a reconstrução de duas vias com a abordagem canal wall-down para colesteatomas com extensão para o recesso epitimpânico e/ou extensão epitimpânica e mesotimpânica, foram associados com taxas estatisticamente menores da doença residual. Um escore, que incluiu a retração ou perfuração pós-operatória da membrana timpânica, a qualidade do timpanograma pós-operatório e a extensão intraoperatória do colesteatoma para o seio timpânico e/ou antro, foi elaborado e se mostrou adequado para predizer colesteatoma residual com sensibilidade aceitável e alta especificidade. Conclusão: A extensão do colesteatoma para o seio timpânico, antro e mastoide torna a doença residual mais provável. A abordagem do tipo canal wall-down mais a reconstrução de 2 vias parecem seguras com taxas semelhantes de colesteatoma residual e sem as desvantagens conhecidas da cirurgia do tipo canal wall-down. O escore descrito pode ser útil para identificar pacientes que necessitam de controle radiológico pós-operatório e cirurgia revisional.

Identification of risk factors for residual cholesteatoma in children and adults: a retrospective study on 110 cases of revision surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Residual disease after cholesteatoma removal is still a challenge for the otorhinolaryngologist. Scheduled "second-look" surgery and, more recently, radiological screenings are used to identify residual cholesteatoma as early as possible. However, these procedures are cost-intensive and are accompanied by discomfort and risks for the patient. OBJECTIVE: To identify anamnestic, clinical, and surgery-related risk factors for residual cholesteatoma. METHODS: The charts of 108 patients, including children as well as adults, having undergone a second-look or revision surgery after initial cholesteatoma removal at a tertiary referral hospital, were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Gender, age, mastoid pneumatization, prior ventilation tube insertion, congenital cholesteatoma, erosion of ossicles, atticotomy, resection of chorda tympani, different reconstruction materials, and postoperative otorrhea did not emerge as statistically significant risk factors for residual disease. However, prior adenoid removal, cholesteatoma growth to the sinus tympani and to the antrum and mastoid, canal-wall-up 2 ways approach, and postoperative retraction and perforation were associated with a statistically higher rate of residual disease. A type A tympanogram as well as canal-wall-down plus reconstruction 2 ways approach for extended epitympanic and for extended epitympanic and mesotympanic cholesteatomas were associated with statistically lower rates of residual disease. A score including the postoperative retraction or perforation of the tympanic membrane, the quality of the postoperative tympanogram and the intraoperative extension of the cholesteatoma to the sinus tympani and/or the antrum was elaborated and proved to be suitable for predicting residual cholesteatoma with acceptable sensitivity and high specificity. CONCLUSION: Cholesteatoma extension to the sinus tympani, antrum and mastoid makes a residual disease more likely. The canal-wall-down plus reconstruction 2 ways approach seems safe with similar rates of residual cholesteatoma and without the known disadvantages of canal-wall-down surgery. The described score can be useful for identifying patients who need a postoperative radiological control and a second-look surgery.

Spontaneous nasal cerebrospinal fluid leaks: management of 24 patients over 11 years.

PURPOSE: Most cases of non-traumatic nasal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks occur spontaneously without any obvious reason. Severe and life-threatening complications are possible consequences. Endoscopic repair is considered the gold standard; however, diagnosis and therapy of these CSF leaks stay challenging. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, patients who presented with spontaneous nasal CSF leaks from 2006 to 2017 were included. Symptoms, diagnostics, localization of the skull base defect, surgical method, outcome, and postoperative treatment were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty four patients were included. 8 patients presented with symptoms of meningitis. The skull base defects were most commonly located in the anterior ethmoid roof-especially in the cribriform plate-and in the lateral part of the sphenoid sinus. 21 patients had a BMI above 25. In only 13 cases the defect could be detected preoperatively via computed tomography or additional magnetic resonance imaging. In all patients intraoperative visualization of the CSF leak was possible using intrathecal application of sodium-fluorescein. Endoscopic repair was the initial surgical method for all patients and proved to be successful in 80% of the cases. In most cases surgical revision was performed endoscopically; however, in two patients an open transpterygoidal approach was necessary. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous nasal CSF leaks often initially present with symptomatic meningitis. Imaging does not always clearly identify the skull base defect. Common localizations are the anterior ethmoid roof and the lateral sphenoid sinus. Obesity seems to be a predisposing factor. In most cases, endoscopic repair with low morbidity is possible; however, an individualized approach is necessary.

In vivo imaging of the internal nasal valve during different conditions using optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVE: Previously, we proposed long-range optical coherence tomography (LR-OCT) to be an effective method for the quantitative evaluation of the nasal valve geometry. Here, the objective was to quantify the reduction in the internal nasal valve angle and cross-sectional area that results in subjective nasal airway obstruction and to evaluate the dynamic behavior of the valve during respiration using LR-OCT. METHODS: For 16 healthy individuals, LR-OCT was performed in each naris during: 1) normal respiration, 2) peak forced inspiration, 3) lateral nasal wall depression (to the onset of obstructive symptoms), and 4) after application of a topical decongestant. The angle and the cross-sectional area of the valve were measured. RESULTS: A reduction of the valve angle from 18.3° to 14.1° (11° in Caucasians and 17° in Asians) and a decrease of the cross-sectional area from 0.65 cm2 to 0.55 cm2 led to subjective nasal obstruction. Forceful breathing did not significantly change the internal nasal valve area in healthy individuals. Application of nasal decongestant resulted in increased values. CONCLUSION: LR-OCT proved to be a fast and readily performed method for the evaluation of the dynamic behavior of the nasal valve. The values of the angle and the cross-sectional area of the valve were reproducible, and changes in size could be accurately delineated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b. Laryngoscope, 128:E105-E110, 2018.

Intraoperative assessment of laryngeal pathologies with optical coherence tomography integrated into a surgical microscope.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic examination followed by tissue biopsy is the gold standard in the evaluation of lesions of the upper aerodigestive tract. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between healthy mucosa, dysplasia, and invasive carcinoma. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive technique which acquires high-resolution, cross-sectional images of tissue in vivo. Integrated into a surgical microscope, it allows the intraoperative evaluation of lesions simultaneously with microscopic visualization. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective case series, we evaluated the use of OCT integrated into a surgical microscope during microlaryngoscopy to help differentiating various laryngeal pathologies. METHODS: 33 patients with laryngeal pathologies were examined with an OCT- microscope (OPMedT iOCT-camera, HS Hi-R 1000G-microscope, Haag-Streit Surgical GmbH, Wedel, Germany) during microlaryngoscopy. The suspected intraoperative diagnoses were compared to the histopathological reports of subsequent tissue biopsies. RESULTS: Hands-free non-contact OCT revealed high-resolution images of the larynx with a varying penetration depth of up to 1.2 mm and an average of 0.6 mm. Picture quality was variable. OCT showed disorders of horizontal tissue layering in dysplasias with a disruption of the basement membrane in carcinomas. When comparing the suspected diagnosis during OCT-supported microlaryngoscopy with histology, 79% of the laryngeal lesions could be correctly identified. Premalignant lesions were difficult to diagnose and falsely classified as carcinoma. CONCLUSION: OCT integrated into a surgical microscope seems to be a promising adjunct tool to discriminate pathologies of the upper aerodigestive tract intraoperatively. However, picture quality and penetration depth were variable. Although premalignant lesions were difficult to diagnose, the system proved overall helpful for the intraoperative discrimination of benign and malignant tumors. Further studies will be necessary to define its value in the future. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:490-497, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of the combined use of narrow band imaging and high-speed imaging to discriminate laryngeal lesions.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Laryngeal lesions are usually investigated by microlaryngoscopy, biopsy, and histopathology. This study aimed to evaluate the combined use of Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) and High-Speed Imaging (HSI) in the differentiation of glottic lesions in awake patients. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective diagnostic study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six awake patients with 41 glottic lesions were investigated with both NBI and HSI, and the suspected diagnoses were compared to the histopathological results of tissue biopsies taken during subsequent microlaryngoscopies. Of the 41 lesions, 28 were primary lesions and 13 recurrent lesions after previous laryngeal pathologies. RESULTS: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value in the differentiation between benign/premalignant and malignant lesions with both NBI and HSI accounted to 100.0%, 79.4%, 50.0%, and 100.0%. Sensitivities and specificities were 100.0% and 85.7% for HSI alone, and 100.0% and 79.4% for NBI alone. Regarding only primary lesions the results were generally better with sensitivities and specificities of 100% and 81% for NBI, 100% and 84.2% for HSI and 100% and 85.7% for the combination of both methods, respectively. CONCLUSION: NBI and HSI both seem to be promising adjunct tools in the differentiation of various laryngeal lesions in awake patients with high sensitivities. Specificities, however, were moderate but could be increased when using NBI and HSI in combination in a subgroup of patients with only primary lesions. Although both methods still have limitations they might ameliorate the evaluation of suspicious laryngeal lesions in the future and could possibly spare patients from repeated invasive tissue biopsies. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:609-618, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.