Percutaneous Vocal Fold Lateralization in children - a case series of a Brazilian tertiary pediatric hospital (pediatric vocal fold lateralization cases in a Brazilian hospital).

OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous Vocal Fold Lateralization (PVFL) consists of external fixation with non-absorbable percutaneous suture of the vocal fold in a lateral position, under direct glottic visualization. The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of PVFL in a university pediatric hospital, as well as to describe the potential risks and complications of the surgery. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study, with data collected from electronic medical records. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the institution. Surgeries were performed with the modified Lichentenberg technique and data, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Six patients with Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis who underwent Percutaneous Vocal Fold Lateralization were evaluated. Three patients were male. The age at diagnosis ranged from 2 to 132 days (mean 10.5 days). The reason for investigating the upper airway was the presence of increased work of breathing and stridor. Five patients had a favorable clinical evolution, with spontaneous ventilation in room air and absence of stridor or ventilatory effort, without the need for tracheostomy. Surgical results in this series corroborate the findings of other similar cohorts, which showed Percutaneous Vocal Fold Lateralization as a safe and effective procedure in avoiding tracheostomy or allowing decannulation in children with Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis. CONCLUSIONS: PVFL seems to be a safe and effective procedure, but it has morbidity, due to immediate, and probably late, non-serious complications. Studies with a larger number of patients, with longer follow-up and using a controlled and randomized clinical design are needed to establish the role of PVFL in the treatment of BVFP in newborns and infants. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level 4 (step 4).

Is it Always Laryngopharyngeal Reflux? How Voice Disorders Can Manifest as LPR

Introduction: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) manifests with a constellation of common throat symptoms and inconclusive signs on laryngoscopic exam. It is a diagnosis, often made clinically, that can lead to prescriptions of proton pump inhibitors that are unnecessary and potentially harmful. Glottic insufficiency (GI) and the accompanying hyperfunctional laryngeal behaviors can also present with similar, common throat complaints that may or may not include a qualitative change to the voice. Methods: This is a reflection article. It is written to summarize, explain, and support with evidence the opinion of the author on the topic of how symptoms of voice disorders can easily be mistaken for symptoms of LPR. The offered reflection is based on his experience, research and the available literature. Reflection: This article intends to explore the similarities between GI and LPR, how to ultimately differentiate them and how to approach treatment with a broader differential diagnosis. Conclusion: LPR and GI can present with identical, vague throat, and voice symptoms. Empiric medication trials, behavioral interventions and objective laryngovideostroboscopy, impedance-based reflux, and esophageal motility testing may all be needed, sometimes in a trial and error fashion, to correctly diagnose and treat a patient's symptoms.

Introducción: El reflujo laríngeo-faríngeo (LPR, por sus siglas en inglés) se manifiesta con una serie de síntomas comunes en la garganta y signos no concluyentes en el examen larinoscópico. Es un diagnóstico que a menudo se realiza clínicamente y que puede llevar a la prescripción de inhibidores de la bomba de protones que son innecesarios y potencialmente perjudiciales. La insuficiencia glótica (IG) y los comportamientos laríngeos hiperfuncionales que la acompañan también pueden presentar síntomas de garganta comunes similares, que pueden o no incluir un cambio cualitativo en la voz. Métodos: Este es un artículo de reflexión. Está escrito para resumir, explicar y respaldar con evidencia la opinión del autor sobre cómo los síntomas de los trastornos de la voz pueden confundirse fácilmente con los síntomas del LPR. La reflexión ofrecida se basa en su experiencia, investigación y la literatura disponible. Reflexión: Este artículo tiene la intención de explorar las similitudes entre la IG y el LPR, cómo diferenciarlos finalmente y cómo abordar el tratamiento con un diagnóstico diferencial más amplio. Conclusión: El LPR y la IG pueden presentar síntomas idénticos y vagos en la garganta y la voz. Puede ser necesario realizar ensayos de medicación empírica, intervenciones conductuales y pruebas objetivas de laringovideostroboscopia, reflujo basado en impedancia y motilidad esofágica, a veces de manera experimental, para diagnosticar y tratar correctamente los síntomas de un paciente.

Split cricoideo anterior posterior: una novedosa técnica para evitar la traqueotomía en parálisis cordal bilateral en pacientes pediátricos / Posterior anterior cricoid split: a cutting-edge technique to avoid tracheostomy in bilateral cordal paralysis in pediatric patients

Introducción: La parálisis cordal bilateral en aducción es la segunda causa de estridor congénito y genera una grave obstrucción de la vía aérea, debutando con estridor. La traqueotomía ha sido durante mucho tiempo el gold estándar para el tratamiento de esta afección, no exenta de complicaciones. Existen procedimientos que intentan evitar la traqueotomía, como el split cricoideo anterior posterior endoscópico (SCAPE). Objetivo: Presentar experiencia con SCAPE en pacientes pediátricos como tratamiento alternativo de parálisis cordal bilateral en aducción. Material y Método: Análisis retrospectivo de los resultados quirúrgicos obtenidos en pacientes con parálisis cordal bilateral en aducción tratados con SCAPE entre enero de 2016 y diciembre de 2019 en el Hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente de Concepción, Chile. Resultados: Siete pacientes se sometieron a SCAPE. Todos los pacientes presentaban insuficiencia respiratoria severa, cinco requirieron asistencia ventilatoria mecánica. Seis pacientes tenían el diagnóstico de parálisis cordal bilateral (PCB) congénita y uno PCB secundaria a tumor de tronco cerebral. Cuatro pacientes presentaron comorbilidad de la vía aérea: dos pacientes presentaron estenosis subglótica grado I y dos pacientes presentaron laringomalacia que requirió manejo quirúrgico. Los días promedio de intubación fueron once días. Ningún paciente requirió soporte ventilatorio postoperatorio, sólo un paciente recibió oxigenoterapia nocturna debido a hipoventilación secundaria a lesión de tronco. Ningún paciente ha presentado descompensación respiratoria grave. Un 40% ha recuperado movilidad cordal bilateral. Conclusión: Split cricoideo anteroposterior endoscópico es una alternativa eficaz para tratar el PCB en pacientes pediátricos. Nuestro estudio evidencia que es una alternativa a la traqueotomía, con excelentes resultados y menor morbimortalidad.

Introduction: Bilateral vocal fold paralysis in adduction is the second cause of congenital stridor and generates a serious obstruction of the airway. Tracheostomy has long been the gold standard for the treatment of this condition, but it has inherent complications. There are procedures that try to avoid tracheotomy, such as the endoscopic anterior posterior cricoid split (EAPCS). Aim: Present our experience with EAPCS in pediatric patients as a treatment for bilateral vocal fold paralysis in adduction. Material and Method: Retrospective analysis of the surgical results obtained in patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis in adduction treated with EAPCS between January 2016 and December 2019 at Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital in Concepción, Chile. Results: Seven patients underwent EAPCS. All patients had severe respiratory failure, five required mechanical ventilation assistance. Six patients were diagnosed with congenital bilateral cord palsy (BCP) and one BCP secondary to a brainstem tumor. Four patients had airway comorbidity: two patients had grade I subglottic stenosis and two patients had laryngomalacia that required surgical management. The average days of intubation were eleven days. No patient required post op invasive/non-invasive ventilation, only one patient received nocturnal oxygen therapy due to hypoventilation secondary to trunk injury. None of the patients has presented severe respiratory decompensation. Forty percent have recovered bilateral chordal mobility. Conclusion: SCAPE is a cutting-edge and effective alternative to treat PCB in pediatric patients. Our study shows that it is an alternative to tracheotomy, with excellent results and lower morbidity and mortality.

Outcomes of endoscopic percutaneous suture lateralization for neonatal and infantal bilateral vocal ford paralysis

Abstract Objective: Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis (BVFP) is a rare but significant resource of respiratory distress in neonates and infants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and functional outcomes of Endoscopic Percutaneous Suture Lateralization (EPSL) for the treatment of BVFP in neonates and infants. Methods: A case series study of nine patients undergoing EPSL for BVFP between January 2019 and June 2021 was conducted. All patients were candidates for tracheostomy prior to EPSL. Demographic features including gender, age at diagnosis and surgery, main symptoms, airway comorbidities, airway support, and etiology were collected preoperatively. Patients were evaluated for breathing, swallowing and phonation postoperatively. Surgical success was defined as the ability to avoid tracheostomy. Functional Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) was conducted to identify aspiration. Voice evaluation was based on clinical observation. Results: Nine patients underwent ten EPSL procedures (one in the left vocal fold, and nine in the right vocal fold). Eight patients (8/9) were able to successfully avoid tracheostomy and feed orally without aspiration after the procedure. One patient experienced clinical improvement in respiratory support requirements and underwent laparoscopic nissen and gastrostomy tube placement. At the last follow-up, two patients regained normal voice, two patients had mild dysphonia, and five patients had moderate dysphonia. Five patients showed partial return of the contralateral vocal fold function. Conclusion: EPSL is an effective and safe treatment for neonatal and infantal BVFP, which enables patients free from tracheostomy without significant impact on swallowing function or phonation. Level of evidence: Level 4.

Outcomes of endoscopic percutaneous suture lateralization for neonatal and infantal bilateral vocal ford paralysis.

OBJECTIVE: Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis (BVFP) is a rare but significant resource of respiratory distress in neonates and infants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and functional outcomes of Endoscopic Percutaneous Suture Lateralization (EPSL) for the treatment of BVFP in neonates and infants. METHODS: A case series study of nine patients undergoing EPSL for BVFP between January 2019 and June 2021 was conducted. All patients were candidates for tracheostomy prior to EPSL. Demographic features including gender, age at diagnosis and surgery, main symptoms, airway comorbidities, airway support, and etiology were collected preoperatively. Patients were evaluated for breathing, swallowing and phonation postoperatively. Surgical success was defined as the ability to avoid tracheostomy. Functional Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) was conducted to identify aspiration. Voice evaluation was based on clinical observation. RESULTS: Nine patients underwent ten EPSL procedures (one in the left vocal fold, and nine in the right vocal fold). Eight patients (8/9) were able to successfully avoid tracheostomy and feed orally without aspiration after the procedure. One patient experienced clinical improvement in respiratory support requirements and underwent laparoscopic nissen and gastrostomy tube placement. At the last follow-up, two patients regained normal voice, two patients had mild dysphonia, and five patients had moderate dysphonia. Five patients showed partial return of the contralateral vocal fold function. CONCLUSION: EPSL is an effective and safe treatment for neonatal and infantal BVFP, which enables patients free from tracheostomy without significant impact on swallowing function or phonation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

Resultados de voz y calidad de vida en pacientes con parálisis cordal unilateral en abducción tratados con tiroplastia de medialización.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar los resultados funcionales y el impacto en la calidad de vida de pacientes con parálisis cordal unilateral en abducción (PCUA) de etiología variable, posoperados de tiroplastia de medialización con técnica de Netterville en el Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación. MÉTODO: En los pacientes candidatos a tiroplastia de medialización se documentaron el tiempo máximo fonatorio y cuestionarios de funcionalidad (VHI-30) y calidad de vida (VRQoL) prequirúrgicos y 3 a 6 meses posquirúrgicos. Se utilizaron pruebas de comparación de medias para analizar los resultados. RESULTADOS: Se realizó tiroplastia de medialización en 27 pacientes con PCUA de 2013 a 2019. Todos tuvieron mejoría estadística y clínicamente significativa por el tiempo máximo fonatorio (media de 4.07 a 11.07 segundos), el VHI-30 (media de 81 a 29 puntos) y la VRQoL (media de 33 a 15 puntos). No se documentó ninguna complicación mayor. CONCLUSIONES: La tiroplastia de medialización es un tratamiento seguro que mejora de manera significativa la calidad de vida y la funcionalidad de los pacientes con PCUA. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate functional and quality of life results in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFAP) of different etiology, who underwent medialization thyroplasty, using Netterville's technique. METHOD: In patients eligible for medialization thyroplasty, maximum phonatory time was measured, quality of life (VRQoL) and functionality (VHI-30) questionnaires were applied before surgery and posteriorly at 3 and 6 months after surgery. Means comparison tests were used to analyze the results. RESULTS: Medialization thyroplasty was carried out in 27 patients presenting with UVFAP from 2013 to 2019. All had a statistically significant and clinically significant improvement. This was measure with maximum phonatory time (medium of 4.07 to 11.07 seconds), VHI-30 (medium of 81 to 29 points), and VRQoL (medium of 33 to 15 points). No mayor complications were documented. CONCLUSIONS: Medialization thyroplasty is a safe procedure that significantly improves functionality and quality of life in patients with UVFAP.

Multidimensional effects of voice therapy in patients affected by unilateral vocal fold paralysis due to cancer / Efeitos multidimensionais da terapia vocal em pacientes com paralisia unilateral daprega vocal por câncer

Abstract Introduction: Patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis may demonstrate different degrees of voice perturbation depending on the position of the paralyzed vocal fold. Understanding the effectiveness of voice therapy in this population may be an important coefficient to define the therapeutic approach. Objective: To evaluate the voice therapy effectiveness in the short, medium and long-term in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis and determine the risk factors for voice rehabilitation failure. Methods: Prospective study with 61 patients affected by unilateral vocal fold paralysis enrolled. Each subject had voice therapy with an experienced speech pathologist twice a week. A multidimensional assessment protocol was used pre-treatment and in three different times after voice treatment initiation: short-term (1-3 months), medium-term (4-6 months) and long-term (12 months); it included videoendoscopy, maximum phonation time, GRBASI scale, acoustic voice analysis and the portuguese version of the voice handicap index. Results: Multiple comparisons for GRBASI scale and VHI revealed statistically significant differences, except between medium and long term (p < 0.005). The data suggest that there is vocal improvement over time with stabilization results after 6 months (medium term). From the 28 patients with permanent unilateral vocal fold paralysis, 18 (69.2%) reached complete glottal closure following vocal therapy (p = 0.001). The logistic regression method indicated that the Jitter entered the final model as a risk factor for partial improvement. For every unit of increased Jitter, there was an increase of 0.1% (1.001) of the chance for partial improvement, which means an increase on no full improvement chance during rehabilitation. Conclusion: Vocal rehabilitation improves perceptual and acoustic voice parameters and voice handicap index, besides favor glottal closure in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. The results were also permanent during the period of 1 year. The Jitter value, when elevated, is a risk factor for the voice therapy success.

Resumo Introdução: Pacientes com paralisia unilateral de prega vocal podem apresentar diferentes graus de distúrbios da voz, dependendo da posição da prega vocal paralisada. A compreensão da eficácia da terapia vocal nesta população pode ser um coeficiente importante para definir a abordagem terapêutica. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da terapia vocal em curto, médio e longo prazos em pacientes com paralisia unilateral de prega vocal e determinar os fatores de risco para falha na reabilitação da voz. Método: Estudo prospectivo, no qual 61 pacientes com paralisia unilateral de prega vocal foram recrutados. Cada participante foi submetido a terapia vocal com um fonoaudiólogo experiente duas vezes por semana. Um protocolo de avaliação multidimensional foi utilizado no pré-tratamento e em três momentos após o início da terapia da voz: curto prazo (1-3 meses), médio prazo (4-6 meses) e longo prazo (12 meses); incluiu videoendoscopia, tempo máximo de fonação, escala GRBASI, análise de voz acústica e a versão em português do Voice Handicap Index. Resultados: Os dados comparativos temporais das avaliações revelaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas, exceto entre médio e longo prazo (p < 0,005). Os dados sugerem que há melhora vocal ao longo do tempo com resultados de estabilização após seis meses (médio prazo). Dos 28 pacientes com paralisia unilateral permanente da prega vocal, 18 (69,2%) atingiram o fechamento glótico completo após a terapia vocal (p = 0,001). O método de regressão logística indicou que o Jitter entrou no modelo final como um fator de risco para melhora parcial. Para cada unidade de aumento de Jitter, houve um aumento de 0,1% (1,001) da chance de melhora parcial, o que significa um aumento na chance de não ocorrer melhora completa durante a reabilitação. Conclusão: A reabilitação vocal melhora os parâmetros de voz perceptiva e acústica e o índice de incapacidade vocal, além de favorecer o fechamento glótico em pacientes com paralisia unilateral da prega vocal. Além disso, os resultados também foram permanentes durante o período de um ano. O valor de Jitter, quando elevado, é um fator de risco para sucesso parcial da terapia vocal.

Multidimensional effects of voice therapy in patients affected by unilateral vocal fold paralysis due to cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis may demonstrate different degrees of voice perturbation depending on the position of the paralyzed vocal fold. Understanding the effectiveness of voice therapy in this population may be an important coefficient to define the therapeutic approach. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the voice therapy effectiveness in the short, medium and long-term in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis and determine the risk factors for voice rehabilitation failure. METHODS: Prospective study with 61 patients affected by unilateral vocal fold paralysis enrolled. Each subject had voice therapy with an experienced speech pathologist twice a week. A multidimensional assessment protocol was used pre-treatment and in three different times after voice treatment initiation: short-term (1-3 months), medium-term (4-6 months) and long-term (12 months); it included videoendoscopy, maximum phonation time, GRBASI scale, acoustic voice analysis and the portuguese version of the voice handicap index. RESULTS: Multiple comparisons for GRBASI scale and VHI revealed statistically significant differences, except between medium and long term (p<0.005). The data suggest that there is vocal improvement over time with stabilization results after 6 months (medium term). From the 28 patients with permanent unilateral vocal fold paralysis, 18 (69.2%) reached complete glottal closure following vocal therapy (p=0.001). The logistic regression method indicated that the Jitter entered the final model as a risk factor for partial improvement. For every unit of increased Jitter, there was an increase of 0.1% (1.001) of the chance for partial improvement, which means an increase on no full improvement chance during rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Vocal rehabilitation improves perceptual and acoustic voice parameters and voice handicap index, besides favor glottal closure in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. The results were also permanent during the period of 1 year. The Jitter value, when elevated, is a risk factor for the voice therapy success.

Parálisis de cuerda vocal secundaria a intubación endotraqueal y su manejo: revisión en relación a dos casos clínicos / Vocal cord paralysis secondary to endotracheal intubation and its management: review in relation to two clinical cases

La parálisis de cuerda vocal secundaria a intubación endotraqueal es una complicación poco frecuente de la anestesia general. Se manifiesta con disfonía precoz luego de la extubación, y en ocasiones se asocia a aspiración. A continuación se presenta el reporte de dos pacientes sometidos a cirugía abdominal con anestesia general e intubación endotraqueal, que presentan una parálisis cordal unilateral en el posoperatorio inmediato. En ambos pacientes se realiza una laringoplastía de inyección con ácido hialurónico (Restylane®), con buenos resultados vocales. Uno de los casos tiene seguimiento a lo largo de dos años. Se describe esta patología y su manejo mediante una revisión bibliográfica.

Vocal fold paralysis posterior to endotracheal intubation is a very uncommon complication of the general anestesia. The symptoms includes hoarseness posterior to the extubation, and some times aspiration occurs. In this paper we present the report of two cases of abdominal surgery with general anesteshia and endotraqueal intubation procedures. Both subjects developed unilateral vocal fold paralysis after the process. The patients were treated with wedilization injection with Restylane ®, satisfactory voice's results were achieved. One of them has an observational time of two years. We describe this infrequent pathology and the treatment through literature review.

Tiroplastía de medialización con Gore-Tex®: experiencia de 8 años en Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile / Medialization thyroplasty with Gore-Tex®: 8 years experience in Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile

Introducción: La parálisis de cuerda vocal causa disfonía y puede ser complicación posterior a ciertas cirugías. Existen diversos tratamientos, uno de ellos es la tiroplastía de medialización, procedimiento realizado con anestesia local, permitiendo un fino ajuste de la voz. Objetivo: Analizar la experiencia en tiroplastía de medialización con Gore-tex® en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile entre los años 2008-2016. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, con revisión de fichas clínicas de los pacientes que fueron sometidos a tiroplastía de medialización. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizará la prueba Wilcoxon. Resultados: Se analizaron datos de 21 pacientes, correspondientes a 24 tiroplastías de medialización. La edad promedio fue 54,2 años, 13 parálisis fueron secundarias a cirugía y 8 idiopáticas. En 17 pacientes se obtuvo la encuesta VHI-10 en el pre y posoperatorio, con valores promedio de 33,2y 17,4 (p =0,0003). Cinco pacientes requirieron de algún procedimiento complementario, entre 4 y 22 meses poscirugía: inyección de grasa, de Radiesse y refuerzo con otra prótesis de Gore-teX®. Conclusión: La tiroplastía de medialización es excelente para tratar la parálisis de cuerda vocal unilateral no recuperada en forma espontánea, siendo la encuesta VHI-10 una buena herramienta para evaluar la calidad de la voz.

Introduction: Vocal cord paralysis can cause hoarseness and coud be a complications to following certain surgeries. In its treatment, there are several alternatives, one of them is the medialization thyroplasty. This procedure, is performed under local anesthesia, allowing the fine-tune of the voice. Aim: To analyze the experience in Medialization Thyroplasty with Gore-tex in the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile between 2008 and 2016. Material and method: Retrospective and descriptive, with the review of patient's clinical records who were treated with medialization thyroplasty. The data analysis is done using Wilcoxon test. Results: Data from 21 patients, corresponding to 24 medialization thyroplasty. The average age was 54.2 years old, 13 paralysis were secondary to surgeries and 8 were Idiopathic. In 17 patients it was posible to get the VHI-10 survey in the pre and postoperative, with an average value of 33.2 and 17.4 (p =0.0003). Five patients required some additional procedure, between 4 and 22 months post surgery: injection of fat, Radiesse and installation of a new Gore-tex prosthesis Conclusions: Medialization thyroplasty is an excellent method to treat paralysis of unilateral vocal cord in cases when is not recovered spontaneously, being the VHI-10 survey a good tool for assessing voice quality.

Laringoplastía de inyección con ácido hialurónico, experiencia del Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile / Laryngoplasty injection with hyaluronic acid, Hospital Clinico de la Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile experience

Introducción: El manejo inicial de la parálisis cordal unilateral incluye la observación en espera de la recuperación de la movilidad o la compensación, terapia fonoaudiológica o inyección de medialización temporal para llevar la cuerda a una posición más favorable para el cierre glótico. Este procedimiento puede realizarse en pabellón, o vía percutánea en paciente despierto. Existen varias opciones, siendo el ácido hialurónico (Restylane®) uno de los más usados. Objetivo: Revisar la experiencia pionera en el país en la inyección de medialización de cuerda vocal con ácido hialurónico en el manejo de la parálisis cordal unilateral. Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo, que incluyó a 15 pacientes con insuficiencia glótica a los que se les realizó una inyección percutánea con ácido hialurónico. Se evaluó la calidad de la voz pre y posprocedimiento (VRQOL), tolerancia al procedimiento y complicaciones. Resultados: El 100% de los pacientes mostró cambios significativos en el VRQOL, con un cambio promedio pre y post de 37%. El procedimiento fue bien tolerado en el 93%. No se produjeron incidentes durante la inyección ni tampoco posteriores. Conclusión: La inyección de medialización es un procedimiento bien tolerado, seguro y sencillo, que permite mejoras significativas en la calidad vocal. El ácido hialurónico es seguro y eficaz para la inyección de medialización.

Introduction: Initial treatment options for unilateral vocal fold paralysis include observation for spontaneous return of function or compensation, voice therapy to stimulate recovery of motion or function, or temporary vocal fold injection medialization to improve glottic closure. Temporary injection medialization can be performed under general anesthesia or in the awake-patient setting with local anesthesia. There are different options of temporary injection materials, being hyaluronic acid (Restylane®) one of the most popular. Aim: To review our pioneer experience in Chilewith the use of temporary vocal fold injection with hyaluronic acid in the initial management of unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Material and method: Retrospective study involving 15 patients with glottic insufficiency, who underwent percutaneous vocal fold injection medialization with hyaluronic acid. Pre and post procedure quality of voice (VRQOL), tolerance to the procedure, and complications were evaluated. Results: All patients showed significant changes in VRQOL, with a 37% average improvement. The procedure was well tolerated in 93%. No incidents occurred during injection orlater. Conclusions: The temporary vocal fold injection medialization is a well-tolerated, safe and simple procedure that allows significant short-term improvements in vocal quality of patients. Hyaluronic acid is a safe and effective material for temporary vocal foldinjection medialization.

Manejo de disfonía post cirugía tiroidea con laringoplastía por inyección con ácido hialurónico / Hyaluronic acid in the management of post-thyroidectomy vocal cord paralysis

Introduction: Thyroid surgery rates have tripled over the past 3 decades. Currently, the main postoperative complications of this surgery are vocal fold paralysis because of recurrent laryngeal nerve dysfunction and hypocalcemia. Case report: We report the case of a 58 years old woman who presented with persistent dysphonia post total thyroidectomy. Laryngeal videostroboscopy evidenced unilateral vocal fold paralysis. We performed a percutaneous injection laryngoplasty with hyaluronic acid achieving significant improvement in voice. Conclusions: Percutaneous injection laryngoplasty with hyaluronic acid is a safe and effective procedure in the management of post thyroidectomy vocal cord paralysis.

Introducción: La tasa de cirugía tiroidea se ha triplicado en las últimas 3 décadas. Dentro de sus complicaciones se encuentra la parálisis de cuerda vocal unilateral secundaria a lesión transitoria o permanente del nervio laríngeo recurrente, lo que se presenta clínicamente como disfonía. Caso clínico: Paciente de 58 años, post tiroidectomía total evoluciona con disfonía persistente. Videoestroboscopia evidencia parálisis cuerda vocal izquierda en posición paramediana, con hiato fonatorio longitudinal amplio. Se maneja con laringoplastía por inyección con ácido hialurónico a cuerda vocal paralítica, logrando mejora significativa de voz. En videoestroboscopia de control al 7º día se evidencia cuerda vocal izquierda en línea media, con borde libre recto, sin presencia de hiato al fonar. Conclusiones: La laringoplastía por inyección percutánea con ácido hialurónico es un procedimiento seguro y eficaz para el tratamiento de la disfonía secundaria a parálisis cordal unilateral post cirugía tiroidea.

Congenital laryngeal anomalies.

INTRODUCTION: It is essential for clinicians to understand issues relevant to the airway management of infants and to be cognizant of the fact that infants with congenital laryngeal anomalies are at particular risk for an unstable airway. OBJECTIVES: To familiarize clinicians with issues relevant to the airway management of infants and to present a succinct description of the diagnosis and management of an array of congenital laryngeal anomalies. METHODS: Revision article, in which the main aspects concerning airway management of infants will be analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: It is critical for clinicians to understand issues relevant to the airway management of infants.

Congenital laryngeal anomalies / Anomalias congênitas da laringe

Introduction: It is essential for clinicians to understand issues relevant to the airway management of infants and to be cognizant of the fact that infants with congenital laryngeal anomalies are at particular risk for an unstable airway. Objectives: To familiarize clinicians with issues relevant to the airway management of infants and to present a succinct description of the diagnosis and management of an array of congenital laryngeal anomalies. Methods: Revision article, in which the main aspects concerning airway management of infants will be analyzed. Conclusions: It is critical for clinicians to understand issues relevant to the airway management of infants. .

Introdução: As anomalias congênitas da laringe estão em risco de uma via aérea instável, sendo essencial que o clínico tenha uma boa compreensão dos problemas relevantes para o manuseio das vias aéreas de bebês. Objetivos: Familiarizar os clínicos com os problemas relevantes para o manuseio das vias aéreas de bebês e apresentar uma descrição sucinta do diagnóstico e tratamento de uma série de anomalias congênitas da laringe. Método: Artigo de revisão, no qual serão tratados os principais aspectos relacionados ao manuseio das vias aéreas de bebês. Conclusões: É essencial que o clínico tenha um bom conhecimento dos problemas relevantes ao manuseio das vias aéreas de bebês. .

Evaluación del nivel glótico mediante reconstrucción multiplanar escanográfica en pacientes con parálisis unilateral de cuerda vocal / Evaluation of the glottic level through multiplanar tomographic reconstruction in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis

Evaluar qué utilidad tiene la reconstrucción multiplanar escanográfica de cuello en la biometría del nivel glótico en pacientes con parálisis vocal unilateral. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo de 29 pacientes con diagnóstico de parálisis unilateral de pliegue vocal a los cuales se les realizó Tomografía Computarizada de cuello en fonación con reconstrucción multiplanar, evaluando el nivel de asimetría vertical, horizontal, las longitudes anteroposterior, transversal, y grosor y se caracterizaron las diferentes formas del pliegue vocal paralizado, así como el ángulo de asimetría del eje del pliegue y su relación con la línea media. Se evaluó también la lateralidad del pliegue vocal afectado. Con la intención de evitar sesgos en la toma de los datos se realizó una correlación intra e interobservador, mediante el análisis de medidas de kappa para variables categóricas y coeficiente de correlación interclase para variables numéricas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 29 pacientes en el estudio. La clasificación de la asimetría del nivel vertical reportó un 82% para el tipo 3 (más de 4 mm), seguido de un 10,3% y un 6,9% para los tipos 2 y 1 respectivamente. El nivel horizontal del lado no afectado reportó un promedio de 0.4 mm (DS: 0.28) y el del lado paralizado 1.46 mm (DS: 0.28) La longitud transversa, anteroposterior y grosor dieron para el pliegue vocal no afectado promedios de 4.47 mm (DS: 0.6), 8.4 mm (DS:0.8) y 1.59 mm (DS:0.26) y para el lado paralizado 2.96 (DS: 0.52), 7.5 mm (DS: 0.78) y 2.46 mm (DS: 0.32). La forma del pliegue vocal no afectado en aducción fue denominada como en dedo de guante y la del pliegue paralizado como redondeada en el 100% de los casos. Los ángulos de asimetría de los pliegues con respecto a la línea media reportaron promedios de 82° (DS: 5.41) del pliegue vocal no afectado y 66.6° (DS: 4.19°) para el pliegue vocal paralizado...

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of neck multiplanar tomography reconstruction in the glottic level biomethrics in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive observational study of 29 patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis who underwent multiplanar reconstruction of neck computed tomography during phonation. The transverse AP lengthand the thickness of the vocal folds were established. The vertical and horizontal level of the vocal folds were assessed and classified. The various forms of the vocal folds were characterized andasymmetries of the angle formed between the vocal fold axis and the midline were determined. Frequencyof sidedness of the paralyzed vocal fold also was obtained. In order to avoid biases during data collection, variability intra and interobserver were also assessed by kappa tests for categorical variables and intraclass correlation coefficient for numeric ones. Results: 29 patients were included in the study. The asymmetry of vertical glottic level was 92% for type 3 and 8% and 2% for types 2 and 1. The horizontal level in the non-affected side reported a mean of 0.4 mm (DS: 0.28) and the affected side had a mean of 1.46 mm (DS: 0.28). Transverse, anteroposterior an width measurements were 47 mm (DS: 0.6), 8.4 mm (DS: 0.80) y 1.59 mm (DS: 0.26) on the non affected side and 2.96 (DS: 0.52), 7.50 mm (DS: 0.78) y 2.46 mm (DS: 0.32) for the paralyzed side. The normal vocal fold was tagged as “finger glove” shape and the paralyzed fold was tagged as “rounded” shape in the whole amount of subjects. Asymmetry angles reported 82° (DS: 5.41) for the non-affected side and 66.6° (DS: 4.19) for the paralyzed side...

Voz e deglutição de pacientes com e sem mobilidade laríngea após tireoidectomia / Voice and deglutition in patients with or without laryngeal mobility

INTRODUÇÃO: As queixas vocais e de deglutição podem ser apresentadas após o tratamento cirúrgico da doença de tireóide em pacientes com ou sem a mobilidade laríngea preservada. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar e comparar a voz e a deglutição de pacientes com e sem mobilidade laríngea alterada após a tireoidectomia. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo no qual foram avaliados pacientes com doença de tireóide divididos em dois grupos: GA, com mobilidade laríngea alterada após a tireoidectomia e GB, preservada. O protocolo de avaliação vocal perceptivo-auditiva e acústica e nasofibroscopia da deglutição foi aplicado no pré, pós-operatório recente e tardio. Ambos apresentaram percentual maior de mulheres, da faixa etária entre 46 a 65 anos e de tireoidectomia total. O número reduzido de tabagistas e da indicação de esvaziamento cervical também foi comum aos dois grupos. O carcinoma papilífero foi mais freqüente no GA e o bócio, no GB; e o volume do tecido ressecado foi menor no GA em relação ao GB. RESULTADOS: A avaliação da deglutição revelou que no GA, não houve alteração no pré-operatório (PRE). No pósoperatório recente (POR) foi observada em 87% e no pós-operatório tardio (POT), em 67%. Houve diferença estatística entre os períodos PRE e POR e PRE e POT (p<0,001). A penetração e aspiração com líquido foram identificadas em 33% da amostra no POR (p=0,014). A estase de alimento ocorreu em 87% no POR e 60% no POT(p<0,001). No GB, somente os resultados entre PRE e POR tiveram significância estatística para deglutição, com aumento de 44% no número de indivíduos com disfagia, apresentando estase e escape prematuro do alimento. Os resultados de voz indicaram que a disfonia em grau discreto caracterizada pela rugosidade esteve presente em 67% da amostra do GA no PRE. Houve diferença significativa entre PRE e POR, no grau geral, tensão, instabilidade, pitch, loudness e foco ressonantal. Entre PRE e POT, a significância ocorreu apenas no pitch e loudness...

INTRODUCTION: The vocal and deglutition complaints can be presented after surgical treatment of thyroid disease in patients with or without preserved laryngeal mobility. The objective of this study was to evaluate and to compare the voice and swallowing function of patients with and without laryngeal mobility after thyroidectomy. METHODS: This prospective study evaluated patients with thyroid disease divided in two groups: GA with laryngeal mobility modified after surgery and GB, preserved. The perceptual and acoustical analysis and fiberoptic endoscope of swallowing evaluation protocol were applied at preoperatory, recent and late post operatory. Both groups had presented bigger percentage of women, with age between 46 and 65 years, and total thyroidectomy. Reduced numbers of smokers and indication of neck dissection was common to the two groups. Papillary carcinoma was more frequent in the GA, and the benign tumor in the GB; and resected tissue volume was smaller in the GA in relation to GB. RESULTS: The evaluation of the deglutition indicated that the GA did not have alteration at preoperatory (PRE). At recent postoperative (POR) it was observed in 87% and at late period (POT), in 67%. There was statistical difference between PRE and POR, and PRE and POT (p< 0,001). Penetration and aspiration with liquid had been identified in 33% of the sample at POR (p=0,014). Residue of food occurred in 87% at POR and 60% at POT (p< 0,001). In the GB, the results between PRE and POR had significance only for deglutition, with increase of 44% in the number of individuals with dysphagia, presenting residue and premature escape of the food. Voice results had indicated light degree dysphonia characterized by the roughness in 67% of the sample of the GA at PRE. There was significant difference between PRE and POR, in the global grade, strain, instability, pitch, loudness and resonance focus. Between PRE and POT, the significance it occurred only in pitch...