Understanding the anatomy of the larynx from the era of Gimbernat to the present day moving towards laryngeal transplantation

Knowledge of the gross anatomy of the larynx in Spain throughout the period when Gimbernat was working as a surgeon and anatomist was considerable; very much comparable to our present understanding. However, the lack of aseptic surgical technique, anaesthesia, and antibiotics limited the ability to undertake complex surgery. Nevertheless, it was during that period when for first time it became possible to diagnose some laryngeal pathologies, thanks to the invention, by a Spanishsinger, Manuel Garcia (1805-1906), of a primitive laryngoscope that made it possible to see the laryngeal interior. Only in 1873 was the first major surgery of the larynx was reported when Billroth undertook the first laryngectomy to treat surgically laryngeal carcinoma. It was more than a hundred years later, before the first laryngeal transplantation was attempted by Strome and his team (1998), and though initially meeting with some success, that transplanted larynx had to be removed 14 years later. Based on our current understanding of laryngeal anatomy and surgical technique, we argue that there are four factors that must be addressed if satisfactory transplantation of the larynx to be achieved: 1) psycho-social and ethicolegal aspects; 2) tissue viability vs. rejection; 3) restoration of a vascular, and 4) selective reinnervation of the larynx has to be achieved. The three first factors are being addressed, however, the selective reinnervation remains challenging because the nerve supply of the larynx is now known to be much more complex than many accounts imply. This is because: 1) each laryngeal muscle may receive a variable number of nerve branches; 2) there are multiple connections between the different laryngeal nerves; 3) many laryngeal nerves and connections are mixed conveying both motor and sensory fibres; and 4) the laryngeal muscles may receive a dual nerve supply, from both the recurrent laryngeal and superior laryngeal nerves (AU)

No disponible

Experimental Assessment and Future Applications of the Shikani Tracheostomy Speaking Valve.

PURPOSE: Tracheostomy speaking valve use may increase airflow resistance and work of breathing. It remains unclear which valve offers the best performance characteristics. We compared the performance characteristics of the Shikani speaking valve (SSV; unidirectional-flow ball valve) with those of the Passy-Muir valve (PMV; bias-closed flapper valve). METHOD: Airflow resistance was measured for both the SSV and the PMV at 8 flow amplitudes and in 3 orientations (-15°, 0°, +20°) in the bias-open and bias-closed configurations. RESULTS: Significantly lower airflow resistance was observed for the SSV (bias open) compared with the PMV at -15° (p < .001), 0° (p < .001), and +20° (p = .006) from the horizon. No significant difference was observed between the PMV and the SSV (bias-closed) configuration at any of the tested angles. A nonsignificant trend toward decreased airflow resistance was observed between the SSV bias-open and bias-closed configurations at each of the angles tested. CONCLUSIONS: The SSV demonstrated lower airflow resistance compared with the PMV across 8 flow amplitudes in the bias-open configuration at -15°, 0°, and +20° from the horizon. Further investigation is needed to determine the clinical impact of these findings on patient comfort, work of breathing, phonation, and airway protection during swallowing.

[Rehabilitation after total laryngectomy--vision and realization]. / Rehabilitacja chorych po laryngektomii--wizja a realizacja.

Universality, early initiation, complexity and continuity - should be the main attributes of rehabilitation in patients after laryngectomy. The authors discuss the problem of universality and accessibility of rehabilitation in Poland. A great role in realization of this attributes played since 20 years the Polish Society of Laryngectomees. Till now the governmental help and the participation of the National Health Fund for the patients after laryngectomy is very limited. The early rehabilitation should be started before the operation and a particular note must be taken to the patient's changed vital situation after the surgical treatment. The complexity of the rehabilitation must cover the whole spectrum of rehabilitation; it means voice and speech therapy, the improvement of respiratory system function, the problems of respiratory air conditioning and the psychological as well as social psychological aspects. The authors describe a model of such a complex rehabilitation that can be provided in health resorts. In the postoperative period the role of the laryngectomee clubs and associations is very important to assure the continuity of rehabilitation.