Psychiatric Diagnoses and Psychotropic Drug Usage in Gender-Affirming Voice Surgery Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the burden of psychiatric illness and psychotropic medication usage among the subset of transgender patients who undergo gender-affirming laryngeal surgery and describe some of the most commonly encountered conditions experienced by this population. METHODS: An Institutional Review Board-approved chart review was conducted for the 18 patients who have undergone gender-affirming laryngeal procedures from August 2019 to June 2022 performed at a single institution. Patient demographic data, treatment details, and psychiatric diagnoses and prescriptions for psychotropic medications were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 18 patients who underwent gender-affirming laryngeal surgery at this institution, 16 patients underwent these operations as part of a transition from male to female gender, while 2 patients were transitioning from female to male gender. In this cohort, 13 patients were diagnosed with a psychiatric comorbidity (72.2%). Of these patients, 11 were prescribed at least 1 psychotropic medication (61.1%). The most common psychiatric illnesses encountered in these patients were depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Ten patients were diagnosed with more than 1 psychiatric comorbidity (55.6%). The most commonly prescribed psychotropic drugs were selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Three patients in this cohort had a recorded history of at least one prior suicide attempt. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple studies have demonstrated increased rates of mental illness in transgender individuals, however, this is the first study to describe the burden of these conditions specifically in the subset of patients who undergo gender-affirming laryngeal surgery.

Amelioration of Subglottic Stenosis by Antimicrobial Peptide Eluting Endotracheal Tubes.

Introduction: Pediatric subglottic stenosis (SGS) results from prolonged intubation where scar tissue leads to airway narrowing that requires invasive surgery. We have recently discovered that modulating the laryngotracheal microbiome can prevent SGS. Herein, we show how our patent-pending antimicrobial peptide-eluting endotracheal tube (AMP-ET) effectively modulates the local airway microbiota resulting in reduced inflammation and stenosis resolution. Materials and Methods: We fabricated mouse-sized ETs coated with a polymeric AMP-eluting layer, quantified AMP release over 10 days, and validated bactericidal activity for both planktonic and biofilm-resident bacteria against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ex vivo testing: we inserted AMP-ETs and ET controls into excised laryngotracheal complexes (LTCs) of C57BL/6 mice and assessed biofilm formation after 24 h. In vivo testing: AMP-ETs and ET controls were inserted in sham or SGS-induced LTCs, which were then implanted subcutaneously in receptor mice, and assessed for immune response and SGS severity after 7 days. Results: We achieved reproducible, linear AMP release at 1.16 µg/day resulting in strong bacterial inhibition in vitro and ex vivo. In vivo, SGS-induced LTCs exhibited a thickened scar tissue typical of stenosis, while the use of AMP-ETs abrogated stenosis. Notably, SGS airways exhibited high infiltration of T cells and macrophages, which was reversed with AMP-ET treatment. This suggests that by modulating the microbiome, AMP-ETs reduce macrophage activation and antigen specific T cell responses resolving stenosis progression. Conclusion: We developed an AMP-ET platform that reduces T cell and macrophage responses and reduces SGS in vivo via airway microbiome modulation. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-023-00769-9.

Gender analysis of the top classic papers in otolaryngology head and neck surgery.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the gender breakdown of first authorship contributing to the most-cited papers in the field of otolaryngology, with a goal of identifying trends in gender representation in publishing. Methods: The top 150 most-cited papers were identified using the Science Citation Index of the Institute for Scientific Information. Among the first authors, gender, h-index, percentage of first, last, and corresponding authorship positions, total publications, and citations were analyzed. Results: The majority of papers were in the English language, from the United States, of clinical nature, and on otologic topics. Eighty-one percent of papers (n = 122) had men who were first authors, although there was no difference in h-index score, authorship position, number of publications, citations, and average citations/year between men and women first authors. Upon subgroup analysis by decade (1950s-2010s), there was no difference in the number of articles by women first authors (P = 0.11); however, there was a statistically significant increase in the percentage of women authors (P = 0.001) in papers published later compared to those published earlier. Conclusions: While a promising number of women otolaryngologists are publishing high-powered articles, future initiatives to promote academic inclusivity of women should be considered.

Modification of Wendler Glottoplasty for Male to Female Gender Transition.

INTRODUCTION: Transgenderism is a condition regarding the gender identity of an individual where their psychological gender is discordant with their anatomic gender. For patients transitioning from Male to Female, voice changes are created predominantly with voice therapy, with vocal surgery as an adjunct if the patient desires it. A common surgical technique is the Wendler Glottoplasty. A CO2 laser is used to de-epithelialize the anterior third of the vocal folds and the anterior one-third of the folds are sutured together. This shortens the vibratory folds and increases the fundamental frequency (F0) of the voice. We present a novel modification that incorporates use of injectable aqueous carboxy-methyl-cellulose gel (Prolaryn) to medialize the anterior aspect of the vocal folds and apply fibrin glue sealant (Tisseal) in lieu of sutures, simplifying the operative technique and a thyroarytenoid myectomy for debulking of the cords in select cases. METHOD: We present ten patients treated with our modified Wendler Glottoplasty technique. Voice assessment was based on F0 and frequency range pre and post-operatively measured via MDVP and Real-Time Pitch on the Computerized Speech Lab. RESULTS: The 10 patients had an average age of 34.0 years (range 22.2-64.3 years). The average preoperative F0 was 136.1 Hz, with an average frequency range of 108.3-282.4 Hz. Postoperatively, the average F0 was 245.9 Hz, with an average frequency range of 197.3-300.7 Hz. This led to an average F0 increase of 106.3 Hz. CONCLUSION: Our modification to the Wendler Glottoplasty successfully resulted in a significant increase in the postoperative F0. In addition, there was improved satisfaction in vocal character after the procedure, compared to their preoperative vocal character.

Objective screening for olfactory and gustatory dysfunction during the COVID-19 pandemic: a prospective study in healthcare workers using self-administered testing.

BACKGROUND: Smell and taste loss are highly prevalent symptoms in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), although few studies have employed objective measures to quantify these symptoms, especially dysgeusia. Reports of unrecognized anosmia in COVID-19 patients suggests that self-reported measures are insufficient for capturing patients with chemosensory dysfunction. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to quantify the impact of recent COVID-19 infection on chemosensory function and demonstrate the use of at-home objective smell and taste testing in an at-risk population of healthcare workers. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty healthcare workers were screened for possible loss of smell and taste using online surveys. Self-administered smell and taste tests were mailed to respondents meeting criteria for elevated risk of infection, and one-month follow-up surveys were completed. RESULTS: Among subjects with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, 73% reported symptoms of olfactory and/or gustatory dysfunction. Self-reported smell and taste loss were both strong predictors of COVID-19 positivity. Subjects with evidence of recent SARS-CoV-2 infection (<45 days) had significantly lower olfactory scores but equivalent gustatory scores compared to other subjects. There was a time-dependent increase in smell scores but not in taste scores among subjects with prior infection and chemosensory symptoms. The overall infection rate was 4.4%, with 2.5% reported by PCR swab. CONCLUSION: Healthcare workers with recent SARS-CoV-2 infection had reduced olfaction and normal gustation on self-administered objective testing compared to those without infection. Rates of infection and chemosensory symptoms in our cohort of healthcare workers reflect those of the general public.

Current Practices in Endotracheal Tube Size Selection for Adults.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Intubation with inappropriately sized endotracheal tubes (ETT) can cause long-term tracheal and laryngeal injuries often requiring surgical intervention. Although tracheal size has been demonstrated to vary based on height and sex, it is unclear whether these guidelines are regularly implemented in patients undergoing endotracheal intubation. The objective of this study is to determine the rate of appropriate ETT size selection in patients undergoing intubation and assess provider decision making in ETT size selection. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: The study population was all patients who underwent endotracheal intubation over a two-week period at a tertiary academic medical center. Data were collected on patient age, gender, height, BMI, comorbidities, ETT size, duration of intubation, bronchoscopies, and type of practitioner who performed the intubation. A height-based nomogram for ETT size selection was used to determine the recommended ETT size for each patient. RESULTS: One hundred five patients met the inclusion criteria. 22% of patients were intubated with an inappropriately large tube, defined as 1.0 mm larger than the recommended size. Women were more likely to be intubated with an inappropriately large ETT (OR = 13.58, P = .001), as were patients with height less than 160 cm (OR = 141, P = .001). Other factors related to disease severity, anticipation for bronchoscopy, and BMI were not risk factors for the use of inappropriately large ETT. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is compelling evidence that height is a strong predictor of tracheal morphology and appropriate ETT size, height-based guidelines have yet to be universally adopted for ETT size selection. Laryngoscope, 131:1967-1971, 2021.

Voice Restoration after Radiation and Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy by Injection Augmentation of the Arytenoid.

Supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) is an organ-preserving surgical technique intended to achieve oncologic control of laryngeal cancer while maintaining laryngeal functions. Most patients who undergo SCPL achieve a serviceable voice. However, several factors can affect the function of the neoglottis after SCPL. We report the case of a 53-year-old male referred for near aphonia after undergoing SCPL for recurrent laryngeal carcinoma initially treated with radiation. Calcium hydroxylapatite injection augmentation of the right arytenoid was performed to assist neoglottic closure. Flexible laryngoscopy demonstrated greatly improved neoglottic closure postoperatively, and the patient's voice was successfully restored. This case demonstrates a novel technique for voice restoration in patients who have undergone partial laryngectomy.

Persistent Inflammation and Nitric Oxide Dysregulation Are Transcriptomic Blueprints of Subglottic Stenosis.

Subglottic stenosis (SGS) is a recurrent, obstructive, fibroinflammatory disease of the upper airway resulting in severe dyspnea, dysphonia, as well as other potentially fatal complications. Although aberrant inflammation and wound-healing are commonly associated with pathogenesis, the mechanism through which such processes occur and recur in affected patients remains poorly studied. Here we report that transcriptomic profiling of laryngotracheal regions from minimally-invasive mucosal swabs of SGS patients reveals a distinctively pro-inflammatory gene signature. Surprisingly, comparative genomics between SGS patients and mice with direct laryngotracheal injury suggest that SGS patients bear more resemblance to the acute than chronic phase of injury. Furthermore, functional and regulatory network analyses identify neutrophilic involvement through hyper-activation of NF-κB and its downstream inflammasome as a potential master regulator. Interestingly, nitric oxide synthesis was found to be downregulated in SGS patients compared to healthy controls. Thus, SGS represents a state of immunodeficiency whereby defective immune clearance triggers recurrent, long-lasting production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Iatrogenic Tracheal Injuries: Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Iatrogenic tracheal injuries are an uncommon but serious complication of endotracheal tube intubation. We present two cases that illustrate iatrogenic tracheal injuries presenting hours after the time of their injury. This report addresses the critical diagnostic evaluation and management of iatrogenic tracheal injuries resulting from endotracheal intubation.

Auditory Feedback Control of Vocal Pitch in Spasmodic Dysphonia.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Hearing plays an important role in the maintenance of vocal control in normal individuals. In patients with spasmodic dysphonia (SD), however, the ability to maintain sustained control of phonation is impaired. The origins of SD are unknown, and it is unclear whether auditory feedback-dependent vocal control is compromised in these patients. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case-control study. METHODS: We tested 15 SD patients and 11 age-matched controls. Voice recordings were performed while subjects repeated the vowel /e/ and auditory feedback of their vocal sounds was altered in real-time to introduce a pitch-shift (±2 semitones), presented back to subjects using headphones. Recordings were analyzed to determine voice changes following the pitch-shifted feedback. Results were further compared with patient demographics and subjective measures of dysphonia, including the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). RESULTS: Despite considerable pitch variability and vocal breaks, SD patients exhibited significantly higher average vocal pitch compensation than control subjects. SD patients also exhibited greater variability than controls. However, there were no significant correlations between vocal compensation and patient demographics, although there was a significant inverse correlation with VHI. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, patients with SD exhibited increased sensitivity to altered auditory feedback during sustained phonation. These results are consistent with recent theories of SD as a disorder of sensory-motor feedback processing, and suggest possible avenues for future investigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:2070-2075, 2021.

Gore-Tex implant extrusion following revision medialization thyroplasty: Case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To review current literature and experience with Gore-TexⓇ implant extrusion following medialization thyroplasty, as well as to report the unique case of Gore-TexⓇ implant extrusion following revision medialization thyroplasty. METHODS: Review of existing literature and description of personal experience with unique case of Gore-TexⓇ implant extrusion following revision medialization thyroplasty. RESULTS: Review of existing literature found no prior reported cases of Gore-TexⓇ implant extrusion following revision medialization thyroplasty. Risk factors for implant extrusion include the pressure of the implant on insertion and the inability to secure the implant. Cases of implant extrusion can be managed operatively via an endoscopic or via an external open approach. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case of Gore-TexⓇ implant extrusion following revision medialization thyroplasty. Careful consideration should be given in revision medialization thyroplasty as additional implant material may cause increased pressure, a risk factor for implant extrusion.

Airway management of angioedema patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

IMPORTANCE: The COVID-19 pandemic is characterized by high transmissibility from patients with prolonged minimally- or asymptomatic periods, with a particularly increased risk of spread during aerosol-generating procedures, including endotracheal intubation. OBSERVATIONS: All patients presenting with upper airway obstruction due to angioedema during this time should be carefully managed in a way that is safest for both patient and provider. CONCLUSIONS: For patients requiring emergent airway management during the COVID-19 pandemic, minimization of aerosols while taking the necessary precautions to protect healthcare workers should are critical principles for their management.

Virtual Dysphagia Evaluation: Practical Guidelines for Dysphagia Management in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

With encouraging signs of pandemic containment nationwide, the promise of return to a full range of clinical practice is on the horizon. Clinicians are starting to prepare for a transition from limited evaluation of emergent and urgent complaints to resumption of elective surgical procedures and routine office visits within the next few weeks to months. Otolaryngology as a specialty faces unique challenges when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic due to the fact that a comprehensive head and neck examination requires aerosol-generating endoscopic procedures. Since the COVID-19 pandemic is far from being over and the future may hold other highly communicable infectious threats that may require similar precautions, standard approaches to the clinical evaluation of common otolaryngology complaints will have to be modified. In this communication, we present practical recommendations for dysphagia evaluation with modifications to allow a safe and comprehensive assessment.

Spontaneous Giant Laryngeal Granuloma in the Absence of Laryngeal Injury.

The etiology of laryngeal granuloma can typically be attributed to endotracheal intubation, vocal abuse, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. There is a strong male predominance, except in cases due to intubation, where incidence is higher in women. We report a case of spontaneous development of multiple granulomas in a female with no history of intubation who presented with hoarseness and massive bilateral supraglottic masses obscuring her glottis. The disparity between the massive lesions and asymptomatic reflux highlights the need for further research in the pathophysiology of laryngeal granulomas.

Long-Term Voice and Swallowing Outcomes for Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer Following Primary or Adjuvant Chemoradiation.

OBJECTIVE: Chemoradiation (CRT) for nonlaryngeal head and neck cancer (HNC) can lead to voice and swallowing dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to examine voice and swallowing from the patient's perspective at least 5 years after treatment. DESIGN: Patient survey. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients treated with primary or adjuvant CRT at least 5 years ago (mean = 10.7 years, SD = 5.5, range, 5-28) completed a survey created based on previously validated questionnaires (the Patient Perception of Swallowing Function Questionnaire, PPSFQ; the Eating Assessment Tool, EAT-10; the Voice Handicap Index, VHI-10; the Voice Related Quality of Life, V-RQOL). RESULTS: Patients reported some voice and swallowing dysfunction (39% of V-RQOL scores in categories of fair, poor, or worst possible and 32% of VHI-10 scores ≥20 or greater than 50% of the maximum; 39% of PPSFQ scores greater than 50% of the maximum and 32% of EAT-10 scores ≥20 or 50% of the maximum). There was a correlation between V-RQOL and VHI-10 scores (Pearson product moment correlation coefficient r = .96, calculated probability value p = 0), PPSFQ and EAT-10 scores (r = 0.87, p = 0.8 × 10-8), as well as between V-RQOL and PPSFQ/EAT-10 scores (r = .94, p = 0), VHI-10 and PPSFQ/EAT-10 scores (r = .97, p = 0). CONCLUSIONS: Perceived voice and swallowing dysfunction following CRT for nonlaryngeal HNC can persist or worsen beyond 5 years.

Diagnostic utility of flexible fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscopy recorded onto a smartphone: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of flexible fiberoptic examinations of the larynx recorded onto smartphones. METHODS: Prospective, blinded study of inpatients requiring laryngoscopy. A live exam was performed, then a smartphone was attached to the endoscope using a novel coupling device and the same examination was recorded. The live and recorded exams were evaluated by two laryngologists, each blinded to the findings of the other. RESULTS: Eighteen subjects were evaluated. Evaluation of airway patency was identical (Kappa = 1.0 [1, 1]). Evaluation of vocal cord motion was identical for 14 subjects: 9 normal, 3 paretic, 2 paralytic (Kappa = 0.69 [0.38, 1]). CONCLUSION: There is high correlation between laryngeal diagnoses using live flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy and recordings using a coupling device to transfer the recordings on to smartphones. Critical findings such as airway patency and vocal fold motion showed the highest correlation.

Taste acceptability of thickening agents.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with dysphagia are often unable to manage secretions and liquids, necessitating the use of commercial thickeners to decrease the likelihood of aspiration. This study aims to evaluate the effect of commercially available thickeners on hedonic perception of various liquids. METHODS: Forty subjects without preexisting dysphagia or anosmia were recruited from a tertiary care otorhinolaryngology clinic over a five-month period. Participants were presented with samples of three unthickened liquids (ice water, chilled ginger ale, and hot coffee) and their thickened counterparts and asked to rate the taste acceptability of the liquids on an 11-point visual analog scale. The study was reviewed by the hospital's Institutional Review Board and determined to be IRB exempt. RESULTS: A statistically significant preference for unthickened liquids over their thickened counterpart was observed across flavors (P < 0.0001). Of the thickened liquid samples, study participants expressed the strongest preference for thickened ginger ale. CONCLUSION: Thickened liquids are perceived as significantly less palatable than their unthickened counterparts, although ginger ale may be better tolerated when thickened than coffee or water. Providers should be aware of the impact of thickeners on taste acceptability when counseling patients with dysphagia.

Influences of temporal lobe epilepsy and temporal lobe resection on olfaction.

Although temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and resection (TLR) impact olfactory eloquent brain structures, their influences on olfaction remain enigmatic. We sought to more definitively assess the influences of TLE and TLR on olfaction using three well-validated olfactory tests and measuring  the tests' associations with the volume of numerous temporal lobe brain structures. The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test and an odor detection threshold test were administered to 71 TLE patients and 71 age- and sex-matched controls; 69 TLE patients and controls received an odor discrimination/memory test. Fifty-seven patients and 57 controls were tested on odor identification and threshold before and after TLR; 27 patients and 27 controls were similarly tested for odor detection/discrimination. Scores were compared using analysis of variance and correlated with pre- and post-operative volumes of the target brain structures. TLE was associated with bilateral deficits in all test measures. TLR further decreased function on the side ipsilateral to resection. The hippocampus and other structures were smaller on the focus side of the TLE subjects. Although post-operative volumetric decreases were evident in most measured brain structures, modest contralateral volumetric increases were observed in some cases. No meaningful correlations were evident pre- or post-operatively between the olfactory test scores and the structural volumes. In conclusion, we demonstrate that smell dysfunction is clearly a key element of both TLE and TLR, impacting odor identification, detection, and discrimination/memory. Whether our novel finding of significant post-operative increases in the volume of brain structures contralateral to the resection side reflects plasticity and compensatory processes requires further study.

High-Level Disinfection of Otorhinolaryngology Clinical Instruments: An Evaluation of the Efficacy and Cost-effectiveness of Instrument Storage.

Objectives Despite increasing interest in individual instrument storage, risk of bacterial cross-contamination of otorhinolaryngology clinic instruments has not been assessed. This study is the first to determine the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of standard high-level disinfection and clinic instrument storage. Methods To assess for cross-contamination, surveillance cultures of otorhinolaryngology clinic instruments subject to standard high-level disinfection and storage were obtained at the start and end of the outpatient clinical workday. Rate of microorganism recovery was compared with cultures of instruments stored in individual peel packs and control cultures of contaminated instruments. Based on historical clinic data, the direct allocation method of cost accounting was used to determine aggregate raw material cost and additional labor hours required to process and restock peel-packed instruments. Results Among 150 cultures of standard high-level disinfected and co-located clinic instruments, 3 positive bacterial cultures occurred; 100% of control cultures were positive for bacterial species ( P < .001). There was no statistical difference between surveillance cultures obtained before and after the clinic day. While there was also no significant difference in rate of contamination between peel-packed and co-located instruments, peel packing all instruments requires 6250 additional labor hours, and conservative analyses place the cost of individual semicritical instrument storage at $97,852.50 per year. Discussion With in vitro inoculation of >200 otorhinolaryngology clinic instruments, this study demonstrates that standard high-level disinfection and storage are equally efficacious to more time-consuming and expensive individual instrument storage protocols, such as peel packing, with regard to bacterial contamination. Implications for Practice Standard high-level disinfection and storage are equally effective to labor-intensive and costly individual instrument storage protocols.