Synchronous Bilateral Laryngeal Oncocytic Papillary Cystadenoma: An Uncommon Occurrence.

Oncocytic papillary cystadenoma is a rare, benign tumor highly uncommon in the larynx. Although controversy exists regarding its true nature it is considered a phenomenon of metaplasia. We present the case of a 57-year-old patient with synchronous, bilateral oncocytic papillary cystadenoma of the ventricles and we discuss the current literature.

Sulcus Vocalis and Benign Vocal Cord Lesions: Is There Any Relationship?

BACKGROUND: Sulcus vocalis (SV) is a longitudinal groove in the free edge of the true vocal cord. It may impair phonation with incomplete glottic closure, phonasthenia and hoarseness. This study aims to detect a correlation between benign vocal cord lesions and the incidence of the SV. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out on patients who underwent transoral surgery due to benign vocal fold lesions and were selected according to strict criteria. Patients were divided into a group with sulcus vocalis (Group wSV) and a group without sulcus vocalis (Group w/oSV). The possible correlations between variables were assessed by the Pearson chi-square test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The study included 232 vocal cord lesions in 229 patients: 62.88% were females whose mean age was 46.61 ± 14.04. The most frequent diseases were polyps (37.94%), nodules (18.53%) and Reinke's edema (21.12%). Statistically significant relationships were found between age and SV (p-value 0.0005) and between mild dysplasia and SV (p-value 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: This study did not detect a cause-effect relationship between SV and benign vocal fold lesions. SV within vocal fold lesions is more common in younger patients, suggesting a congenital nature of SV. In conclusion, in the case of a benign vocal fold lesion, a possible SV should be considered and researched to provide the patient the best healthcare.

Comparison of the application of high-flow nasal oxygen with two different oxygen concentrations in infant and child laryngotracheal surgery.

Background: This study aimed to compare the use of the STRIVE Hi technique with 70 and 100% oxygen concentrations in children with 1st or 2nd degree laryngeal obstruction undergoing suspension laryngoscopic surgery. Methods: Children aged 1 month to 6 years scheduled for suspension laryngoscopic surgery with spontaneous respiration were randomly divided into the 70% oxygen concentration group (HFNO70% group) and the 100% oxygen concentration group (HFNO100% group). The data recorded for all the patients included age and sex, comorbidities, preoperative physiological status, methods of induction and maintenance of anesthesia, course of the disease and surgical options, and duration of operation. The primary endpoint was the lowest oxygen saturations during the surgery. The secondary endpoints included the partial pressure of oxygen PaO2, the arterial pressure of carbon dioxide PaCO2, the peak transcutaneous carbon dioxide PtcCO2, and the incidence of desaturation (defined as SpO2 < 90%) or hypercarbia (PtcCO2 > 65 mmHg). Results: A total of 80 children with 1st or 2nd degree laryngeal obstruction were included in the analysis. The median [IQR (range)] duration of spontaneous ventilation using STRIVE Hi was 52.5 [40-60 (30-170)]min and 62.5 [45-81 (20-200)]min in the HFNO 70% and HFNO 100% groups, respectively (p = 0.99); the lowest oxygen saturation recorded during the operation was 97.8 ± 2.1% and 96.8 ± 2.5%, respectively (p = 0.053); the mean PaO2 at the end of surgery was 184.6 ± 56.3 mmHg and 315.2 ± 101.3 mmHg, respectively (p < 0.001); and the peak transcutaneous CO2 was 58.0 ± 13.0 mmHg and 60.4 ± 10.9 mmHg, respectively (p = 0.373), despite a long operation time. Conclusion: STRIVE Hi had a positive effect on children undergoing tubeless laryngeal surgery with spontaneous ventilation, and for children with 1st or 2nd degree laryngeal obstruction, there was no significant difference in maintaining the intraoperative oxygenation between the 70 and 100% oxygen concentration groups. The 100% oxygen concentration group showed significant hyperoxia, which has been proven to be associated with multiple organ damage. Using a relatively lower oxygen concentration of 70% can effectively reduce the hazards associated with hyperoxia compared to 100% oxygen concentration. Clinical trial registration: [www.chictr.org.cn], identifier [CHICTR2200064500].

Non-intubated deep paralysis: a new anaesthesia strategy for vocal cord polypectomy.

BACKGROUND: Vocal cord polyp is common otorhinolaryngological disease, traditionally treated by vocal cord polypectomy under a supporting laryngoscope with general anaesthesia. Although it is safe and controllable, it would cause some anaesthesia complications. Moreover, the complex process of general anaesthesia may significantly reduce surgical efficiency. Avoiding these problems remains an important issue. METHODS: All patients were subjected to the standard non-intubated deep paralysis (NIDP) protocol consisting of four phases. An emergency plan was launched when NIDP cannot be implemented successfully. Patient characteristics, blood gas and monitoring data were collected during NIDP. Data concerning satisfaction, complications and duration of anaesthesia and recovery were collected to assess its effectiveness. RESULT: Among 20 enrolled patients, the success rate of NIDP was 95%. Only one patient failed in completing NIDP. Blood gas analysis revealed that the partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide was maintained at safe levels. Monitoring during NIDP revealed fluctuations in mean arterial pressure between 110 and 70 mmHg, and the heart rate was stable at 60-100 beats per minute. The duration of anaesthesia and postoperative recovery were 13.0 ± 2.84 and 5.47 ± 1.97 min, respectively. All patients and surgeons were satisfied with NIDP, and no complications were detected before discharge. CONCLUSION: NIDP can be safely applied to patients and can replace general anaesthesia in vocal cord polypectomy. It can significantly reduce the duration of anaesthesia and postoperative recovery. No anaesthesia complications occurred without intubation, and patients and surgeons were satisfied with NIDP. TRIAL REGISTRATIONS: This single-centre, prospective study was registered on clinicaltrial.gov (NCT04247412) on 30th July 2020.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block with the Traditional Method for Direct Laryngoscopic Biopsy of Supraglottic Masses: A Clinical Trial.

Background: A bilateral superior laryngeal nerve block (SLNB) can provide complete anesthesia for laryngeal sampling and by providing this block we can manage the biopsy of supraglottic masses without the complications of general anesthesia. Objectives: This study aimed to compare 2 superior laryngeal nerve block (SLNB) methods using ultrasound and the traditional method for direct laryngoscopic surgery for the biopsy of supraglottic masses. Methods: In this single-blind clinical trial, 50 patients undergoing supraglottic laryngeal mass biopsy under direct laryngoscopy were divided into 2 groups. The first group was anatomical landmark bilateral SLNB (C group), and the second group was sono-guided bilateral SLNB (U group). Hemodynamic changes, pain, oxygen desaturation, surgeon satisfaction, and the complication obtained and noted. Results: There was no significant difference in the success rate of the procedure (P = 0.99), as well as the surgeon's satisfaction with the procedure (P = 0.337). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), oxygen saturation, and their changes in the studied groups were compared before the block, after the block, after the biopsy, and in the recovery room, showing no significant difference between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Only the heart rate (HR) after the biopsy and in the recovery room showed significant differences between the 2 groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the level of patient and surgeon satisfaction and pain during and after the procedure (P > 0.005). Conclusions: SLNB for direct laryngoscopic surgery for biopsy of supraglottic masses using ultrasound was not significantly superior to the traditional method, and there was no significant difference between the 2 methods in terms of procedure success, surgeon's satisfaction, and patients' pain.

Oncological Outcomes of Transoral Laryngeal Microsurgery with Fiber-Optic Diode Laser for Early Glottic Cancer: A Single-Center Experience.

Backgroud/Objectives: Transoral laser laryngeal microsurgery (LTLM) has been widely used in the treatment of early-stage glottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) for the past few decades. Although T stage, tumor grade, anterior commissure involvement, type of cordectomy, positive surgical margin, and postoperative additional therapies were accused as the prognostic factors for recurrence, there is still controversy about these data in the literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oncological results of our patients with early glottic LSCC treated with LTLM as a single-modality therapy in a single-center study. METHODS: Patients with early-stage (Tis-1-2/N0) glottic LSCC who underwent LTLM as a primary treatment from 2011 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinicopathological factors and oncologic outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-one patients were enrolled in this study. The 5-year overall (OS), disease-specific (DSS), disease-free (DFS), and laryngectomy-free survival rates were 84.5%, 97.9%, 79.2%, and 93.5%, respectively. The most common stage, histopathological type, and type of endoscopic cordectomy were T1 stage, well-differentiated cancer, and type 2 cordectomy, respectively. A positive surgical margin was defined in 20 (12.4%) patients. There was a significant relationship between histopathological grade and positive surgical margins (p = 0.038). OS and DSS rates of "wait and see" modality were lower, while DFS of radiotherapy was lower than that of other treatment modalities in patients with positive surgical margins, but the differences were not statistically significant. Nineteen (11.8%) patients had a recurrence. DSS was statistically significantly lower in patients with recurrence (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of our study showed that anterior commissure involvement, surgical margin positivity, and higher T stage statistically did not reduce survival rates in early-stage LSCC patients treated with LTLM. As the histopathological grade of the tumor worsens, the risk of surgical margin positivity increases. RT may have a negative effect on recurrence and organ preservation in the additional treatment of patient with positive surgical margins.

Endoscopy-assisted transoral resection of a parapharyngeal space schwannoma without mandibular dissection.

Of the schwannomas that arise from the parapharyngeal space, those in the high cervical region are particularly invasive, requiring mandibular dissection. Because these tumors are benign, however, excessive surgical invasion and postoperative neurological complications should be avoided. Postoperative dropout symptoms may be avoided by intracapsular extraction, including nerve integrity monitoring (NIM) and narrow-band imaging (NBI). Video laryngoscopy surgery is reported to be useful for transoral resection of pharyngeal and laryngeal tumors. This report describes the transoral removal of a giant schwannoma located in the high cervical region from a 74-years-old man using a surgical support device without mandibular dissection. The tumor was located on the right lateral pharyngeal wall and extended from the upper oropharynx to the hypopharynx while compressing the epiglottis to the skull base. No separation was observed between the internal jugular vein and the internal carotid artery. The tumor was diagnosed as a schwannoma with no malignancy on the basis of the histology of a core needle biopsy (CNB), and was completely and safely removed endoscopically using NIM and NBI, with no need for an external incision or mandibular dissection. This case illustrates that even a huge sympathetic schwannoma located in the parapharyngeal space at a high cervical position can be excised transorally using video-laryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) without mandibular dissection.

High frequency jet ventilation during endolaryngeal surgery: Risk factors for complications.

Objective: Microlaryngeal surgery requires teamwork between surgeons and anesthesiologists. High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is an artificial breathing technique, preferred during endolaryngeal interventions, which offers a good solution for the requirements. Most studies investigating independent risk factors for intraoperative complications during HFJV in endolaryngeal surgery (ELS) has been retrospective and not standardized and the anesthetic approach has not been standardized. This prospective cohort study aimed to identify risk factors of complications related to HFJV in ELS under a standardized anesthesia regimen. Methods: 243 patients who underwent ELS with infraglottic HFJV were investigated. Infraglottic jet ventilation catheter was placed and anesthesia was standardized. Demographic and operative data were noted. Hemodynamics, SpO2 and end-tidal CO2 were recorded at regular intervals. Complications such as hemodynamic disturbances, respiratory problems, barotrauma, equipment failure and requirement for conventional ventilation were also documented. Results: 222 patients were included. Hypoxia, hypercapnia and the need for intubation were observed in 20(9%), 4(1.8%), 10(4.5%) patients. Bradycardia, hypotension and arrhythmia were observed in six (2.7%), 24(10.8%), and four (1.8%) patients respectively. Respiratory complications were associated with body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001, OR: 1.57, 95%CI: 1.31­1.88) and previous major airway surgery (p < 0.001, OR: 34.0, 95%CI:3.52­328.24), whereas hemodynamic complications were associated with duration of the operation (p = 0.034, OR:1.04, 95%CI:1.0­1.09) and history of previous major airway surgery (p = 0.005, OR:9.57, 95%CI:1.97­46.49). Conclusion: Infraglottic HFJV can be evaluated as an alternative breathing technique to conventional ventilation during endolaryngeal interventions. However, longer operation and previous laryngeal surgeries can increase the incidence of respiratory complications.

Two Cases of Mucosal Bridge Crossing the Membrane of Vocal Folds / 대한이비인후과학회지

Mucosal bridges of vocal fold have been described as a parallel band to vocal folds with the presence of sulcus vocalis. However, the type of mucosal bridge crossing each vocal fold has not been well documented in the literature. Herein, we present two cases of mucosal bridge found in the vocal fold connecting the mid-portions of true vocal folds. Two patients who had no history of laryngeal trauma, surgery or oro-tracheal intubation visited our clinic due to voice change. Laryngoscopic examination revealed that they had a mid-portion mucosal band without any other mucosal lesions. Two patients underwent laryngomicrosurgery with pulsed dye laser. After the surgery, they showed significant improvement of voice quality.

Surgical Treatment of Sulcus Vocalis Using KTP Laser

Sulcus vocalis remains a surgical challenge despite many recent advances in laryngomicrosurgeries. We previously reported that 585-nm Pulsed dye laser (PDL) exerts favorable outcome in treatment of sulcus vocalis due to its therapeutic effects of collagen rearrangement and improved wound remodeling. In spite of the usefulness of PDL glottoplasty for treating sulcus vocalis, the device is no more available in the country. It prompted us to focus another angiolytic laser ; 532-nm KTP laser which has similar mechanisms of action and has been used for treatment of other laryngeal lesions elsewhere. Herein, we present a case of sulcus vocalis successfully treated with KTP laser. A patient underwent laryngomicrosurgery with angiolytic KTP laser (KTP glottoplasty) by the same surgical procedure with PDL glottoplasty. After the surgery, the patient presented improved voice outcome in time without complications.

Identifying outcome predictors of transoral laser cordectomy for early glottic cancer.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of outcomes in patients with early glottic cancer treated by transoral laser cordectomy. METHODS: This was an inception cohort study of 201 patients with early glottic cancer who were treated by transoral laser cordectomy. Five-year Kaplan-Meier analyses were realized. RESULTS: Patients with anterior commissure involvement (n = 75) had a significantly lower disease-free survival (DFS) rate (54.6% vs 79.8%; p = .0004), ultimate local control with laser alone rate (71.0% vs 95.7%; p < .0001), laryngeal preservation rate (91.6% vs 100%; p = .0003), and disease-specific survival (DSS) rate (90.8% vs 99.0%; p = .03). There was no significant difference in overall-survival (OS) rates (76.9% vs 88.5%; p = .29). Surgical margin status was not found to be a significant predictor of outcomes in this series. CONCLUSION: Although anterior commissure involvement has a significant impact on outcomes, laser cordectomy remains a valuable option considering its high organ preservation and survival rates. In cases of local recurrence, all standard further treatment options remain available. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E406-E411, 2015.

Early glottic cancer involving the anterior commissure treated by transoral laser cordectomy.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Anterior commissure involvement is considered to be a risk factor for poorer outcomes after transoral laser cordectomy (TLC) for early glottic cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the outcomes and relevance of the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) classification in a large series of patients with early glottic cancer involving the anterior commissure treated by TLC. METHODS: The clinical and surgical parameters, as well as follow-up results, of the patients treated consecutively for early-stage glottic squamous cell carcinoma involving the anterior commissure (Tis, T1a, T1b, and T2) by transoral CO2 laser cordectomy in an urban academic medical center from January 2001 to March 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. The main outcomes measures were: 5-year disease free survival (DFS), ultimate local control with laser alone, laryngeal preservation, overall-survival (OS) rates, and disease-specific survival (DSS) rates (Kaplan-Meier). RESULTS: Ninety-six patients treated from January 2001 to March 2013 were included. The 5-year DFS and ultimate local control with laser alone rates were 61.7% and 74.4%, respectively. The laryngeal preservation rate was 93.4%; and the OS and DSS rates were 79.2% and 91.5%, respectively. Postoperative T classification (pT) status was not found to be a significant predictor of recurrences, but was predictive of more severe recurrences requiring other treatments than laser. CONCLUSION: TLC is an effective treatment for early stage glottic cancer involving the anterior commissure. The TNM classification is a relevant prognosis factor for severe recurrences. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 126:1817-1822, 2016.

New technique for laryngomicrosurgery: narrow band imaging-assisted video-laryngomicrosurgery for laryngeal papillomatosis.

OBJECTIVE: In the present report, we describe the use of narrow band imaging during video-laryngomicrosurgery for laryngeal papillomatosis. CASE REPORT: It is difficult to peri-operatively locate all the superficial papillomatous lesions when the disease is widespread, which then results in tumor recurrence. Therefore, we have constructed a narrow band imaging video-laryngomicrosurgery system, which we have used for two cases of laryngeal papillomatosis. CONCLUSION: Our narrow band imaging-assisted video-laryngomicrosurgery system to visualise superficial laryngeal papillomatosis more clearly.

The use of a double-lumen central venous catheter for airway management in pediatric patients undergoing laryngeal papillomatosis surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a spontaneous ventilation anesthesia technique with insufflation of oxygen and volatile agent through a double-lumen central venous catheter (DLCVC) in pediatric patients undergoing suspension laryngoscopic surgery for laryngeal papillomatosis. METHODS: Thirty-six pediatric patients with laryngeal papillomatosis undergoing suspension laryngoscopic surgery were anesthetized with oxygen and volatile anesthetic insufflation while spontaneously breathing. Anesthesia was induced by inhalation of 8% sevoflurane in oxygen by mask. Atropine, dexamethasone, lidocaine, and midazolam were administered intravenously. The tip of a 7Fr DLCVC was inserted below the glottis after placement of the laryngoscope and establishing suspension. Anesthesia was maintained with insufflation of 4-6% sevoflurane and oxygen with a total fresh gas flow of 6 l·min(-1) through the 14G (larger lumen) of the DLCVC. Endtidal carbon dioxide tension (PetCO2) was monitored using the other lumen of the DLCVC, which was connected to the CO2 sampling line. Duration of the procedure as well as total anesthesia time was recorded. Electrocardiography (ECG), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and PetCO2 were also monitored. Arterial blood was sampled for blood gas analysis including pH, PaO2 , PaCO2 , and actual base excess (ABE). Complications, including intraoperative patient movement, hypoxemia (SpO2 < 95% during oxygen insufflation), nausea, vomiting, bronchospasm, and arrhythmias, were recorded. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in PetCO2 and PaCO2 (P values <0.05) as well as a decrease in ABE, pH, and PaO2 (P values <0.05) in samples collected before and after surgery. MAP, HR, and SpO2 after surgery were not significantly different from after induction values (P values >0.05). During surgery, SpO2 < 95% in three cases and body movements in three cases were observed. No patient had any other of the complications previously described. Furthermore, no postsurgical endotracheal intubation was needed in any patient. CONCLUSION: After establishing an adequate depth of anesthesia, a spontaneous ventilation anesthesia technique with insufflation of oxygen and volatile agent through a DLCVC is feasible in pediatric patients undergoing suspension laryngoscopic surgery for laryngeal papillomatosis.

Transoral laser microsurgery for early glottic cancer as one-stage single-modality therapy.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: A study was undertaken to determine the oncologic outcomes in a consecutive series of early glottic carcinomas treated with transoral CO2 laser microsurgery (TLM) as a one-stage single-modality therapy, without any postoperative radiation therapy or retreatment with laser. We further evaluated correlations between the oncologic outcomes and clinicopathologic factors including tumor location and surgical margin. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of medical records. METHODS: The medical records of 118 consecutive patients with early stage (T1, T2) glottic carcinoma who underwent TLM by a single surgeon as an initial treatment from 1997 to 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The oncologic outcomes were evaluated, and correlations to clinicopathologic factors were analyzed. RESULTS: The 5-year disease-free survival, ultimate local control with laser alone, disease-specific survival, overall survival, and organ preservation rates were 87.9%, 94.2%, 99.0%, 92.2%, and 96.2%, respectively. Neither the reported surgical margin nor the extension of tumor to the anterior commissure, arytenoid, subglottis, and ventricle showed any significant impact on local control or survival. CONCLUSIONS: Transoral CO2 laser microsurgery as one-stage single-modality therapy resulted in a high rate of local control and a high survival rate in selected cases of early glottic carcinoma, regardless of the location of tumor and histopathology report on the surgical margin.

A Case of Suspension Laryngoscope Assisted Removal of Migrating Cervical Screw after Anterior Cervical Fusion / 대한이비인후과학회지

Anterior cervical approaches to the cervical spine have been widely and safely used in spine surgery in recent years; however, they also have posed some otorhinolaryngological complications. We present a case of suspension laryngoscope assisting in the removal of a cervical screw. The patient was a 63-years-old man who was operated on traumatic cervical herniated disc. Surgical interference included C5 corpectomy, iliac bone autograft, anterior cervical fusion at C4-C6 level using an anterior cervical plate and screws. Five years later, he presented a foreign body sensation in the neck and odynophagia. The laryngoscopic exam showed the medial wall of the right pyriform sinus protrusion and the migration of an upper screw was observed in plain films and computed tomography of the cervical spine. The suspenson laryngoscope and C-arm fluoroscope were used for the transpharyngeal screw removal. The removal of the screw in question was successful with no complications. We report this case with a review of the literature.

Comparison of Propofol-Remifentanil and Sevoflurane-Remifentanil Anesthesia for Suspension Laryngoscopic Surgery

BACKGROUND: Suspension laryngoscopic surgery may cause acute hemodynamic changes such as hypertension and tachycardia and requires rapid recovery. The purpose of this study was to compare the hemodynamic responses, and emergence and recovery profiles between propofol-remifentanil and sevoflurane-remfentanil anesthesia. METHODS: Forty patients (ASA I, II) undergoing suspension laryngoscopic surgery were randomly allocated to either a propofol group (Group P) or sevoflurane group (Group S). Anesthesia was induced with target concentration of 5microg/ml using propofol target controlled infusion (TCI) in group P and thiopental sodium 5 mg/kg in group S, respectively. In both groups, after succinylcholine 1 mg/kg IV bolus injection, remifentanil was infused with a target concentration 5 ng/ml using remifentanil TCI for tracheal intubation. Anesthesia was maintained with N2O 2 L/min, O2 2 L/min, remifentanil (2.5-7.0 ng/ml), succinylcholine infusion (0.15 mg/kg/ min) in both groups, with propofol (2.0microg/ml) was used in group P and sevoflurane 3.0 vol% in group S. We compared hemodynamic status, and emergence and recovery profiles during and after operation. RESULTS: MAP and HR after tracheal intubation and suspension laryngoscopy insertion showed significantly smaller changes in group P and were more stable compared with group S. The suction time of the catheter response was shorter in group P compared with group S, and sedation was less deeper in group P than group S. Other recovery profiles were comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS: During propofol-remifentanil anesthesia, hemodynamics were not increased by intubation or suspension laryngoscopy, and the early emergence and good recovery profiles of patients were appeared favorably compared with sevofluraneremifentanil anesthesia.

Continuous Measurement of Suspension Force during Suspension Laryngoscopy: Preliminary Report / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although suspension laryngoscopy is a very common procedure in the otolaryngoloical field and suspension force (Fs) is suspected to be related with the complications or laryngeal exposure, Fs has not been objectively measured yet. The objective of this study is to measure suspension force continuously during suspension laryngoscopy. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Sixteen patients who had undergone laryngoscopic surgery were evaluated. The value measured with a load cell during the procedure was converted to Fs with calculation. The maximum force (Fsmax) and the mean force (Fsmean) were evaluated. The angle between the laryngoscope and the chest holder(angle alpha), and the angle between the chest holder and the horizontal plane (angle beta) were gauged. RESULTS: The mean values of Fsmax and Fsmean were 14.2 and 25.5 kgf, respectively. The mean values of angle alpha and angle beta were 124.0+/-4.3 degrees, and 19.0+/-2.6 degrees, respectively. CONCLUSION: The continuous measurement of the suspension force was executed successfully and quantitatively with a simple method.

Change of Taste and Sensory after Tonsillectomy and Laryngomicrosurgery / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postoperative taste and sensory changes are regarded as unusual and minor complications of tonsillectomy and laryngomicrosurgery. This study aimed to identify incidence, cause, and duration of postoperative taste and sensory changes. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: With 20 patients who underwent tonsillectomy and 20 patients who underwent laryngomicrosurgery, we have prospectively studied postoperative taste and sensory changes using questionnaires with regard to symptoms at 1(st), 7(th) , 14(th) and 28(th) days after the surgery. The thresholds of sweet, sour, salty and bitter tastes were measured by spatial taste test. Also, we have checked pre-operatively and post-operatively about the serum level of zinc and copper. RESULTS: Five patients (25%) who underwent tonsillectomy and 3 patients (15%) who underwent laryngomicrosurgery suffered from changes in tastes. Four patients (20%) and 5 patients (25%) showed the sensory change. Especially, the bitter taste threshold changed in the posterior tongue (p<0.05). Post-operative zinc deficiency was detected on 1 patient. Subjective taste and sensory change disappeared within 28 days. In spatial taste test, the threshold for bitter taste increased on the 1st post-operative day at the posterior tongue, but it returned almost to the preoperative level within 28days. CONCLUSION: Taste and sensory change after tonsillectomy and laryngomicrosurgery are not unusual complications. If there were no neural damage, taste and sensory change were transient and disappeared within 28 days. The main cause of transient taste and sensory change seemed to be due to the compression of tongue, and sometimes, to postoperative zinc deficiency.

Effects of Alfentanil on the Hemodynamic Responses and Recovery Profiles during Laryngoscopic Surgery / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Laryngoscopy, tracheal intubation and suspension laryngoscopy may cause acute hemodynamic responses such as hypertension and tachycardia. Thus, anesthetic technique during laryngoscopic surgery should be focused on sufficient anesthetic depth and rapid recovery. We investigated the effects of alfentanil to hemodynamic responses and recovery during laryngoscopic surgery. METHODS: Seventy five patients of ASA class 1 or 2 scheduled for laryngoscopic surgery were randomly divided into three groups. Each group received intravenous normal saline 2 ml (control group), alfentanil 10 microgram/kg (A10 group), alfentanil 20 microgram/kg (A20 group) respectively and then followed by induction of thiopental sodium 5 mg/kg and succinylcholine 1 mg/kg. The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate were measured at baseline, immediately and 1 minute after intubation, immediately and 1, 2, 3 minutes after placement of suspension laryngoscopy. The time of suction catheter response, eye opening and extubation were evaluated during recovery periods. RESULTS: The hemodynamic responses to tracheal intubation were blocked in the A10, A20 groups compared with control group. But the hemodynamic responses to placement of suspension laryngoscopy were blocked only by A20 group. The time of eye opening and extubation were no significant differences among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Alfentanil 20 microgram/kg effectively alleviate the hemodynamic responses by tracheal intubation and suspension laryngoscopy during laryngoscopic surgery.