Transcutaneous Laryngeal Ultrasound for Assessing Hyaluronic Acid Status in Patients Undergoing Injection Laryngoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Injection laryngoplasty (IL) with hyaluronic acid (HA) is an effective treatment for patients with glottic insufficiency. The duration of HA maintenance in the vocal fold remains unknown. In this study, transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasound (TLUS) was used to evaluate the absorption and migration of HA after IL. Subsequent management might be provided based on the TLUS finding. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) or vocal fold atrophy were recruited. All patients underwent IL with HA in an office-based setting along with TLUS to monitor the status of HA. The schedule of TLUS included assessments before and after IL until non-visualization. RESULTS: The study population comprised 38 women and 17 men. Of the patients, 54.1% underwent IL for UVFP, whereas 45.9% underwent IL for vocal fold atrophy. Multivariate Cox regression analysis for factors affecting HA absorption revealed that the cause of injection was the most important independent predictor (hazard ratio [HR], 2.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-4.46; p = 0.040). The duration of HA maintenance was significantly longer in patients with UVFP than in those with vocal fold atrophy (8.77 vs. 4.70 months, HR, 2.33; 95% CI, 5.47-8.18; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: TLUS is an objective assessment method for patients undergoing IL with HA. Subsequent tailor-made management could be offered based on the TLUS findings during follow-up. For patients at high risk of upper respiratory tract infection or who are intolerant to flexible nasopharyngoscopy, TLUS can be used as an alternative tool to evaluate the condition of the glottis after IL with HA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Single stage cricoid split laryngoplasty with costochondral rib grafting is a novel approach to treat subglottic stenosis in a paediatric patient: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Subglottic stenosis (SGS) appears to be a commonly encountered condition in the paediatric age group. Single stage cricoid split laryngoplasty with costochondral rib grafting in paediatric patients is a unique, innovative, and advanced operation in nature. Morbidity and mortality rates can be minimized with early diagnosis and prompt treatment. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Presenting the case of a 13-month-old child diagnosed with Grade II SGS who was managed for cricoid split laryngoplasty with a costochondral rib graft. It was a unique strategy for providing infants and neonates with symptomatic SGS with a safe and efficient substitute for long-term tracheostomy. When healing was completed, the patient regained the function of their airway. The approach was successful, and preventable to long-term tracheostomy. DISCUSSION: Performing this procedure early in children has shown higher rates of success and it is safe and effective. Further extensive research and studies need to be conducted in this domain, and every patient's status should be reviewed time and again to tend to their specific needs, and the choice of procedure should be made optimally based on clinical evaluations. CONCLUSION: Successful management of a 13-month-old child with Grade II subglottic stenosis through cricoid split laryngoplasty with costochondral rib grafting is a challenging and novel approach to treating single-stage SGS.

Fenestration Approach for Arytenoid Adduction in Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis.

OBJECTIVE: Several surgical techniques have been reported for the treatment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). Although the fenestration approach has recently been applied for arytenoid adduction (AA) in some cases, long-term large-cohort studies on its usefulness are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the long-term voice outcomes of this technique in patients with UVFP. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: A total of 168 patients with UVFP underwent laryngoplasty comprising AA performed through fenestration of the thyroid ala combined with a type I thyroplasty (TPI). The maximum phonation time (MPT) and mean airflow rate (MFR) were measured before and after surgery, and voice analysis included an estimation of shimmer and jitter. Anterior and posterior surgical windows were created in the lower thyroid ala and were used for typical TPI and AA, respectively. The window locations were determined based on three-dimensional computed tomography data. AA was performed by pulling the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage toward the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle through the posterior window without releasing the cricothyroid joint. All surgeries were performed under local anesthesia, and medialization was endoscopically confirmed. RESULTS: Postoperative MPT >10 seconds was achieved in 156 of the 168 patients. Postoperatively, MFR improved to <250 mL/s in all but two patients, and MPT, MFR, jitter, and shimmer significantly improved in all patients. Furthermore, perceptual evaluation using the Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, and Strain scale revealed significant improvement in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The fenestration approach preserves the cricothyroid joint and does not open the cricoarytenoid joint; therefore, the laryngeal cartilage is stabilized, and no distortion of the laryngeal framework occurs. Our results showed that combined AA and TPI via the fenestration approach provided stable long-term postoperative voice improvement in patients with UVFP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Investigation of the Position and Angle of the Vocal Fold Projected onto the Thyroid Cartilage.

OBJECTIVE: To perform laryngeal framework surgery for unilateral vocal fold paralysis and obtain favorable voice improvement, it is necessary to accurately determine the vocal fold and arytenoid cartilage positions. Thus, the position and angle of the paralyzed vocal folds and arytenoid cartilage projected onto the affected thyroid plate were measured using computed tomography (CT) before and after surgery. METHODS: Forty-six male patients with thyroid cartilage ossification observed on preoperative CT and vocal fold paralysis were included. Using Adobe Illustrator®, the thyroid plate on the affected side was reconstructed from the continuous images of the sagittal section of the CT examination during participant's quiet breathing (reconstructed affected thyroid plate [RATP]). RESULTS: The anterior commissure mean position was slightly cranial to the midpoint of the thyroid cartilage midline. The paralyzed vocal fold angle was not parallel to the baseline. The average unaffected vocal fold angle during vocalization projected onto the affected thyroid plate was 13.83°, which differed significantly from the average paralyzed vocal fold angle before surgery (19.05°). However, no significant difference was observed in comparison with the average angle of the paralyzed vocal fold after arytenoid adduction. The average distance from the inferior notch of the affected side thyroid cartilage to the affected arytenoid cartilage was 16.7 mm. CONCLUSION: By understanding the positional relationship between the thyroid cartilage plate and internal structure from preoperative CT images, more effective surgery can be performed according to individual differences. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV Laryngoscope, 2024.

Injection Laryngoplasty for Children with Dysphagia after Cardiac Surgery.

Objective: To determine whether injection laryngoplasty (IL) resolves thin liquid aspiration among children with unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP) after cardiac surgery. Study Design: Retrospective case-control. Setting: Tertiary children's hospital. Methods: Consecutive children (<5 years) between 2012 and 2022 with UVCP after cardiac surgery were included. Resolution of thin liquid aspiration after IL versus observation was determined for children obtaining videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS). Results: A total of 32 children with left UVCP after cardiac surgery met inclusion. Initial surgeries were N = 9 (28%) patent ductus arteriosus ligations, N = 7 (22%) aortic arch surgeries, N = 9 (28%) surgeries for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and N = 7 (22%) other cardiac surgeries. The mean age at initial surgery was 1.8 months (SD: 3.7). All children had a VFSS obtained after surgery that confirmed aspiration. There were 17 children that obtained an IL at 33.6 months (SD: 20.9) after cardiac surgery and 15 children observed without IL procedure. No surgical complications after IL were noted. The rate of aspiration resolution based on postoperative VFSS was N = 14 (82%) for the IL group and N = 9 (60%) for the control group P = .24. Documented VFSS aspiration resolution after cardiac surgery occurred by 9.6 months (SD: 10.0) in the observation group and 47.4 months (SD: 24.1) in the IL group (P < .001). Conclusion: IL can help treat aspiration in children with UVCP after cardiac surgery but the benefit beyond observation remains unclear. Future studies should continue to explore the utility for IL in managing dysphagia in this pediatric population.

Silk-Hyaluronic Acid for Vocal Fold Augmentation: Safety Profile and Long-Term Voice Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Silk-hyaluronic acid (silk-HA) is a novel vocal fold augmentation material used in humans since July 2020. We aim to describe indications, voice outcomes, and longevity data for silk-HA injectable when used for vocal fold injection (VFI) augmentation in a large cohort of patients with longer-term follow-up than preliminary clinical studies. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of Silk-HA injections for glottic insufficiency (GI) and follow-up between July 2020 and November 2023. Subject demographics, diagnoses, volume of material injected, VHI-10 data, time from injection, need for reinjection, and complications were collected. Blinded perceptual voice analysis of randomly selected pre- and post-intervention voice samples for unilateral vocal fold paralysis patients was performed by three voice-specialized speech-language pathologists, and changes in VHI-10 determined at various time intervals up to 1year and beyond. RESULTS: A total of 160 silk-HA injection procedures were performed: 59% female, with a mean age of 66± 13 (range 21-90) years. Ninety-four subjects had unilateral paralysis (58.4%); the remainder had scar, atrophy, paresis, or a combination thereof. Mean volume of silk-HA injected was 0.24± 0.14 cc. Major complications were rare, most notable for laryngoscopic evidence of hemilaryngeal edema (n = 6, 3.8%), with a readmission rate to hospital of 1.3% (n = 2). There was a statistically significant decrease in paired ΔVHI-10 and CAPE-V ratings for each of the postoperative follow-up intervals. A total of 24 (27.2%) repeat medialization procedures were recommended following silk-HA injection for unilateral paralysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that silk-HA is a safe product for VFI augmentation, and effective injectable for the treatment of GI due to unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Based on the current data, it is reasonable to counsel patients that they should expect benefit for several months following the injection. If patients reach 1year from their injection with a stable and satisfactory outcome, the majority experience ongoing benefit without need for additional procedures, however, the final duration of clinical effect appears to be years, but it is yet to be determined.

[Balloon dilation as an alternative to tracheotomy for acquired subglottic stenosis in children of the first year of life]. / Ballonnaya dilatatsiya kak al'ternativa trakheotomii pri priobretennom podskladkovom rubtsovom stenoze u detei pervogo goda zhizni.

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy and safety of balloon dilation as the first choice method in the treatment of children of the first year of life with acquired subglottic stenosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the treatment of 25 patients aged 27 days to 11 months of life (average age 5.3±3.76 months) with subglottic stenosis caused by prolonged intubation, in whom balloon dilation was the first method of treatment. Grade III Cotton-Myer stenosis was preoperatively detected in 22 children, the remaining 3 had grade II stenosis. RESULTS: The success rate of balloon dilation was 100%; tracheotomy was not required in any case, the absence of stenosis during a follow-up examination in the catamnesis was recorded in 14 (56%) children, the remaining 11 (44%) had grade 0-I stenosis and did not cause respiratory disorders. In 1 child (1.5 years old), a subglottic cyst was removed after balloon dilation. One dilation was required in 18 (72%) children, two - in 5 (20%), three and four - respectively for 1 patient. If additional intervention was necessary, the operation was repeated 10 days - 3 months after the previous one. There were no postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Balloon dilation is a highly effective and safe alternative to traditional surgical interventions for acquired subglottic stenosis in children of the first year of life and can be recommended as a method of first choice.

Dysphagia as a predictor of voice handicap and voice restoration in unilateral vocal fold immobility.

OBJECTIVE: Dysphagia is multifactorial in unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI). Severe dysphagia could indicate greater functional deficits in UVFI. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association of dysphagia with the need for surgical voice restoration in patients with UVFI. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Single-institution, tertiary referral center. METHODS: Records of UVFI patients from 2008 to 2018 were examined. Dysphagia severity was extracted from patient history. Etiology of UVFI and other relevant variables were analyzed to determine their association with dysphagia. Dysphagia severity and other clinical variables were then analyzed for their association with surgical voice restoration. RESULTS: Eighty patients met selection criteria out of 478 patients with UVFI. There was significant concordance between dysphagia severity extracted from patient history and patient-reported EAT-10 scores (R = 0.59, p = 0.000035). Patients' EAT-10 scores were correlated with VHI-10 scores (R = 0.45, p = 0.011). Severe dysphagia (p = 0.037), high VHI-10 score on presentation (p = 0.0009), and longer duration of hoarseness before presentation (p = 0.008) were associated with surgical voice restoration in UVFI patients. CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, severe dysphagia and increased voice handicap on presentation were associated with the need for surgical voice restoration in UVFI patients. Presenting dysphagia may be an additional variable for clinicians to consider for management of UVFI.

Outcomes of Injection Laryngoplasty for Deep Interarytenoid Groove.

Introduction Deep interarytenoid groove (DIG) may cause swallowing dysfunction in children; however, the management of DIG has not been established. Objective We evaluated the subjective and objective outcomes of interarytenoid augmentation with injection in children with DIG. Methods Consecutive children under 18 years of age who underwent injection laryngoplasty for DIG were reviewed. Data pertaining to demographics, past medical history, past surgical history, and results of pre and postoperative video fluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) were obtained. The primary outcome measure was the presence of thin liquid aspiration or penetration on postoperative VFSS. The secondary outcome measure was caregiver-reported improvement of symptoms. Results Twenty-seven patients had VFSS before and after interarytenoid augmentation with injection (IA). Twenty (70%) had thin liquid penetration and 12 (44%) had thin liquid aspiration before the IA. Thin liquid aspiration resolved in 9 children (45%) and persisted in 11 (55%). Of the 12 children who had thin liquid aspiration prior to IA, 6 (50%) had resolution of thin liquid aspiration after IA. Conclusions Injection laryngoplasty is a safe tool to improve swallowing function in children with DIG. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term outcomes of IA and identify predictors of successful IA in children with DIG.

Acoustics and aerodynamic effects following glottal and infraglottal medialization in an excised larynx model.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the implant's vertical location during Type 1 Thyroplasty (T1T) on acoustics and glottal aerodynamics using excised canine larynx model, providing insights into the optimal technique for treating unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). METHODS: Measurements were conducted in six excised canine larynges using Silastic implants. Two implant locations, glottal and infraglottal, were tested for each larynx at low and high subglottal pressure levels. Acoustic and intraglottal flow velocity field measurements were taken to assess vocal efficiency (VE), cepstral peak prominence (CPP), and the development of intraglottal vortices. RESULTS: The results indicated that the implant's vertical location significantly influenced vocal efficiency (p = 0.045), with the infraglottal implant generally yielding higher VE values. The effect on CPP was not statistically significant (p = 0.234). Intraglottal velocity field measurements demonstrated larger glottal divergence angles and stronger vortices with the infraglottal implant. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that medializing the paralyzed fold at the infraglottal level rather than the glottal level can lead to improved vocal efficiency. The observed larger divergence angles and stronger intraglottal vortices with infraglottal medialization may enhance voice outcomes in UVFP patients. These findings have important implications for optimizing T1T procedures and improving voice quality in individuals with UVFP. Further research is warranted to validate these results in clinical settings.

Histologic Evaluation of Silk-Hyaluronic Acid After Human Vocal Fold Injection.

OBJECTIVES: This case report aims to histologically examine human vocal fold tissue 9 months after silk-hyaluronic acid (silk-HA) injection. INTRODUCTION: Silk-HA is an engineered injectable implant made from natural protein biomaterial, silk, crosslinked with hyaluronic acid to provide long-lasting, dynamic office-based vocal fold injection augmentation to restore glottic competency. METHODS: We report the case of an adult female with left vocal fold immobility and bilateral atrophy that was treated with silk-HA injections with biopsy taken 9 months after injection for histological examination. CONCLUSION: Silk-HA injection in human true vocal fold demonstrates slow degradation of particles and intended cellular infiltration 9 months after injection.

Validation of a 3D-Printed Percutaneous Injection Laryngoplasty Simulator: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Simulation may be a valuable tool in training laryngology office procedures on unsedated patients. However, no studies have examined whether existing awake procedure simulators improve trainee performance in laryngology. Our objective was to evaluate the transfer validity of a previously published 3D-printed laryngeal simulator in improving percutaneous injection laryngoplasty (PIL) competency compared with conventional educational materials with a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Otolaryngology residents with fewer than 10 PIL procedures in their case logs were recruited. A pretraining survey was administered to participants to evaluate baseline procedure-specific knowledge and confidence. The participants underwent block randomization by postgraduate year to receive conventional educational materials either with or without additional training with a 3D-printed laryngeal simulator. Participants performed PIL on an anatomically distinct laryngeal model via trans-thyrohyoid and trans-cricothyroid approaches. Endoscopic and external performance recordings were de-identified and evaluated by two blinded laryngologists using an objective structured assessment of technical skill scale and PIL-specific checklist. RESULTS: Twenty residents completed testing. Baseline characteristics demonstrate no significant differences in confidence level or PIL experience between groups. Senior residents receiving simulator training had significantly better respect for tissue during the trans-thyrohyoid approach compared with control (p < 0.0005). There were no significant differences in performance for junior residents. CONCLUSIONS: In this first transfer validity study of a simulator for office awake procedure in laryngology, we found that a previously described low-cost, high-fidelity 3D-printed PIL simulator improved performance of PIL amongst senior otolaryngology residents, suggesting this accessible model may be a valuable educational adjunct for advanced trainees to practice PIL. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 134:318-323, 2024.

Improvement in swallowing safety after injection laryngoplasty in patients with unilateral vocal paralysis complicated with aspiration.

BACKGROUND: The benefit of injection laryngoplasty (IL) on voice for unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) is supported increasingly in literatures, yet less is known for swallowing. Also, prevalence of patient-reported dysphagia is substantially higher than instrumental studies. This prospective study focused on swallowing outcomes, with predetermined flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) protocol that simulates daily life situation. METHODS: Adult patients with UVFP and aspiration receiving IL were recruited. Voice outcome measurements, as well as swallowing outcomes including Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and FEES, which challenged patients with different fluid volumes: 10 mL, 20 mL, and 90 mL cup sipping were evaluated. RESULTS: Significant improvements were demonstrated in all voice outcomes. Significant changes were also presented inEAT-10 (P < 0.01). Pre-operatively, penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) was 1.5 ± 1.3, 1.9 ± 1.7 and 2.3 ± 1.8 for 10 mL, 20 mL and 90 mL serial sipping, and improved to 1.1 ± 0.3, 1.1 ± 0.4 and 1.4 ± 0.7 post-operatively (P < 0.01). Safe swallowing (PAS ≤ 2) was achieved in all, except for one patient, who presented with a post-injection PAS of 4 (material enters the airway, contacts the vocal folds, and is ejected from the airway) on 90 mL cup sipping, whose pre-injection PAS was 7 (residue in trachea). CONCLUSION: Maintaining swallowing function suitable for social environment is important. Our results demonstrated the feasibility of the predetermined FEES protocol, and positive effects of IL on both voice and swallowing outcomes.

Preliminary Experience with 3-Dimensional Exoscope-Assisted Laryngoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Laryngoplasty requires the manipulation of the vocal folds, which are not visible during the operation. The widespread use of this technique is limited by the need for adequate knowledge of anatomy, the small surgical field, and the high level of skill required for the procedure. An exoscope has been developed to provide a stereoscopic view similar to that of a microscope while using the same compact endoscopic tool. This study aimed to determine whether the three-dimensional (3D) exoscopic surgical technique could be applied to laryngoplasty and explore its possibility to ultimately replace the current approach. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series analysis, which included 28 patients with hoarseness who underwent surgery with (Exoscope; n = 12) or without (Macrosurgery; n = 16) a 3D exoscope between July 2018 and February 2021. The feasibility of performing all surgical steps with the 3D exoscope was evaluated. The Exoscope and Macrosurgery groups were compared for surgical time, vocal function outcomes, and complications. Questionnaires were completed by medical staff regarding the usefulness of medical education. RESULTS: No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred in either procedure. The operative time was similar in both groups. The vocal function outcomes were also comparable between the groups. Questionnaires revealed that the exoscope was useful in terms of sharing information on surgical procedures and anatomy, as well as functioning as an educational tool. CONCLUSION: While this was a preliminary study, our results indicated that the exclusive use of the 3D exoscope was feasible for open approaches. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:1813-1819, 2024.

Safety and Adverse Events of Medialization Thyroplasty: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Unilateral vocal fold paralysis or paresis (UVFP) is a condition that causes significant morbidity due to dysphonia, dysphagia, and aspiration. Type I medialization thyroplasty (MT) is the current mainstay surgical treatment for UVFP. Though widely considered a safe procedure, concerns exist over possible airway complications which can lead to overnight observation. Herein, we report a systematic review of the safety and adverse events of MT to aid in determining the safety of same-day discharge. DATA SOURCES: PubMed and Embase databases. REVIEW METHODS: Our search identified studies investigating complications associated with MT. Articles were selected if published between January 1, 1989 and March 15, 2023. Abstracts were screened, and data were extracted from included studies. Only Type I MT procedures were included; case reports were excluded. Participant characteristics, intervention details, results, and adverse events were extracted. RESULTS: The database query identified 751 abstracts, of which 46 studies met eligibility criteria. A total of 2426 patients underwent MT. The most common implant was Silastic (n = 898, 37.0%) followed by Gore-Tex (n = 664, 27.4%). There were 254 (10.5%) total complications reported; 110 (4.5%) were considered major. The most common complication was nonobstructive hematoma (n = 59, 2.4%) followed by hemorrhage (n = 36, 1.5%). Implant extrusion (n = 24, 0.99%) or displacement (n = 15, 0.62%) occurred mostly in Silastic and Gore-Tex implants. Same-day discharge occurred with 429 patients and was not associated with adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: UVFP can be reliably improved by MT with a low risk of complications. Outpatient MT is a promising treatment with a favorable safety profile. Laryngoscope, 134:1994-2004, 2024.

Changes in vocal fold gene expression and histology after injection augmentation in a recurrent laryngeal nerve injury model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in neuroregenerative pathways with vocal fold denervation in response to vocal fold augmentation. METHODS: Eighteen Yorkshire crossbreed swine underwent left recurrent laryngeal nerve transection, followed by observation or augmentation with carboxymethylcellulose or calcium hydroxyapatite at two weeks. Polymerase chain reaction expression of genes regulating muscle growth (MyoD1, MyoG and FoxO1) and atrophy (FBXO32) were analysed at 4 and 12 weeks post-injection. Thyroarytenoid neuromuscular junction density was quantified using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Denervated vocal folds demonstrated reduced expression of MyoD1, MyoG, FoxO1 and FBXO32, but overexpression after augmentation. Healthy vocal folds showed increased early and late MyoD1, MyoG, FoxO1 and FBXO32 expression in all animals. Neuromuscular junction density had a slower decline in augmented compared to untreated denervated vocal folds, and was significantly reduced in healthy vocal folds contralateral to augmentation. CONCLUSION: Injection augmentation may slow neuromuscular degeneration pathways in denervated vocal folds and reduce compensatory remodelling in contralateral healthy vocal folds.

3D-exoscopic microlaryngoscopy in phonosurgery for glottic insufficiency.

PURPOSE: We hypothesized that using a 3D-exoscope (3Dex) in microlaryngoscopic phonosurgery is non-inferior to using a standard operating microscope (OM). To compare the above, we utilized a 3Dex and an OM for microlaryngoscopic vocal fold augmentation with autologous fat in patients with glottic insufficiency and compared the procedure itself and the long-term impact of vocal fold augmentation on subjective and objective voice parameters in both groups. METHODS: 36 patients with glottic insufficiency received microlaryngoscopic laryngeal augmentation with autologous fat. A 3Dex was utilized in 24 cases for visualization and compared to twelve cases in which an OM was used. Voice parameters were evaluated over a period of twelve months. RESULTS: Comparison of operation time and voice parameters between the 3Dex and OM groups did not reveal significant differences. Significant improvement of mean voice quality in all parameters excluding roughness was observed at 3 and 6 months followed then by a slight decrease of voice quality parameters between the 6 and 12 months interval in both groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate no difference concerning operation time and outcome between the use of a 3Dex and an OM in phonosurgery. Our results highlight a significant voice improvement after vocal fold augmentation with autologous fat in glottic insufficiency mediated dysphonia. The smaller viewing system, better ergonomics for the primary surgeon and the assistant and a direct view for the entire surgical team make a 3Dex an interesting alternative for visualization in microlaryngoscopic phonosurgery.

Outcomes of Injection Laryngoplasty for Deep Interarytenoid Groove

Abstract Introduction Deep interarytenoid groove (DIG) may cause swallowing dysfunction in children; however, the management of DIG has not been established. Objective We evaluated the subjective and objective outcomes of interarytenoid augmentation with injection in children with DIG. Methods Consecutive children under 18 years of age who underwent injection laryngoplasty for DIG were reviewed. Data pertaining to demographics, past medical history, past surgical history, and results of pre and postoperative video fluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) were obtained. The primary outcome measure was the presence of thin liquid aspiration or penetration on postoperative VFSS. The secondary outcome measure was caregiver-reported improvement of symptoms. Results Twenty-seven patients had VFSS before and after interarytenoid augmentation with injection (IA). Twenty (70%) had thin liquid penetration and 12 (44%) had thin liquid aspiration before the IA. Thin liquid aspiration resolved in 9 children (45%) and persisted in 11 (55%). Of the 12 children who had thin liquid aspiration prior to IA, 6 (50%) had resolution of thin liquid aspiration after IA. Conclusions Injection laryngoplasty is a safe tool to improve swallowing function in children with DIG. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term outcomes of IA and identify predictors of successful IA in children with DIG.

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.

Type 1 Thyroplasty for Chronic Cough.

OBJECTIVES: Type 1 thyroplasty is a vital component of treatment for vocal fold hypomobility, immobility, and atrophy. However, patients with other laryngeal symptoms, including chronic cough, can have concomitant vocal fold atrophy and glottic insufficiency on the exam. Previous work has demonstrated that injection laryngoplasty can assist with treating cough in patients with glottic insufficiency. However, the role of type 1 thyroplasty for cough has not been well described. METHODS: Case series of five patients treated by a fellowship-trained laryngologist at a tertiary voice center. RESULTS: Five patients underwent type 1 thyroplasty for chronic cough. All five patients had a chronic cough that was not responsive to medical management. One patient underwent a previous superior laryngeal nerve block, which was effective for three weeks. Prior to surgery, all patients had a trial injection laryngoplasty with temporary improvement in symptoms. Four of five patients underwent bilateral GoreTex type 1 thyroplasty; one underwent only unilateral thyroplasty due to subtle vocal fold hypomobility on that side. All patients had improvement in their cough, with follow-up periods ranging from one month to three years. CONCLUSION: There are limited therapeutic options for chronic cough refractory to medical therapy. For patients with vocal fold atrophy or glottic insufficiency, type 1 thyroplasty may offer a durable option to improve cough.