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Αλέξανδρος Γ. Σφακιανάκης

Friday, August 13, 2021

Modified Arytenoid Adduction Operation for the Treatment of Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

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Introduction: Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) was a relative common glottic insufficiency disease; however, a completely satisfactory treatment of UVFP was elusive. This study was aimed to evaluate the surgical efficacy of modified arytenoid adduction with fenestration of the thyroid cartilage in the management of patients with UVFP, including voice and aspiration outcomes, and to summarize the postoperative complications. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on a total of 21 patients who underwent modified arytenoid adduction operation with fenestration of the thyroid cartilage for UVFP from July 2012 to June 2017. The scores of Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain scale (GRBAS), voice self-satisfaction, dynamic laryngoscopy and the voice acoustic data (fundamental frequency [F0], fundamental frequency perturbation [jitter], loudness, amplitude perturbation [shimmer], and maximal phonatory time [MPT], etc.) were statistically analyzed preoperatively and 3–6 months postoperatively. The occurrence of postoperative complications was also summarized. Results: The voice subjective perception of 21 patients was significantly improved after operation. The rate of voice self-satisfaction was 90.5%. The mean values of voice acoustics parameters were significantly improved. The MPT was significantly longer (p #x3c; 0.001), and the ratings of postoperative aspiration were significantly decreased compared with the preoperation. Among the 21 patients, 15 cases had sense of laryngeal obstruction, 8 cases had of 1–2° laryngemphraxis (recovered after 10–15 days). There were 2 cases of laryngeal stridor, 1 case of incision infection, 1 case of pharyngeal fistula, and 1 case of falsetto (corrected by voice training). No patient had laryngeal hematoma, neck hematoma, or laryngospasm. Conclusion: The modified arytenoid adduction operation with fenestration of the thyroid cartilage can significantly improve the vocal function of patients with UVFP and effectively reduce the aspiration, with fewer postoperative complications, less trauma, and more convenient advantages.
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Vocal Fold Movement and Silent Aspiration After Congenital Heart Surgery

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Objectives/Hypothesis

Infants who undergo congenital heart surgery are at risk of developing vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) and swallowing difficulties. This study aims to describe the dysphagia in this population and explore the associations between surgical complexity and vocal fold mobility with dysphagia and airway protection.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of infants (age <12 months) who underwent congenital heart surgery between 7/2008 and 1/2018 and received a subsequent videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS). Demographic information, Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (STAT) category of each surgery, vocal fold mobility status, and VFSS findings were collected and analyzed.

Results

Three hundred and seventy-four patients were included in the study. Fifty-four percent of patients were male, 24% were premature, and the average age at the time of VFSS was 59 days. Sixty percent of patients had oral dysphagia and 64% of patients had pharyngeal dysphagia. Fifty-one percent of patients had laryngeal penetration and 45% had tracheal aspiration. Seventy-three percent of these aspirations were silent. There was no association between surgical complexity, as defined by the STAT category, and dysphagia or airway protection findings. Patients with VFMI after surgery were more likely to have silent aspiration (odds ratio = 1.94, P < .01), even when adjusting for other risk factors.

Conclusion

Infants who undergo congenital heart surgery are at high risk for VFMI and aspiration across all five STAT categories. This study demonstrates the high prevalence of silent aspiration in this population and the need for thorough postoperative swallow evaluation.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2021

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A Population‐Based Analysis of Outpatient Thyroidectomy: Safe and Under‐Utilized

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Objectives/Hypothesis

Performance of thyroidectomy on an outpatient basis has gained popularity although many jurisdictions have not shifted their practice despite a strong safety profile. We sought to assess the uptake and safety of outpatient thyroidectomy in Ontario.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

This was a population-based retrospecive cohort of adult patients undergoing hemithyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy between 1993 and 2017 in Ontario, Canada. Outpatient surgery was defined as discharge home on the same day of surgery. Outcomes of interest include 30-day all cause death, hematoma, emergency department use, and readmission. To adjust for confounding, propensity scores were calculated. Logistic regression models with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were then used to estimate the exposure-outcome relationship.

Results

The final cohort consisted of 81,199 patients: 8,442 underwent same day surgery and 72,757 were admitted. The proportion of patients undergoing outpatient thyroidectomy increased overtime (2.3% in 1993–1994 to 17.8% in 2016–2017). Factors associated with higher odds of outpatient thyroidectomy included: younger age, less material deprivation, less comorbidities, and higher surgeon volume. The absolute number of deaths (≤5) and hematomas (64, 0.8%) in the outpatient cohort was low. After IPTW adjustment, patients with outpatient management had lower odds of neck hematoma (OR 0.73[95CI% 0.58–0.93)], but higher odds of emergency department use (OR 1.67[95%CI 1.56–1.79]).

Conclusions

Outpatient thyroidectomy is not associated with an increased mortality risk. Less than one in five patients undergo outpatient thyroidectomy in Ontario, despite a well-established safety profile.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2021

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Technical Considerations in Pedicle Management in Upper and Midfacial Free Flap Reconstruction

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Objectives

Mid and upper face free flaps frequently are associated with challenges due to pedicle length. We sought to evaluate the frequency at which alternative pedicle maneuvers were required for these reconstructions and determine if there was any association with flap survival or postoperative complications.

Study Design

Retrospective review at three tertiary care institutions.

Methods

Database review.

Results

Free flap reconstruction of the upper and midface was performed in 295 patients (108 bony, 187 soft tissue). In 82% of cases, the vessels reached the ipsilateral neck for anastomosis to traditional target vessels. Arterial grafts were required in 2% of reconstructions (4% bony and 1% soft tissue). Venous grafting was required in 7% of reconstructions (21% fibula, 16% scapula, and 3% soft tissue) and was associated with an increase in flap failure rate (19% vs 3%, P = .003). The most common recipient artery for revascularization was the cervical facial artery (78%). Alternate recipient vessels were selected in 13% of cases, including the superficial temporal vessels (7%), distal facial branches through a separate facial incision (4%), and angular vessels (2%). Vein grafting was associated with a higher flap failure rate. Alternative maneuvers did not affect need for intraoperative pedicle revision or complications.

Conclusions

In upper and midface reconstruction, vascular grafting, targeting more distal branches of the facial system, or additional maneuvers to optimize pedicle orientation is often required to secure revascularization. Vein grafting is associated with a higher free flap failure rate. Scapular border flaps often require vascular grafting or atypical anastomotic locations.

Level of Evidence

3—Non randomized cohort study 4 Laryngoscope, 2021

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Outcomes of Submandibular Stone Removal With and Without Salivary Endoscopes

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Objectives/Hypothesis

For patients with submandibular sialolithiasis, there are many gland-preserving treatment options including sialendoscopy. Sialendoscopy, however, requires expensive instrumentation with limited availability, which may not be required for routine cases. The objective of this study is to compare the outcomes of patients with submandibular sialolithiasis undergoing sialendoscopy versus those undergoing transoral incisional sialithotomy.

Study Design

Longitudinal, prospective study of patient undergoing gland-preserving therapy for submandibular sialolithiasis.

Methods

The study was a prospective, nonrandomized trial of 30 patients with submandibular sialolithiasis who received gland-preserving treatment by either sialendoscopy-assisted techniques (Scope group; 14 patients) or transoral sialithotomy with or without dochoplasty (No Scope group; 16 patients). Factors analyzed between the two groups included age, race, gender, size of stone, location of stone, gland(s) involved, surgical method, and modified salivary Oral Health Impact Profile (sOHIP) scores before and after therapy.

Results

There were no significant differences between the Scope and No Scope groups regarding age, race, or gender. There was a significant difference in stone size between the groups, with the No Scope group having larger stones on average. Both treatments led to statistically significant symptomatic improvement in sOHIP scores. There was no statistically significant difference in salivary quality of life improvement between the Scope and No Scope groups (P = .33).

Conclusions

Sialendoscopy is an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the management of salivary disorders, but is not associated with improved outcomes in gland-preserving treatments for routine submandibular sialolithiasis. Transoral stone removal alone may have equivalent symptomatic outcomes in the management of select sialoliths.

Level of Evidence

III Laryngoscope, 2021

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