Vocal function after transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancer

Abstract

Conclusion: The resection of the medial and lateral pyriform sinus was associated with post-operative voice impairment after TOVS. Scar contracture around the cricoarytenoid joint lead to arytenoid fixation toward lateral position, and this wound healing process caused insufficient glottis closure. Although oncological and functional outcomes of TOVS was satisfactory, surgeons should mention the risk of post-operative voice impairment in pre-operative counseling.

Objectives: Transoral surgery is a minimally invasive treatment option for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancer. Post-operative vocal function was satisfactory in most cases, but in some cases vocal cord was fixed and occasionally voice impairment persists.

Methods: Vocal function of 55 patients who underwent transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancers was evaluated by the GRBAS perceptive scale, aerodynamic tests and acoustic analyses, and the Voice Handicap Index questionnaire. The risk factors for voice impairment were identified.

Results: Voice impairment (G score ≧2) was found in 16 cases (29.1%). Univariate analysis revealed that the resection of medial and lateral pyriform sinus (p?=?.0018) and neck dissection (p?=?.0421) were associated with post-operative voice impairment. Multivariate analysis revealed that the resection of medial and lateral pyriform sinus (p?=?.0021) was associated with post-operative voice impairment.     

Office steroid injections of the larynx

OBJECTIVE: Steroid injection into the larynx has been sporadically reported as helpful in benign lesions of the larynx. Its role in laryngology remains unclear. This study reviews the indications and results of 47 steroid injections in 34 patients in an office setting. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of 47 injections in 34 patients. Methylprednisolone acetate suspension, USP (40 mg/mL), was injected by indirect laryngoscopy under local anesthesia. Results were evaluated by stroboscopy and by perceptual evaluation of the GRABS scale before and after injection. Pre- versus postinjection ratings were compared by paired t test. RESULTS: Indications for injection were: 1) postoperative scar with local stiffness (12 patients), 2) vocal nodules and polyp (18 patients), and 3) sarcoidosis/granuloma (4 patients). Steroid injections were done in professional singers instead of repeated oral administration of steroids and/or to avoid surgery in patients with polyps and cysts. Improvement was noted in 28 of 34 (82%). Eleven of the 18 patients with polyps and nodules had significant improvement and avoided surgery. Vocal fold scars improved after injection with an improved voice grade (P < .01), an improved amplitude (P < .05), and improved mucosal wave (P < .05). There were no complications. Only two patients could not tolerate office injection. CONCLUSION: Office steroid injections are a valuable adjunct in management of vocal fold scars, polyps, nodules, and granulomas.     

等离子辅助悬雍垂腭咽成形术后重度咽狭窄的治疗

目的 分析等离子辅助悬雍垂腭咽成形术(UPPP)后重度咽狭窄形成原因,探讨最适合治疗方案。 方法 等离子辅助UPPP术后重度咽狭窄患者8例(单纯鼻咽狭窄5例,鼻咽和口咽联合狭窄3例),分别采用瘢痕切除、临近黏膜瓣修复创面、口咽狭窄横切纵缝、放置鼻咽支架6个月以上的方法治疗。疗效评估方式,术前和术后的(1)主观症状评分变化;(2)狭窄咽腔扩大情况。 结果 随访1~4.5年,7例术后鼻咽气道最大直径约2 cm,症状评分明显改善,1例术后再狭窄目前佩戴鼻咽支架治疗中。 结论 低温等离子辅助UPPP操作不当可引起严重咽狭窄,通过手术,同时放置鼻咽支架,是较理想的咽狭窄治疗方法。     

Tolerance of salivary gland botulinum toxin A injection under local anesthesia for the treatment of sialorrhea in children: An observational study

ObjectivesThe main objective of this study was to assess tolerance of botulinum toxin A injection into the salivary glands under local anesthesia in a pediatric population. Secondary endpoints comprised efficacy and side-effects.Material and methodsA retrospective observational study included children treated between January 2013 and March 2020 for sialorrhea and/or pharyngeal salivary congestion. Children were identified from the botulinum toxin A injection database. The study included 162 injection sessions in 55 children. Injections were performed under local anesthesia with nitrous oxide, after clinical location of the site. Epidemiological and clinical data, injection tolerance on the FLACC scale, treatment response and complications were recorded.ResultsFor submandibular gland injections, pain was absent in 81 cases, mild in 64, moderate in 4 and intense in 1. In parotid gland injections, pain was absent in 45 cases, mild in 89, moderate in 17 and intense in 1. Injection tolerance was significantly poorer (P < 0.005) in parotid than submandibular glands. Seventy-seven percent of the injections had a positive effect on sialorrhea. Fifteen patients presented transient adverse events: mainly dysphagia and paradoxical increase in sialorrhea.ConclusionSalivary gland botulinum toxin A injections in under local anesthesia were well-tolerated, safe and effective for children with sialorrhea and/or pharyngeal salivary congestion.     

Transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer — Technical updates and long-term results

ObjectiveTransoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) was developed as a non-robotic procedure for en bloc laryngo-hypopharyngeal cancer resection. Straight devices had been used for this procedure, however, some cases had difficulty to reach the lesions especially in hypopharyngeal area. To overcome this problem, technical updates to facilitate transoral manipulation were developed and long term oncological and functional results were analyzed.MethodsSurgical indications were Tis, T1, T2 and selected T3 cases. In advanced T3 or T4 lesions, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was performed before surgery. Radiation failure cases (rT1 and rT2) were also indicated for TOVS. Resectable nodal involvement can be managed by combination of neck dissection. Ninety hypopharyngeal and 25 supraglottic cancer cases were retrospectively reviewed for survival analyses. In fresh hypopharyngeal cancer, 51 Stage 0–II disease and 32 Stage III-IV disease were included. In supraglottic cancer, 11 Stage I–II disease and 9 Stage III-IV disease were included. Twelve radiation failure cases were analyzed separately. As new devices, malleable forceps and malleable suction coagulator were introduced to reach the whole laryngo-hypopharynx. New curved blades for the FKWO retractor were developed and these were applied for difficult hypopharyngeal exposure cases by conventional blades. Swallowing functional outcome and risk factors for postoperative dysphagia were evaluated by univariate analysis.ResultsThe 5-year overall survival, disease-specific survival and larynx preservation rate of fresh hypopharyngeal cancer cases were 83.2%, 94.3% and 94.6%, respectively. Those of supraglottic cancer cases were 80%, 95% and 94.7%, respectively. Those of salvage cases were 87.5%, 87.5% and 82.5%, respectively. Those of T3 and T4 hypopharyngeal cancer treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy with TOVS were 75.0%, 82.5% and 100% respectively.Surgical complication included bleeding (2.6%) and emergency tracheostomy (3.4%). Oral intake was maintained in 94.8% cases. By univariate analysis, patient’s age (especially 80 years of age or older), larger resected area, arytenoid resection and tracheostomy were regarded as risk factors for postoperative dysphagia.Among 31 recent cases, 5 cases had difficulty in exposing hypopharyngeal lesions by conventional blades. These exposure problems were solved by curved blades.ConclusionUsing malleable devices and new curved blades for the FKWO retractor, exposure problems in the hypopharynx could be solved and TOVS could be applied in more cases. Although oncological outcomes and functional outcomes were good, patients with risk factors for dysphagia should be carefully indicated.     

Evaluation of chronological changes in videofluorographic findings after transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery to reveal mechanism of dysphagia

ObjectivesTransoral surgery preserves good swallowing function in most cases, however, postoperative dysphagia sometimes leads to fatal complication such as aspiration pneumonia. We investigated the chronological changes in swallowing function have not been revealed relationship with dysphagia. The primary aim of this study was to reveal the mechanism of dysphagia following transoral surgery by analyzing chronological videofluorography (VF) findings. Moreover, the secondary aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between mechanism of dysphagia and risk factors of patients to clarify the risk for dysphagia lead to prevention of postoperative complications.Methods22 patients who underwent transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) for either supraglottic or hypopharyngeal cancer were evaluated swallowing function. We performed VF during the preoperative, postoperative acute, and stable phases and investigated the chronological changes in the VF findings. The following parameters were evaluated by VF: horizontal distance of laryngeal movement, vertical distance of laryngeal elevation, laryngeal elevation delay time (LEDT), Bolus Residue Scale (BRS) scores, and Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores. Additionally, we evaluated risk factors for postoperative aspiration by investigating relationships between preoperative VF parameters, age of patients, history of radiation therapy, resection area, tumor (T) stage, postoperative Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and PAS and BRS scores.ResultsThe median time at which oral feeding was resumed in this study was 9 (2–200) days. The patients who had postoperative acute PAS scores of 4 and above exhibited delays in resuming oral ingestion after surgery. TOVS did not impair laryngeal elevation and LEDT; however, the BRS and PAS scores temporarily worsened in the acute phase compared to the preoperative scores. These scores almost recovered to their preoperative states in the stable phase, and both the BRS and PAS scores worsened and recovered concurrently. Patients who exhibited poor vertical distance in laryngeal elevation as observed via preoperative VF or who had histories of radiation therapy had worse PAS scores in postoperative acute phase VF. Patients with broad resection areas had worse BRS scores in postoperative acute phase VF.ConclusionTOVS didn't impair the function of laryngeal elevation and elicitation of the swallowing reflex whereas pharyngeal bolus clearance, laryngeal penetration, and aspiration temporarily deteriorated concurrently but eventually almost recovered to their baseline values.Patients with histories of radiotherapy, poor laryngeal elevation, and broad resection areas are at the risk of postoperative dysphagia after TOVS. Patients with these risk factors need appropriate evaluation before resuming postoperative oral intake.     

平阳霉素治疗咽喉部血管瘤

目的 探讨支撑喉镜下平阳霉素局部注射治疗咽喉部血管瘤的疗效。 方法 16例咽喉部血管瘤患者经支撑喉镜下行瘤体内多次、多点注射平阳霉素。 结果 16例患者中,治愈14例(87.50%),有效2例(12.50%)。2例出现低热,1例出现轻度胃肠道反应,其余病例无并发症发生。平阳霉素局部注射1次3例,2次9例,3次3例,4次1例。随访6个月以上,均未见血管瘤复发。 结论 平阳霉素治疗咽喉部血管瘤效果明显,创伤小,值得推广。     

Transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery for oropharyngeal,hypopharyngeal, and supraglottic cancer

In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the oncological and functional outcomes of transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS). Using distending laryngoscope and videolaryngoscope, wide operative field and working space could be obtained and tumor could be resected in en bloc. Sixty patients with T1, T2, and selected T3 laryngeal or pharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (Stage I: n = 17, Stage II: n = 16, Stage III: n = 7, Stage IV: n = 20 cases) were enrolled and followed up for at least 24 months or until the patient’s death. Fifty-three patients underwent initial treatment, and seven patients had recurrent cancer after chemoradiation. In principle, node-positive patients underwent a simultaneous neck dissection. Patients with multiple nodal metastases or a positive surgical margin received postoperative radiotherapy. For initial treatment, the 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival rates were 77 and 95 %, respectively. For supraglottic and hypopharyngeal cancers, the 5-year laryngeal preservation rates were 89 and 96 %, respectively. For salvage surgery, the overall survival, disease-specific survival, and laryngeal preservation rates were 75, 75, and 80 %, respectively. The median times before patients could resume eating and swallowing a soft diet were 6 and 9 days, respectively. The patients’ Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale stages were 0–2 in 93.3 % of the cases and 3 or 4 in 6.7 % of the cases. A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was indicated for 1 (1.7 %) patient. Four (6.7 %) patients received transient tracheostomy. TOVS is a satisfactory and minimally invasive treatment option for laryngeal and pharyngeal cancers.     

Detection of hypopharyngeal cancer (Tis,T1 and T2) by ENT physicians vs gastrointestinal endoscopists

ObjectivesHypopharyngeal cancer is typically detected at a late stage by ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physicians, when the prognosis is poor. We evaluated how hypopharyngeal cancer (Tis, T1 and T2) were detected by ENT physicians and gastrointestinal endoscopists (GEs) according to the detection reasons.Materials and MethodsA total of 109 consecutive patients with hypopharyngeal cancer (Tis, T1 and T2) who received treatment in our institution from January 2014 to February 2018 was enrolled. The detection detail of hypopharyngeal cancer lesions by ENT physicians and GEs, tumor size and location, and the characteristics of the lesions missed by ENT physicians and GEs were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsTwenty seven and 82 of 109 (24.8% and 75.2%) patients were detected by ENT physicians and GEs, respectively. The most frequent original reasons for ENT physicians and GEs were both pharyngeal discomfort screening and examination of swollen neck lymph nodes (12 of 27, 44.4% for each) and pre-treatment or follow-up screening for esophageal cancer (25 of 82, 30.5%), respectively. Among the 13 cases of upper gastrointestinal tract screening of the head-and-neck cancer other than pharyngeal cancer detected by GEs, 11 (84.6%) were missed by ENT physicians. In contrast, among the 25 cases of pre-treatment screening of the esophageal cancer detected by GEs, 12 (48%) were missed by other GEs just before the consultation from other institutions.ConclusionsThe percentage of detection of hypopharyngeal cancer (especially, Tis and T1) by ENT physicians is low. A careful examination of the pharynx should be conducted by GEs.     

Carcinoma of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx: surgical treatment with larynx preservation

IntroductionPosterior pharyngeal wall is the most rare subsite for hypopharyngeal carcinomas. Because of its rarity, there are few studies published in the literature specifically concerning posterior pharyngeal wall carcinoma.ObjectivesTo report our functional results in patients with the carcinoma of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx after surgical treatment by resection via a lateral or infrahyoid pharyngotomy approach, with the preservation of the larynx and reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap.MethodsThe study included 10 patients who underwent surgery for a carcinoma of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx over a 6 year period. The associated postoperative morbidity was investigated and functional results were analyzed.ResultsNine patients had T3 lesions and one patient had a T2 lesion. The preferred approach to access the hypopharynx was a lateral pharyngotomy in 5 patients and lateral pharyngotomy combined with infrahyoid pharyngotomy in 5 patients with superior extension to oropharynx. The pharyngeal defects were reconstructed successfully with radial forearm free flaps. Four patients received adjuvant radiotherapy only, and 4 patients with N2b and N2c neck diseases received adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The mean duration of hospitalization was 15.6 days (range, 10–21 days). All patients achieved oral intake in a median time of 74 days (range, 15–180). Decannulation was achieved in all patients and the median time for decannulation was 90 (range, 21–300 days). The mean followup duration was 38.3 months (range, 10–71 months) and 8 patients survived. One patient died due to regional recurrence in the retropharyngeal lymph nodes and 1 patient died due to systemic metastasis.ConclusionPrimary surgery is still a very effective treatment modality for the carcinoma of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx and does not permanently compromise the swallowing and laryngeal functions if pharyngeal reconstruction is performed with a free flap.     

Pacientes con carcinoma localmente avanzado de hipofaringe. Resultados a lo largo de un periodo de 30 años

Introduction and objectivesThe treatment of locally advanced carcinomas of the hypopharynx may include surgery or several combinations of radiotherapy and chemotherapy as organ preservation strategies. The objective of the present study is to analyze the results of locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma patients treated in a single centre over a 30-year period.MethodsRetrospective chart review of 278 patients with T3-T4 hypopharyngeal carcinomas treated between 1985 and 2015 at a tertiary institution.ResultsAs much as 15.5% of the patients received only palliative treatment. Surgery, usually followed by radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy was offered to 38.1% of the patients, and radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy alone was offered to the remaining 46.6% of the patients. Cause-specific survival at 5 years was 39.7% (95% CI 33.7-45.7) for the whole sample. Surgery achieved better local control of the disease, but these figures did not translate into an increase of cause-specific survival for T3 tumours. Five-year survival free of laryngeal dysfunction for patients who received conservative treatment was 36.4%. In a multivariate analysis, only T4 local extension, N2-3 category, and posterior hypopharyngeal wall location related significantly with cause-specific survival.ConclusionsThere were no significant differences in cause-specific survival related to treatment modality for T3 carcinomas. On the other hand, surgery achieved a significant increase in cause-specific survival for T4 hypopharyngeal carcinomas.     

Regenerative potential of basic fibroblast growth factor contained in biodegradable gelatin hydrogel microspheres applied following vocal fold injury: Early effect on tissue repair in a rabbit model

IntroductionPostoperative dysphonia is mostly caused by vocal fold scarring, and careful management of vocal fold surgery has been reported to reduce the risk of scar formation. However, depending on the vocal fold injury, treatment of postoperative dysphonia can be challenging.ObjectiveThe goal of the current study was to develop a novel prophylactic regenerative approach for the treatment of injured vocal folds after surgery, using biodegradable gelatin hydrogel microspheres as a drug delivery system for basic fibroblast growth factor.MethodsVideoendoscopic laryngeal surgery was performed to create vocal fold injury in 14 rabbits. Immediately following this procedure, biodegradable gelatin hydrogel microspheres with basic fibroblast growth factor were injected in the vocal fold. Two weeks after injection, larynges were excised for evaluation of vocal fold histology and mucosal movement.ResultsThe presence of poor vibratory function was confirmed in the injured vocal folds. Histology and digital image analysis demonstrated that the injured vocal folds injected with gelatin hydrogel microspheres with basic fibroblast growth factor showed less scar formation, compared to the injured vocal folds injected with gelatin hydrogel microspheres only, or those without any injection.ConclusionA prophylactic injection of basic fibroblast growth factor -containing biodegradable gelatin hydrogel microspheres demonstrates a regenerative potential for injured vocal folds in a rabbit model.     

Scar management: prevention and treatment strategies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Aberrant wound healing results in unsightly scar, hypertrophic scar, and keloid formation, causing functional and cosmetic deformities, discomfort, psychological stress, and patient dissatisfaction. Scar prevention and management, both surgical and nonsurgical, continue to be important issues for the otolaryngologist. RECENT FINDINGS: Both animal and human models continue to point to the integral role of transforming growth factor-beta in aberrant healing. Multiple extracts have promising results as therapies for scarring and are widely marketed but need to be further investigated. Scar prevention advancements include refinements in surgical technique, nutritional supplementation, and optimal wound care. Steroid injections continue to play a major role in the regression of scars and keloids. Dermatography assists in the minimization of scar appearance. Dermatography, laser therapies, intralesional 5-fluorouracil, and adjuvant radiotherapy are emerging therapies. Topical vitamin E utility is revisited. New surgical scar revision techniques include modified excision techniques and skin grafting. SUMMARY: Despite optimal efforts to avoid scar formation, aberrant wound healing may occur. The use of topical agents and intralesional steroid injections can minimize early scar formation. Strategies for prevention and management of keloids and hypertrophic scars continue to develop, as the basic science mechanisms underlying aberrant wound healing are elucidated.     

Intratympanic steroid injection for sudden sensorineural hearing loss: Impact of injection interval on therapeutic efficacy

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of injection time intervals of intratympanic (IT) dexamethasone (DEX) in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).MethodsSeventy-five adults with ISSNHL were grouped into four groups according to the IT DEX interval. In addition to concurrent oral steroid medication for two weeks, patients received IT DEX injections every 1, 2, 3, and four days, respectively. (Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4). We evaluated the treatment outcomes according to modified criteria from “Clinical Practice Guideline: Sudden Hearing Loss” of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAOHNS) to justify treatment success.ResultsThere were no significant differences in demographic and baseline audiometric data. The mean of pure tone audiometry (PTA) and speech discrimination score (SDSs) were significantly improved after oral steroid and IT DEX treatment in all four groups. Group 1 showed significantly higher improvement than Group 4 in PTA after treatment. There was a significantly higher complete recovery (CR) rate in Group 1 than Group 4.ConclusionWe found a statistically significant difference in the complete hearing recovery rate and audiometric results (PTA) between the group with a daily interval of injections and the group with a four-day time interval. Therefore, daily time intervals in intratympanic steroid injection may be considered as an option for better improvement of hearing in patients with ISSNHL.     

Conservation of the hypopharyngeal mucous membrane in total laryngectomy

Dysphagia secondary to partial pharyngeal stenosis after total laryngectomy is most likely attributable to the size of the reconstructed lumen. To reduce the incidence of this postoperative complication, we have utilized a modification of total laryngectomy that conserves the hypopharyngeal mucous membrane. The results of this surgical procedure are now reported in the context of two similar, contemporaneous groups of patients who underwent either standard wide-field laryngectomy or hypopharyngeal mucosa conservation laryngectomy. Statistical analysis showed no difference between groups in cancer control (P = .80) or survival (P = .65); whereas the group treated with hypopharyngeal conservation laryngectomy had significantly less pharyngeal stenosis as measured by dysphagia and need for dilatation (P = .011).     

Coblation-assisted management of pediatric airway stenosis

ObjectivesThe treatment of pediatric airway stenosis represents a major challenge for the otolaryngologist. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of bipolar radiofrequency plasma ablation (Coblation) in the treatment of pediatric airway stenosis.Study designRetrospective case series. Tertiary care pediatric academic medical center.MethodsThe medical records of 6 pediatric patients at Cohen Children's Medical Center from July 2009 to December 2015 were reviewed. All cases involved the use of radiofrequency plasma ablation to address airway stenosis. Patient presentation, surgical intervention(s), post-operative course and complications were analyzed.ResultsAll 6 cases involved pediatric airway stenosis, including glottic stenosis (2), bilateral vocal fold immobility (2), and intratracheal lesions (2). Coblation was used to perform a range of different procedures, including removal of scar/granulation tissue, partial arytenoidectomy, and posterior cordectomy. All patients experienced good results without major complications, perioperative, or post-operative sequellae.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that radiofrequency plasma ablation may be an effective endoscopic tool for the treatment of pediatric airway stenosis. Further study and more patients are required as this technique becomes increasingly applied.     

Para-alar crescentic subcutaneous pedicle flap for severe stenosis of anterior nares

Atresia and stenosis of the anterior nares caused by scar contracture is one of the intractable conditions that may arise after facial injury. Using the standard surgical methods, such as mucous membrane and/or skin graft and intranasal local flap, the new nostril has a tendency to restenose. Para-alar crescentic subcutaneous pedicle flap, which was intended to cover the skin defects in and around the philtrum, was applied to treat severe stenosis of the nostril caused by scar contracture. The procedure resulted in improvement of nasal obstruction with satisfactory postoperative appearance of the external nose. This article presents an operative technique using this flap for severe stenosis of anterior nares.     

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of central lymph node and thyroid metastasis in patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma

ObjectiveOur study sought to analyze the clinical characteristics and risk factors of central lymph node and thyroid metastasis in patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma.MethodsThe current study included a total of 152 patients who suffered from hypopharyngeal cancer in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2020. Univariate/multivariate Logistic regression analyses were applied to analyze the risk factors of both central lymph nodes and thyroid metastasis in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer.ResultsSignificant differences were found in tobacco use, drinking history, PS score, site of tumor, pT and pN stage, pathological stage, differentiation degree, postoperative calcium ion level and postoperative FT3 level between the thyroid metastasis group and the non-thyroid metastasis group, and between the central lymph node metastasis group and the non-central lymph node metastasis group (P < 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors of thyroid metastasis in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer were pathological stage and differentiation degree.ConclusionsPatients with hypopharyngeal cancer complicated by thyroid metastasis or central lymph node metastasis may be associated with tobacco use, drinking history, PS score, site of tumor, pT and pN stage, pathological stage, differentiation degree, postoperative calcium ion level, and postoperative FT3 level. Moreover, the risk factors responsible for central lymph node and thyroid metastasis in hypopharyngeal cancer patients were thought related to pathological stage and differentiation degree.     

Applied anatomy of the submental island flap and its clinical application in the repair of defects following hypopharyngeal carcinoma resection

ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility of the submental island flap in the repair of hypopharyngeal defects.MethodsWe collected wet specimens of fresh cadaveric heads from the Han Chinese adult population for applied anatomy of the submental island flap, and followed five patients with pyriform sinus carcinoma after reconstruction surgery using submental island flaps.ResultsWe found that the average length and width of the submental island flaps were (65.20 ± 11.69) mm and (46.70 ± 6.59) mm, respectively. The skin flap in all five patients survived after surgery, and tracheal tubes and gastric tubes were removed 7–36 days after surgery. Patients were followed up for 24–42 months, pharyngeal flaps grew well, and speech and swallowing functions were satisfactory.ConclusionThe submental island flap is a preferred material for the repair of hypopharyngeal defects after hypopharyngeal carcinoma resection, because of good blood supply, easy harvesting, and high survival rate.     

A new surface electrode for recording from the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle

A new pharyngeal surface electrode for recording posterior cricoarytenoid muscle activity through the hypopharyngeal mucosa has been evaluated. The electrode was passed through one nasal passage into the hypopharynx. Correct electrode location was verified by increased activity during inhalation, with decreased activity during phonation. The procedure was evaluated in 45 subjects, 10 normal speakers and 35 patients with dysphonia. Accurate recordings were obtained in 25 subjects (56%). Problems encountered were lack of pharyngeal descent, electrode dysfunction, and signal interference due to phonatory vibration or interarytenoid activity. Signal validity was evaluated in four normal speakers with accurate electrode placement. Significant (p less than or equal to 0.001) increases in PCA activity occurred during tasks requiring vocal fold abduction. The electrode proved to be a useful, noninvasive clinical tool for recording PCA activity in some patients.