A new thread guide instrument for endoscopic arytenoid lateropexy

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The varied etiology of bilateral vocal cord immobility (BVCI) requires a wide range of surgical approaches. A new endolaryngeal thread guide instrument (ETGI) is presented here for a minimally invasive endoscopic lateropexy of the arytenoid cartilage, which might serve as a basis for a simple solution for the main types of BVCI.

Study Design:

Prospective study of BVCI patients who underwent surgery, including 22 bilateral vocal cord paralyses (BVCP), 12 mechanical fixations (MF), 10 posterior glottic stenoses, and two rheumatoid ankyloses.

Methods:

The ETGI is based on a built‐in movable curved blade with a hole at its tip to guide a thread in and out again between the skin and the laryngeal cavity. The loops formed around the arytenoid cartilage cause abduction. In cases of fixations, the cricoarytenoid joints were properly mobilized as a first step with a combination of cold technique and CO₂ laser.

Results:

As spirometric tests proved, 32 patients achieved improved breathing ability. One temporary tracheostomy was necessary and one patient with ongoing radiotherapy could not be decannulated. Subjectively, twelve patients' voices improved or approximated normal quality due to complete vocal cord recoveries on at least one side after lateropexy was ceased. Incomplete recovery with more or less impaired voice was observed in 16 cases. Three MF patients and two BVCP patients with poor overall health condition had severe dysphonia.

Conclusions:

Combined with simple and readily available methods, endoscopic arytenoid lateropexy is an effective solution for BVCIs with various etiologies. The ETGI facilitates this procedure with rapid and safe creation of fixating loops at the proper position. Laryngoscope, 2010     

Glottic airway gain after ‘suture arytenoid laterofixation’ in bilateral vocal cord paralysis

Conclusion: This method is an easy, non-expensive, and effective technique in bilateral vocal cord paralysis to improve glottic airway and clinical performance. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of ‘suture arytenoid laterofixation’ surgery in bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of patients’ medical history undergoing ‘suture arytenoid laterofixation’ surgery for bilateral vocal cord paralysis. This technique was applied under general anesthesia with both microlaryngoscopy and video-monitoring. Two 16 g needles and one 1/0 nylon thread were used for the procedure with 1 cm skin incision; no tracheotomy or tissue excision was required. Pre–post-operative photographs of the glottic region were taken from the endoscopic records, and the areas of rima glottis openings were calculated with the Image-J programme. Results: Forty-seven patients were analyzed. The mean pre–post-operative rima glottis areas were 1.11 ± 0.56 and 2.24 ± 0.93 mm², respectively (p < 0.001). Five patients with previous tracheotomy were decannulated within a few days after the operation. In three patients, mild complications developed in the early post-operative period (two laryngeal edemas, one submucosal hematoma). Tracheotomy was performed to only one pregnant patient in the post-operative first day. None of the patients had granulation formation or synechia.     

支撑喉镜下CO2激光杓状软骨切除术治疗双声带外展麻痹

目的 探讨支撑喉镜下ＣＯ２激光显微杓状软骨切除术治疗双声带外展麻痹的手术方法、疗效和适应证。方法１９９４￣１９９８年收治双声带外展麻痹患者８例,其中３例曾在外院经颈外进路手术失败,全部术前行气管切开术。参照并改良Ｏｓｓｏｆｆ窥镜下杓状软骨切除术,汽化杓状软骨前部,包括声带突和部分肌突,一小部分室带及声带后端,保留粘软骨膜并缝合切口,以消灭创面,双侧分次手术。结果 术后无肉芽滋生,无误吸,保留发音功     

Laser arytenoidectomy in the treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis

The introduction of the CO2 surgical laser into laryngeal microsurgery has made resection of the posterior vocal cord together with the arytenoid cartilage possible. Since November 1990, 30 arytenoidectomies, 17 partial cordectomies and 18 bilateral cordectomies as described by Kashima were performed by means of a CO₂ laser in patients with bilateral paralyses of the vocal cords. In this group there were 58 women and 7 men. The patients’ ages ranged from 28 to 71 years (mean, 46.7 years). In one case the operation was performed twice: the right arytenoid cartilage was excised initially and the left arytenoid cartilage was removed in the second procedure. Three patients required tracheotomy before being transformed to the ENT Clinic, Poznañ. The etiologies of the vocal cord paralyses were complications arising from thyroid gland surgery (n = 62), trauma (n = 2) and excision of a bilateral glomus caroticum tumor. In all patients except one postoperative recovery was correct and no breathing difficulties were observed after extubation. In the one failure after operation endolaryngeal scar tissue resulted in glottic stenosis.     

支撑喉镜下杓状软骨切除联合声带外移治疗双侧声带外展麻痹的临床研究

目的探讨支撑喉镜下单侧杓状软骨全切除联合同侧声带外移治疗双侧声带外展麻痹的手术方法和临床意义。方法支撑喉镜下对30例双侧声带外展麻痹伴呼吸困难的患者行CO2激光单侧杓状软骨全切除并用Ejnell法同侧声带外移扩宽声门,手术前、后纤维喉镜检查声门情况,嗓音分析评估发音功能,肺功能检查评估通气情况。结果 30例患者拔管率100%。随访6个月-5年,全部病例无肉芽生长和再狭窄等并发症,均保持语言交流功能。嗓音分析显示基频微扰、振幅微扰手术前、后差异无显著性意义（P均〉0.05）,但手术前、后声门噪声能量、最长声时差异有显著性意义（P均〈0.05）。肺功能显示FEV1、FEV1/FVC手术前、后差异有显著性意义（P均〈0.05）,客观反映了术后气道通气功能改善。结论支撑喉镜下单侧杓状软骨全切除联合同侧声带外移可有效治疗双侧声带外展麻痹,且拔管早,拔管率高,疗效持久,患者的发音功能得到满意的保留,是治疗该类患者的较为理想的方法。     

高频超声与喉镜诊断声带麻痹的对照研究

目的探讨超声诊断声带麻痹的价值及局限性。方法分析33例声带麻痹的超声表现,并与喉镜对照。结果超声诊断为单侧和双侧声带麻痹者各为30和3例。单侧者声像图表现为单侧声带变形18例,运动和振动减弱或固定27例,声门裂扩大19例,杓状软骨运动减弱或固定30例,伴前移12例,梨状窝扩大25例,环杓后肌变薄、回声增强10例。双侧者声像图均表现为双声带变形、声门裂扩大、杓状软骨运动减弱。喉镜诊断单侧声带麻痹28例,双侧5例。超声诊断声带麻痹的符合率达93.9%。结论超声是诊断声带麻痹的一种无创、便捷、有效的方法,尤其可借助观察杓状软骨的运动来判断声带麻痹。     

喉返神经修复术及非喉返神经修复术治疗声带麻痹

目的 探讨喉返神经修复术及非喉返神经修复术这两种不同术式治疗声带麻痹的疗效。方法 ①单侧声带麻痹21例, 其中采用喉返神经修复术(喉返神经减压术、颈袢神经与喉返神经吻合术、颈袢神经肌肉蒂环杓侧肌移植术)15例, 采用非喉返神经修复术(声带自体脂肪注射术、自体软骨Ⅰ型甲状软骨成形术)6例;②双侧声带麻痹16例, 其中采用喉返神经修复术(喉返神经减压术、颈袢神经肌肉蒂环杓后肌移植术)6例, 采用非喉返神经修复术(声带外移术、内镜下杓状软骨切除术)10例。治疗前后以电子喉镜、频闪喉镜、声音评估等评价手术疗效。结果 ①单侧喉返神经麻痹患者中喉返神经修复组15例, 术后术侧声带活动不同程度改善, 发音时声带突明显内收, 声带振动及黏膜波均恢复对称性, 声门闭合良好, 手术前后的最大声时为(5.51±1.05)s和(12.10±1.41)s, 差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);非喉返神经修复术术后声带均不同程度内移, 声嘶症状改善, 但声带均无运动, 手术前后的最大声时为(5.47±0.45)s和(11.83±1.47)s, 差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。神经修复组和非神经修复组术后最大声时比较, 差异无显著性意义(P>0.05);②双侧喉返神经麻痹患者中喉返神经修复术6例中, 术后呼吸困难缓解及声带外展部分恢复4例;非神经修复术10例术后呼吸困难改善;神经修复组术后拔管率为66.7%, 非神经修复组术后拔管率为100%;Fisher精确概率法比较两组术后拔管率, 差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 对于单侧声带麻痹, 喉返神经修复术及非喉返神经修复术疗效相当, 前者的远期疗效更佳。对于双侧声带麻痹, 非喉返神经修复术疗效更佳, 但喉返神经修复术不影响患者的发音功能。选择喉返神经修复术或非喉返神经修复术治疗声带麻痹, 需要医师根据自身的专业知识及技能、患者的身体状况及需求, 作出慎重的决定, 以取得可靠的疗效。     

Direct pull of lateral cricoarytenoid muscle for unilateral vocal cord paralysis

Conclusion. Lateral cricoarytenoid muscle-pull surgery (LCA pull) is a safe and effective method for the treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Objective. To evaluate the results of an improved method of LCA pull for unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Material and methods. Thirteen patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis underwent LCA pull between April 2003 and January 2004. A small window was made in the posterior lower part of the thyroid cartilage and 2–3 mm in a cranial direction to the lower edge of the thyroid cartilage. The inner perichondrium was carefully removed to expose the LCA muscle. A 4-0 nylon suture placed through the LCA muscle was pulled to adduct the arytenoid and was tied to the anterior lower part of the thyroid cartilage. All cases were treated by LCA pull alone. In all cases, the maximum phonation time was measured and an auditory evaluation was performed using the grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia and strain scale. The airflow rate was measured in five cases. Results. Vocal improvement was obtained in 11/13 cases (85%). One of the unimproved cases had cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis. No complications were observed.     

Submucosal arytenoidectomy: new surgical technique and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE: Arytenoidectomy is indicated in cases of bilateral median vocal cord paralysis (most commonly due to recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis), ankylosis of the cricoarytenoid joint due to arthritis, and tumours of the arytenoid cartilage. We propose the use of the submucosal approach, to excise the arytenoid cartilage in cases of vocal cord paralysis. We present the surgical technique and review the history and relevant literature, as well as the pros and cons of various surgical techniques for arytenoidectomy. SETTING: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. METHOD: We present six cases: five cases of bilateral vocal cord paralysis and one case of a chondroma of the arytenoid with mechanical fixation of the cord. All patients suffered from dyspnea on mild exertion. An arytenoidectomy using the submucosal approach was performed on all six patients. RESULTS: Airway results were evaluated via fibre-optic videotape laryngoscopy and direct microlaryngoscopy. Voice was evaluated subjectively by the patients and by a speech therapist before and after surgery. Following the surgery, all six patients showed clinical improvement, they no longer suffered from dyspnea at rest or upon mild exertion, and they retained reasonable voice quality. CONCLUSION: The submucosal approach is not difficult to perform and preserves an intact laryngeal mucosa, which prevents the formation of granulation tissue and scarring, which may further obstruct the lumen. The resulting airway is good, with minimal compromise of phonation. We feel that the submucosal approach to arytenoidectomy is an important addition to the arsenal of many surgical techniques for the treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis.     

Normal configuration of the anterior commissure of the glottis on magnetic resonance imaging

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the normal width of the anterior commissure of the glottis by measuring its dimensions in patients who had no laryngeal disease on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but had unrelated cervical pathology. In all, 27 patients were studied. Axial images through the arytenoid commissure at the level of the vocalis muscle and/or vocal process of the arytenoid cartilage were magnified on MRI. The anteroposterior width of the anterior commissure was measured by using an electronic ruler having 1-mm marks. The average width of the anterior commissure was 1.59 ± 0.6 mm, varying from a minimum width of 1 mm to a maximum width of 3 mm. The width was less than or equal to 2 mm in 25 patients (92.5%). Our results showed that all of the patients studied had measurable mucosal thicknesses at the level of anterior commissure ≥ 1.0 mm. Received: 2 December 1998 / Accepted: 2 July 1999     

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.     

支撑喉镜下CO2激光杓状软骨切除术治疗双声带外展麻痹

目的　探讨支撑喉镜下CO2 激光显微杓状软骨切除术治疗双声带外展麻痹的手术方法、疗效和适应证。方法　 1994～ 1998年收治双声带外展麻痹患者 8例 ,其中 3例曾在外院经颈外进路手术失败 ,全部术前行气管切开术。参照并改良Ossoff窥镜下杓状软骨切除术 ,汽化杓状软骨前部 ,包括声带突和部分肌突 ,一小部分室带及声带后端 ,保留粘软骨膜并缝合切口 ,以消灭创面 ,双侧分次手术。结果　术后无肉芽滋生 ,无误吸 ,保留发音功能。 5例拔管 ,2例日间堵管、因睡眠时喉鸣未予拔管 ,1例等待对侧手术。随诊 6个月～ 3 5年。结论　本方式弥补了单纯窥镜及外科手术不足 ,如粘膜出血、水肿、操作困难等 ,而具备显微外科精细、准确的特点。术后反应轻微 ,保留发音功能。并可作为杓状软骨切除术或神经再支配手术失败后的补充手术     

Eine vereinfachte Methode der endolaryngealen Glottiserweiterung

Summary In contrary to the Thornell procedure in surgical treatment of bilateral abductor paralysis of the vocal cords, we do not remove the arytenoid cartilage, but only the processus vocalis. After preparing a subglottic pedicled mucosaflap, a partial resection of vocal cord and the vocal muscles as Kleinsasser has described, is following. An endolaryngeal foam-rubber finger-stall allows an optimal adaption of mucosaflap. In 12 cases the tracheal tube was removed 3–12 days later. 2 years follow-up studies are showing that all 14 patients have a satisfying respiration, the voice was partially hoarse, or nearly as good as before operation.

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Hern Prof. Kittel danke ich seine zusätzlichen Bemerkungen.     

Endoscopic percutaneous suture lateralization with syringe needles for neonatal bilateral vocal cord paralysis

ObjectiveTo explore the novel technique of percutaneous endoscopic suture lateralization for bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP) in neonates from Shenzhen, China, and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the operation.MethodsIn this retrospective case series, we present four neonates with BVCP diagnosed within 3 days after birth from Shenzhen Children's Hospital. All had stridor, respiratory distress and hypoxemia requiring respiratory support at diagnosis. Endoscopic vocal fold lateralization was performed under general anesthesia using 3.0 mm endotracheal intubation through the improved technique of percutaneous needle-directed placement of a 4–0 Prolene suture, without the use of specialized equipment. A 4–0 Prolene wire was led out through two 10 ml syringe needles, the left vocal cord was fully moved and fixed under the skin with endoscopy monitoring.ResultsOverall, 3/4 of the patients showed clinical improvement in stridor and dyspnea 2–3 weeks after the operation and avoided a tracheostomy, two of them could breathe and feed normally when they were discharged from hospital, and one patient had a weak ability to suck but could breathe normally. The last patient had to undergo a tracheotomy due to the poor improvement in respiratory distress. None of the babies experienced any complications from this surgery, but case four presented with a series of complications and other problems in postoperative care related to the tracheostomy. At the last follow-up (mean 8 months), complete function of the bilateral vocal cords was acquired in case two (6 months) and partial function of the vocal cords was acquired in case one (13 months), with the other cases still experiencing paralysis.ConclusionEndoscopic percutaneous suture lateralization may be a reversible, effective and minimally invasive primary treatment for neonatal BVCP. Most of neonates with BVCP undergoing this procedure avoided a tracheotomy.     

Parálisis bilateral de cuerdas vocales en pediatría: nuestra experiencia

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP) is the second most common cause of neonatal stridor. The aim of this study was to describe the demographic features, aetiology, comorbidities, and management of our patients with BVCP.

Direct pull of lateral cricoarytenoid muscle for unilateral vocal cord paralysis

CONCLUSION: Lateral cricoarytenoid muscle-pull surgery (LCA pull) is a safe and effective method for the treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of an improved method of LCA pull for unilateral vocal cord paralysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis underwent LCA pull between April 2003 and January 2004. A small window was made in the posterior lower part of the thyroid cartilage and 2-3 mm in a cranial direction to the lower edge of the thyroid cartilage. The inner perichondrium was carefully removed to expose the LCA muscle. A 4-0 nylon suture placed through the LCA muscle was pulled to adduct the arytenoid and was tied to the anterior lower part of the thyroid cartilage. All cases were treated by LCA pull alone. In all cases, the maximum phonation time was measured and an auditory evaluation was performed using the grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia and strain scale. The airflow rate was measured in five cases. RESULTS: Vocal improvement was obtained in 11/13 cases (85%). One of the unimproved cases had cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis. No complications were observed.     

Sequelae of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury after patent ductus arteriosus ligation

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively study the clinical course of neonates with vocal cord paralysis (VCP) after patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of all premature infants undergoing PDA ligation from March 2001 to February 2004. Flexible laryngoscopy was performed after extubation to assess vocal cord function. Data regarding patient characteristics, operative findings, post-operative endoscopic findings, and the subsequent clinical course were collected. RESULTS: One hundred patients were enrolled. Flexible laryngoscopy was performed on 61 patients. Median birth weight was 740 g, gestational age 25 weeks, and age at operation 23 days. Flexible laryngoscopy was performed at an average of 8 days after extubation. Seven cases of vocal cord paralysis were identified. Two had stridor and feeding difficulty requiring nasogastric feeding. Five of the seven had an average follow-up of 9 months after surgery. At last follow-up, endoscopically satisfactory compensation by the normal vocal cord was observed in all five patients. No patient had feeding problems. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of infants who can be successfully extubated after PDA ligation tend to be asymptomatic despite vocal cord paralysis. Compensation appears to occur rapidly, and patients generally have no *long-term problems with the airway or feeding.     

Electrostimulation of laryngeal muscles with fluctuating currents in the treatment of patients with unilateral laryngeal paralysis

Intralaryngeal electrostimulation of the laryngeal muscles with fluctuating currents with simultaneous mobilization of the arytenoid cartilage and paralysed vocal cord were used in 42 patients with unilateral laryngeal paralysis. The treatment was combined with phonopedic lessons. The control group consisted of 32 patients receiving standard electrostimulation with diadynamic currents. The effect was evaluated by changes in vocal acoustic parameters and stroboscopic parameters. In patients with paramedian fixation of the vocal cords voice improvement was obtained irrespective of electrostimulation type. For patients with intermedian and lateral fixation of the vocal cords more effective was intralaryngeal electrostimulation with fluctuating currents. A good therapeutic effect was achieved in patients with dislocation of the arytenoid cartilage.     

Cochlear implantation in children with congenital cytomegalovirus infection accompanied by psycho-neurological disorders

In order to develop the method of laterofixation of the vocal cord (Ejnell's method) in cases of bilateral vocal cord paralysis, six autopsy specimens of normal larynx were obtained. We inserted traction sutures under conditions of direct visualization and studied the relationship between the direction of the traction exerted by the suture and subsequent enlargement of the glottis. When the vocal cord was pulled perpendicular to the thyroid cartilage wing, the mean glottal area was 106.2% of its area before traction. When the vocal cord was pulled perpendicular to the median line of the glottis, the mean glottal area was 112.7% of its area before traction. The latter angle of traction therefore produced more efficient enlargement of the glottis ( p < 0.05; paired t -test). Based on an anatomic study of cadaveric laryngeal regions, a formula was developed to predict at which point the needle should be placed in order to produce optimal results using Ejnell's technique. Further clinical studies will be carried out in patients to test the validity of this formula.     

Laser arytenoidectomy for bilateral vocal fold paralysis

Laser arytenoidectomy can be performed via an intralaryngeal approach which preserves airway and voice quality without aspiration. Laser arytenoidectomy is minimally invasive surgery, and a useful surgical procedure for bilateral vocal fold paralysis. CO2 laser arytenoidectomy was performed for 12 cases of bilateral vocal fold paralysis. Recommended methods for this surgical procedure are: 1) Submucous laser arytenoidectomy should be done. 2) To widen the posterior glottis, not only the arytenoid cartilage but also the posterior part of the thyroarytenoid muscle should be removed. 3) Membranous portions of the vocal folds should not be vaporized. 4) The wound should be covered with mucosa with fibrin glue.