Dysphagia After Pediatric Laryngotracheal Reconstruction-A Scoping Review

Objective

To review swallowing outcomes after pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted through PubMed and Google Scholar databases for dysphagia outcomes after common pediatric airway surgery. Original full-text articles written in English between 1987 and 2024 were included. Articles were excluded if data was unavailable to review or were not in English. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines were followed.

Results

There were 31 articles included, which assessed swallowing after laryngotracheal reconstruction. Laryngotracheal reconstruction can result in transient post-operative dysphagia, with the degree of severity related to preoperative swallowing status.

Conclusion

Most airway reconstructive surgery in children can be associated with postoperative dysphagia. However, the swallow dysfunction is typically transient and can be predicted by comorbidities or preoperative swallow function. Timely assessments and appropriate multidisciplinary interventions are essential to improve swallowing outcomes after pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction.

Level of Evidence

4.

Composition and Priorities of Multidisciplinary Pediatric Thyroid Programs: A Consensus Statement

Background: The incidence of pediatric thyroid cancer has been increasing, and care varies due to socioeconomic disparities or differing practice patterns. Clinical guidelines call for care in multidisciplinary teams to minimize variance and provide protocols. Based on expert opinion, we hope to describe the form and function of such multidisciplinary teams for pediatric thyroid programs. Methods: A modified Delphi method to reach consensus statements over two rounds. Twenty-one experts with varying backgrounds responded to each statement on a 9-point Likert scale. Upon completion of the survey, the panel reviewed and shared the results and comments from participants and modified the statements accordingly. This process was repeated such that statements reached consensus, were deemed no consensus, or had no change in the mean. Results: There was an 88% and 83% completion rate for Rounds 1 and 2, respectively. A consensus was observed that there is a distinct definable model of care for pediatric thyroid patients. No consensus was reached for the age range of patients, but programs should care for children with medullary thyroid cancer, differentiated thyroid cancer, and patients with genetic predisposition syndromes. A comprehensive team includes, but is not limited to, a thyroid surgeon, a pediatric endocrinologist, a high-volume fine-needle aspiration (FNA) proceduralist, an oncologist, a nuclear medicine physician, a pediatric pathologist, a pediatric radiologist, and a nurse coordinator. Necessary support services involve care coordination, access to a multidisciplinary tumor board, ability to perform ultrasound-guided FNA, and access to molecular testing. The panel emphasized cross-institutional collaborative research prioritizing guidelines development, disease-specific outcomes, treatment toxicity, and the molecular landscape of thyroid cancer. Conclusions: These consensus statements can be beneficial in improving multidisciplinary care, by describing which elements of pediatric thyroid programs should be consistent across institutions. Overall, the panel agreed that pediatric thyroid centers should provide integrated care with defined team members, services, resources, and research priorities. This model has the potential to standardize various aspects of clinical care and enhance our ability to study patient outcomes, improve health care delivery, and increase scholarly collaboration.

"Active Larynx": Preliminary Evaluation of the Reliability of Visual Assessments of Laryngeal Inflammation

OBJECTIVE

The term "active larynx" is a nonspecific and subjective term used by otolaryngologists to describe laryngeal inflammation that can influence the timing of airway reconstruction. We sought to measure the reliability of visual assessments of laryngeal inflammation for later scale development.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Pediatric tertiary care center.

METHODS

We created an image library from a direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy database. Blinded judges were asked to rate the characteristics of laryngeal inflammation (edema, erythema, cobblestoned appearance, and ventricular eversion; 5-point Likert scale), the overall "activeness" of the larynx (10-point scale), and whether laryngeal inflammation would influence a delay in reconstructive surgery (yes/no). A tentative scale was also constructed. Intraclass correlations with 2-way random effects, and Fleiss's κ were used to evaluate interrater reliability. The convergent and discriminant validity of the tentative scale were measured.

RESULTS

Three pediatric otolaryngologists reviewed 15 larynges for a total of 45 image ratings. Intraclass coefficients indicated substantial agreement for edema (0.76) and erythema (0.83) and moderate agreement for ventricular eversion (0.58). Cobblestoning had low agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] < 0.20). The agreement was substantial for overall "activeness" (ICC 0.76) and moderate for whether inflammation would delay surgery (ICC 0.47). By Fleiss's κ, edema and erythema had moderate agreement (0.50 and 0.61, respectively), whereas all others had poor agreement. The convergent and discriminant validity of the tentative scale were reassuring.

CONCLUSION

While the reliability of laryngeal inflammation by visual assessment is variable, the creation of an active larynx scale appears feasible.

Outcomes Following Single-Stage Laryngotracheal Reconstruction Using a "No Look" Extubation Philosophy

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine outcomes following single-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction (SSLTR) using a "no look" philosophy.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review.

SETTING

Two urban, tertiary, children's hospitals.

METHODS

Patients underwent primary or revision open SSLTR by 1 of 3 surgeons at 2 institutions. After a period of planned postoperative intubation, patients were extubated in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), with operative inspection of the airway deferred for 6 weeks unless symptoms of stridor or distress developed postoperatively. Short-term and long-term clinical outcome metrics were examined.

RESULTS

From 2011 to 2021, 47 consecutive SSLTRs were completed, following which patients were extubated in the PICU without antecedent inspection of the airway. The mean age was 30.8 months (range: 3-130 months), and the mean preoperative stenosis grade was 2.1. There were 17 anterior grafts, 1 isolated posterior graft, and 29 A/P graft procedures; 19% of surgeries were revisions of prior open procedures. The mean PICU and hospital length of stay were 10.1 and 12.5 days, respectively. The failure rate following extubation was 4% (0% primary and 22% revision, P < .003), and 23% of patients had an unplanned return to the operating room for airway symptoms (21% primary and 33% revision, P = .44). Secondary endoscopic interventions were performed in 47% of cases; when required, the mean number of dilations was 2.2 (1.6 primary and 3.7 revision, P < .05). Long-term outcomes compared favorably with historical standards.

CONCLUSION

In select patients undergoing SSLTR, a "no look" philosophy may eliminate unnecessary surgical procedures without compromising short-term or long-term clinical outcomes.

Long-term Results of Endoscopic Percutaneous Suture Lateralization for Newborns with Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis

PURPOSE

Bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) is a critical condition in newborns, which may present with significant airway distress necessitating tracheostomy. The purpose of this study is to report the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic percutaneous suture lateralization (EPSL) for newborns with BVFP, and evaluated the long-term results and the stability of the lateralization.

METHODS

A review of patients undergoing EPSL for BVFP at our institutions was performed between October 2018 and June 2023. Preoperative and postoperative clinical information was collected. The functional outcomes of the surgery in terms of breathing, voice, and swallowing were evaluated and recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty seven patients were included, with a median age at diagnosis of 12 days (range, 1-33 days). The maximum follow-up is for 5 years. EPSL was successful in 77.8% of cases, effectively avoiding the need for tracheostomy. Dyspnea was relieved within a month after surgery, enabling patients to tolerate oral feeds within 2 months after surgery. Notably, some patients experienced a return of vocal fold function, particularly in successful EPSL cases, underlining the procedure's efficacy. Minor complications, including granulation tissue and wound infection, were observed but were manageable. Major complications were notably absent. The results are durable and stable at long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSION

EPSL for BVFP is a relatively simple, minimally invasive, non-destructive, safe, and effective procedure in newborns, which may avoid the need for a tracheostomy, preserves the laryngeal framework, and does not affect the natural recovery of vocal cords.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3: retrospective case series Laryngoscope, 135:429-437, 2025.

Quality Indicators in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: A Scoping Review

ImportanceQuality indicators are used to evaluate the quality of healthcare delivery and as a speciality, otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) is beginning to transition toward this empirical understanding of healthcare quality and delivery.ObjectiveTo describe the number and quality of studies that have developed novel quality indicators for any subdiscipline in OHNS.DesignWe performed a database search of MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), Web of Science, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. We did not employ language or study-type restrictions and included studies published from database inception to October 2024.Study SelectionFollowing abstract screening, 184 articles underwent full-text screen. Eligible studies developed quality indicators in any subdiscipline within OHNS. Article screening and full-text review was performed in duplicate.Data Extraction and SynthesisWe extracted study-specific and methodological data in duplicate. Quality appraisal was assessed using the Appraisal of Indicators through Research and Evaluation instrument.ResultsWe identified 10,592 studies, of which 25 studies developed new quality indicators. Quality indicator development studies primarily focused on otology/neurotology, pediatric OHNS, and head and neck surgery. Few studies investigated facial plastics, rhinology and skull base surgery, and laryngology. Most studies employed Delphi consensus methods and patient engagement was rare. Consensus methodology reporting was poor and indicators were often not validated. Outcome indicators were often measured with fewer studies investigation structure or process indicators.ConclusionsQuality indicators may help standardize and improve patient care in OHNS. Future research should focus on structure and process indicators, while improving reporting, optimizing panel composition, and validating quality indicators.

Consensus on intake questionnaire data elements in the development of an aerodigestive registry

OBJECTIVE

To define the essential elements of the intake questionnaire that will be a part of a larger multicenter registry for aerodigestive patients.

METHODS

A modified Delphi method was utilized to obtain consensus on the data elements that should warrant inclusion in the final research database. Patient questionnaires from the eight participating institutions were reviewed and individual elements were aggregated into 14 categories.

RESULTS

A total of 198 initial elements were voted on for inclusion. The categories included demographics, respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, ear nose and throat symptoms, feeding, birth history, medical history, surgical history, family history, social history, medications prior to evaluation, devices used prior to evaluation, prior diagnostic evaluations, and prior evaluation by aerodigestive team members. 83 of the 198 elements met consensus for inclusion in the final registry for an inclusion rate of 41.9 %. Three separate rounds of ranking were required to obtain consensus.

CONCLUSION

The aerodigestive registry is an important initiative that will help foster research and help guide future management. The intake questionnaire of the registry is a critical component of this project, and the consensus obtained during this study should help create a streamlined and efficient registry that will help all aerodigestive patients on a national level.

Slide tracheoplasty for congenital tracheal stenosis: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Slide tracheoplasty has become the gold standard surgery for congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS). This condition is rare and the surgery can be challenging and is performed by experienced surgeons in tertiary centers. A few reports involving relatively small cohorts have been published. The aim of this review is to evaluate the post-operative mortality and morbidity of pediatric slide tracheoplasty for CTS.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The Medline and EMBASE databases were screened using a search strategy defined in collaboration with a librarian. We included articles reporting the post-operative mortality rate of slide tracheoplasties for treatment of CTS in children, when at least 10 patients were included.

RESULTS

A total of 932 articles were reviewed, and 15 studies were eligible with a total of 845 patients. The overall post-operative mortality rate was 9.3 %, and most deaths were airway related. The open revision surgery rate after surgery was 2.8 % and the endoscopic revision rate was 27.6 %.

DISCUSSION

This study highlights key factors to consider before the surgery and helps anticipate post-operative follow-up considerations for children with CTS. Several factors were identified as predictors of mortality including young age, weight at the time of surgery and association with lung hypoplasia or aplasia.

CONCLUSION

Although slide tracheoplasty has gained popularity in recent years due to better outcomes, it remains a major surgery with mortality risk and the need for multidisciplinary management.

Vocal Cord Paralysis after Repair of Esophageal Atresia

OBJECTIVE

 Etiology of vocal cord paralysis (VCP) and laryngeal dysfunction may be congenital or surgical trauma of recurrent and superior laryngeal nerves. We assessed the incidence, risk factors, and morbidity of VCP after repair of esophageal atresia (EA).

METHODS

 Medical records of 201 EA patients from 2000 to 2022 were reviewed for this retrospective study. Postrepair vocal cord examination (VCE) included awake nasolaryngeal fiberoscopy by otolaryngologist or laryngoscopy under spontaneous breathing anesthesia. Before 2017, postoperative VCE was performed in symptomatic patients only and routinely after 2017.

MAIN RESULTS

 Overall, VCE was performed on 79 (38%) patients (52 asymptomatic), whereas 122 asymptomatic patients underwent no VCE. VCP was diagnosed in 32 of 79 patients (right 12, left 10, and bilateral 10; symptomatic 25 and asymptomatic unilateral 7) corresponding with extrapolated overall VCP incidence of 16 to 24% among 201 patients including asymptomatic ones. Ten patients (bilateral VCP 8 and left VCP 2) required tracheostomy. Of 10 patients with bilateral VCP, three underwent laryngotracheal expansion surgery (left VC lateralization in one and laryngoplasty in two with acquired subglottic stenosis), three remained tracheostomy dependent, three were off tracheostomy, and one died of complications after redo esophageal reconstruction. All patients with unilateral VCP managed without tracheostomy. Cervical dissection or ostomy formation was a major risk factor of VCP.

CONCLUSION

 Repair of EA is associated with a considerable risk of VCP and associated morbidity. Cervical EA surgery significantly increased the risk of VCP. Bilateral VCP may eventually require laryngotracheal expansion surgery.

Revision surgery for laryngotracheal stenosis in children: A single center's 44 years experience

OBJECTIVES

Outcome measures of revision open airway surgery in pediatric laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) are reported.

METHODS

Data on 46 pediatric LTS patients undergoing revision open airway surgery were collected retrospectively. The measured outcomes were decannulation rate, time to decannulation, postoperative complications, additional surgery to achieve decannulation, and functional results.

RESULTS

The most common revision surgery was partial cricotracheal resection (PCTR) in 21/46, followed by extended PCTR (ePCTR) in 20/46, and laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) in 5/46 patients. A 90.7% overall decannulation rate (ODR) and a 74.4% operation-specific decannulation rate (OSDR) were achieved. Delayed decannulation was identified in children aged 5 years or less (p = 0.038) and in patients with previous primary open airway surgery (p = 0.039). Complications were observed in 52.2% of patients. To achieve optimal airway patency, additional open or endoscopic airway surgeries were necessary in 30.4% and 47.7% of patients, respectively. Age 5 years or less (p = 0.034), multiple comorbidities (p = 0.044), revision ePCTR (p = 0.023), and laryngeal stenting (p = 0.018) were risk factors requiring additional open surgery to achieve age-appropriate airway. Failed primary open airway surgery (p = 0.034) and comorbidities (p = 0.044) were risk factors for a higher rate of additional endoscopic surgeries. Postoperatively 63.0% of patients achieved normal breathing, 82.2% were dysphonic and 91.1% were orally fed.

CONCLUSIONS

In this report, the patient's age under 5 years, previous primary open airway surgery, medical comorbidities, and laryngeal stenting had a significant negative impact on revision open airway surgery outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4 Laryngoscope, 133:3200-3207, 2023.

Anesthesia for laryngotracheal reconstruction in children: A narrative review

Laryngotracheal stenosis, congenital or acquired, is a common cause of pediatric airway obstruction. Acquired subglottic stenosis frequently results from prolonged neonatal intubation. The clinical presentation of subglottic stenosis is variable, ranging from biphasic stridor and frequent upper respiratory infections to acute airway compromise. Optimal patient care requires clinical coordination within a multidisciplinary subspecialty team. Medical management includes optimizing respiratory status, gastroesophageal reflux, speech, feeding, nutrition therapies, and providing psychosocial support. If surgical intervention is required, the otolaryngologist, anesthesiologist, and perioperative team must collaborate closely to ensure successful operative outcomes. This narrative review of laryngotracheal stenosis will discuss the pathophysiology, clinical evaluation, medical management, and surgical interventions, and focus on the perioperative anesthetic considerations for children undergoing laryngotracheal reconstruction.

[Paediatric Airway Surgery - Indications and Techniques]

Even in specialised centres, surgical procedures on the airway are only rarely performed in paediatric patients. Moreover, knowledge of various specific anatomical characteristics, diseases and surgical techniques is a prerequisite to treat these patients. Most commonly, sequelae of long-term intubation or tracheostomy in multimorbid patients necessitate surgical repair. Moreover, congenital malformations of the airways might require surgical interventions. However, these are commonly associated with other organ malformations, which adds further complexity to the treatment concept. Thus, cooperation within an interdisciplinary team is absolutely necessary to treat these patients. However, good postoperative outcomes after paediatric airway surgery can be achieved in experienced centres with an appropriate infrastructure. Specifically, this means long-term tracheostomy-free survival with preserved laryngeal functions in most of the patients. This review provides a summary of common indications and surgical techniques in paediatric airway surgery.

Open paediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction: a five-year experience at a tertiary referral centre

OBJECTIVE

Laryngotracheal reconstruction with costal cartilage graft is a cornerstone procedure in treatment of multiple paediatric airway pathologies. The current study aimed to report on the experience of laryngotracheal reconstruction and document post-operative outcomes and complications.

METHOD

Records of laryngotracheal reconstruction procedures performed between 2016 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Primary indication, clinical data, decannulation rate, voice assessment, need for revision surgery and possible complications were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients were treated with laryngotracheal reconstruction. Subglottic stenosis formed the largest percentage of cases followed by congenital glottic web (20 and 14 patients, respectively). Three patients (7.3 per cent) underwent single stage surgery, and the remaining cases had a double stage procedure. Revision laryngotracheal reconstruction was needed in a single case, and 38 out of 39 tracheostomised patients were successfully decannulated.

CONCLUSION

Favourable outcomes were reported with costal cartilage laryngotracheal reconstruction as a definitive treatment for a large range of paediatric airway problems.

Pediatric core outcome sets had deficiencies and lacked child and family input: A methodological review

OBJECTIVES

The Core Outcome Set-STAndards for Development (COS-STAD), published in 2017, contains 11 standards (12 criteria) describing minimum design criteria for core outcome set (COS) development. We aimed to identify and appraise all pediatric COS published prior to COS-STAD, and assess methods of child and family involvement in their development.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

This methodological review included documents that described the development of pediatric COS up to and including 2017. Reviewers independently assessed each COS against COS-STAD criteria, and methods of involvement were synthesized.

RESULTS

A total of 56 pediatric COS were identified, meeting a median of five COS-STAD criteria. Nearly all met criteria on COS scope specification for setting, health condition, and population; 41% met criteria for intervention. Standards were more often met for the involvement of researchers/health professionals (64%) than for patients or their representatives (29%). Few met standards for achieving COS consensus (4-23%). Methods of child and family engagement varied and were limited.

CONCLUSION

A large proportion of pediatric COS developed prior to COS-STAD recommendations show gaps in design methodology. Updated and newly developed pediatric COS would benefit from the inclusion of the child and family voice, implementing a priori criteria for COS consensus, and clear reporting.

Assessment of socioeconomic disadvantage in laryngotracheoplasty outcomes among pediatric patients

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether socioeconomic disadvantage impacts outcomes after pediatric laryngotracheoplasty.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review.

METHODS

All laryngotracheoplasty procedures at a tertiary children's hospital between 2010 and 2019 were included. Primary zip code determined Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a validated socioeconomic vulnerability measure, and children were grouped based on less or more community disadvantage. Primary outcomes included complication and decannulation rates.

RESULTS

Eighty-four procedures were included with 69% (58/84) double-stage and 31% (26/84) single-stage reconstructions. Median age at surgery was 3.2 (IQR 2.2-4.9) years, 56% (47/84) were male, and median gestational age was 25 (IQR 24-28) weeks. Children from more disadvantaged communities represented 67% (56/84) of surgeries and were more likely to have higher grade stenosis (89% vs. 64%, P = .02). Postoperative airway complications (20% vs. 18%, P = .99), non-airway complications (14% vs. 18%, P = .75), and total length of stay (7 vs. 6 days, P = .26) were not impacted by ADI grouping. While children from higher community disadvantage were just as likely to be decannulated after double stage surgeries (76% vs. 76%, P = .99), it more often took longer than six months to achieve (90% vs. 61%, P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

Community disadvantage is associated with higher grade airway stenosis and longer times to successful decannulation in children requiring expansion airway surgery. Encouragingly, ADI grouping did not impact complication and decannulation rates. Continued work is needed to understand how socioeconomic metrics influence pediatric open airway surgery.

International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) consensus recommendations: Evaluation and management of congenital tracheal stenosis

OBJECTIVES

To outline an expert-based consensus of recommendations for the diagnosis and management of pediatric patients with congenital tracheal stenosis.

METHODS

Expert opinions were sought from members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) via completion of an 18-item survey utilizing an iterative Delphi method and review of the literature.

RESULTS

Forty-three members completed the survey providing recommendations regarding the initial history, clinical evaluation, diagnostic evaluation, temporizing measures, definitive repair, and post-repair care of children with congenital tracheal stenosis.

CONCLUSION

These recommendations are intended to be used to support clinical decision-making regarding the evaluation and management of children with congenital tracheal stenosis. Responses highlight the diverse management strategies and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to care of these patients.

Identifying common health indicators from paediatric core outcome sets: a systematic review with narrative synthesis using the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability

BACKGROUND

Indicators of child health have the potential to inform societal conversations, decision-making and prioritisation. Paediatric core outcome sets are an increasingly common way of identifying a minimum set of outcomes for trials within clinical groups. Exploring commonality across existing sets may give insight into universally important and inclusive child health indicators.

METHODS

A search of the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trial register from 2008 to 2022 was carried out. Eligible articles were those reporting on core outcome sets focused on children and young people aged 0-18 years old. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) was used as a framework to categorise extracted outcomes. Information about the involvement of children, young people and their families in the development of sets was also extracted.

RESULTS

206 articles were identified, of which 36 were included. 441 unique outcomes were extracted, mapping to 22 outcome clusters present across multiple sets. Medical diagnostic outcomes were the biggest cluster, followed by pain, communication and social interaction, mobility, self-care and school. Children and young people's views were under-represented across core outcome sets, with only 36% of reviewed studies including them at any stage of development.

CONCLUSIONS

Existing paediatric core outcome sets show overlap in key outcomes, suggesting the potential for generic child health measurement frameworks. It is unclear whether existing sets best reflect health dimensions important to children and young people, and there is a need for better child and young person involvement in health indicator development to address this.

Single-port robotic transcervical long-segment thoracic tracheal reconstruction: Cadaveric proof-of-concept study

Objective

Slide tracheoplasty is the standard technique to repair congenital long-segment tracheal stenosis. This operation most commonly requires median sternotomy, which has drawbacks in young children. We hypothesized that a transcervical approach without sternotomy would be feasible if done with a single-port robotic system.

Methods

This proof-of concept study was performed in 2 small adult cadavers using a single-port robotic surgical system via a small neck incision. Relevant information, including operative time and details of operative technique, were recorded.

Results

Long-segment slide tracheoplasty was completed successfully in 2 cadavers using a small neck incision and a single-port robotic surgical system. Strengths and pitfalls of the technique were identified, including technical refinements from the first attempt to the second. Operative time for robotic mobilization, incision, and anastomosis of the trachea was comparable to standard open approaches.

Conclusions

Small-incision transcervical slide tracheoplasty, assisted by a single-port surgical robotic system, is feasible in a human cadaver. More work is needed to determine safety and applicability in live patients, particularly in children.

The Core Rehabilitation Outcome Set for Single-Sided Deafness (CROSSSD) study: International consensus on outcome measures for trials of interventions for adults with single-sided deafness

Background

Single-sided deafness (SSD) has functional, psychological, and social consequences. Interventions for adults with SSD include hearing aids and auditory implants. Benefits and harms (outcome domains) of these interventions are until now reported inconsistently in clinical trials. Inconsistency in reporting outcome measures prevents meaningful comparisons or syntheses of trial results. The Core Rehabilitation Outcome Set for Single-Sided Deafness (CROSSSD) international initiative used structured communication techniques to achieve consensus among healthcare users and professionals working in the field of SSD. The novel contribution is a set of core outcome domains that experts agree are critically important to assess in all clinical trials of SSD interventions.

Methods

A long list of candidate outcome domains compiled from a systematic review and published qualitative data, informed the content of a two-round online Delphi survey. Overall, 308 participants from 29 countries were enrolled. Of those, 233 participants completed both rounds of the survey and scored each outcome domain on a 9-point scale. The set of core outcome domains was finalised via a web-based consensus meeting with 12 participants. Votes involved all stakeholder groups, with an approximate 2:1 ratio of professionals to healthcare users participating in the Delphi survey, and a 1:1 ratio participating in the consensus meeting.

Results

The first round of the survey listed 44 potential outcome domains, organised thematically. A further five outcome domains were included in Round 2 based on participant feedback. The structured voting at round 2 identified 17 candidate outcome domains which were voted on at the consensus meeting. Consensus was reached for a core outcome domain set including three outcome domains: spatial orientation, group conversations in noisy social situations, and impact on social situations. Seventy-seven percent of the remaining Delphi participants agreed with this core outcome domain set.

Conclusions

Adoption of the internationally agreed core outcome domain set would promote consistent assessment and reporting of outcomes that are meaningful and important to all relevant stakeholders. This consistency will in turn enable comparison of outcomes reported across clinical trials comparing SSD interventions in adults and reduce research waste. Further research will determine how those outcome domains should best be measured.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06702-1.

Documentation in Pediatric Microlaryngoscopy/Bronchoscopy: International Modified Delphi Consensus

BACKGROUND

Complete and accurate documentation of surgical procedures is essential for optimizing patient care, yet significant variation in operative notes persists within and across institutions. We sought to reach consensus on the most important components of an operative note for pediatric microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy.

METHODS

A modified Delphi consensus process was used. A checklist for operative documentation, created by fellowship-trained pediatric otolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons, was sent to surgeons identified as experts in pediatric laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy. In the first round, items were rated as "keep" or "remove". In the second round, each item was rated on a 7-point Likert scale for importance. The mean score of each item was calculated to determine if consensus was reached.

RESULTS

Overall, 43/74 (58.1%) surgeons responded to our survey. After two rounds of editing, 28 components reached consensus, 24 were near consensus, and 26 did not reach consensus. Items that reached final consensus had mean (SD) ratings of 6.12 (0.94) (range, 5.31-6.72).

CONCLUSION

Pediatric otolaryngologists identified as bronchoscopy experts were able to create a checklist of essential components of an operative note for pediatric laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy using a Delphi method. Items reaching consensus included procedure name, description of breathing, grade of airway view, description of normal anatomic structures, grade of subglottic stenosis if present, presence and description of tracheobronchomalacia, presence of fistulae, cleft and rings, and several special cases including foreign body and tracheostomy management, as well as end of procedure disposition and complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5 Laryngoscope, 2022.

Pädiatrische Atemwegschirurgie: Indikationen und Techniken

In der pädiatrischen Atemwegschirurgie sind zahlreiche anatomische Besonderheiten, spezifische Krankheitsbilder sowie spezielle Operationstechniken zu beachten. Auch an spezialisierten Zentren sind diese Eingriffe bei pädiatrischen Patienten eher selten. Ätiologisch handelt es sich meist um erworbene Stenosen als Folge von Frühgeburtlichkeit, Langzeitintubation oder -tracheotomie, welche typischerweise in Kindern mit zahlreichen Komorbiditäten auftreten. Kongenitale Fehlbildungen der Atemwege gehen häufig mit weiteren Malformationen einher, welche die erfolgreiche Behandlung zusätzlich erschweren. Voraussetzung zur Behandlung dieser Kinder sollte daher ein multidisziplinäres Team sein. An erfahrenen Zentren mit entsprechender Infrastruktur kann die chirurgische Behandlung dieser Kinder mit sehr guten Ergebnissen durchgeführt werden. So wird bei den meisten Patienten nach chirurgischer Behandlung eine sehr gute Lebensqualität ohne Notwendigkeit einer Langzeittracheostomie erreicht. Diese Übersichtsarbeit fasst die wichtigsten Indikationen, sowie die häufigsten Operationstechniken in der pädiatrischen Atemwegschirurgie zusammen.

Consensus on Triple Endoscopy Data Elements Preparatory to Development of an Aerodigestive Registry

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

This study defines essential data elements to be recorded during an aerodigestive "triple endoscopy" to form the foundation of a standardized multicenter registry and to clearly define measurement of each consensus item.

STUDY DESIGN

Modified Delphi process.

METHODS

Modified Delphi consensus with six survey rounds. Twenty-four expert pediatric otolaryngology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology aerodigestive clinicians from eight large academic pediatric aerodigestive programs formed the Delphi panel. After achieving consensus through the Delphi process, outside validation was performed at 2019 national Aerodigestive Society conference. Consensus, near-consensus, or exclusion was obtained for each proposed data element. Concordance was then measured between expert panel conclusions and validation group conclusions.

RESULTS

Overall response rate was 94.4%. 73/167 proposed items reached consensus in six domains (flexible bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage, microdirect laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsies, and esophageal impedance and pH probe). Measurement of all items was defined; classification/grading systems were selected for 11 items. Validation group endorsed importance of 82/167 data items; compared to expert consensus, overall, inclusion, and exclusion concordance rates were 94.5%, 98.7%, and 90.9%.

CONCLUSION

Triple endoscopy is a central component of aerodigestive care. This study identifies and defines data elements to be recorded for all triple endoscopy procedures. The list is of usable length, and clear definitions were created for all items, with explicit classification/grading systems selected for 11 items. Face validity was confirmed with an independent multispecialty sample of aerodigestive providers. This consensus provides the foundation for a triple endoscopy registry but also is immediately applicable to standardize clinical documentation in aerodigestive care.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5 Laryngoscope, 2022.

Endoscopic coblation-assisted and partial arytenoidectomy for infants with idiopathic bilateral vocal cord paralysis

To review our experience with endoscopic coblation-assisted and partial arytenoidectomy (ECPA) in treating idiopathic bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP).A retrospective analysis of thirty-three infants (19 boys and 14 girls, aged 1-10 months) with idiopathic BVCP undergoing ECPA was performed. The therapeutic process and outcomes (surgical success, swallowing function, and voice) were reviewed. The follow-up period was >33 months.Among the thirty-three infants with idiopathic BVCP, surgery was successful in twenty-nine cases but failed in four cases. Twenty-one, nine, and three patients underwent right, left, and bilateral ECPA, with surgical success rates of 90.5%, 100.0%, and 33.3%, respectively. In addition, four and six cases were combined with subglottic stenosis (SGS) and laryngomalacia, respectively. The surgical success rates of BVCP alone and BVCP+ other airway abnormalities were 95.6% and 70.0%, respectively. During the follow-up, five infants had slight difficulty swallowing, 12 infants had partial or complete recovery movement of at least one vocal cord with satisfactory voice outcome, and five infants had early granuloma formation, which disappeared spontaneously.ECPA appears to be a promising alternative to tracheostomy and initial management in infants with idiopathic BVCP who are free of other airway abnormalities.

Monitoring Adult Subglottic Stenosis With Spirometry and Dyspnea Index: A Novel Approach

Objective

The aim was to examine the correlations among the anatomic Cotton-Myer classification, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and patient-perceived dyspnea or dysphonia in patients with subglottic stenosis and identify measurements accurately reflecting treatment effects.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Method

Fifty-two adults receiving endoscopic treatment for isolated subglottic stenosis were consecutively included. Correlations were calculated among the preoperative Cotton-Myer scale, PFTs, the Dyspnea Index (DI), and the Voice Handicap Index. Receiver operating characteristic curves were determined for PFT, DI, and Voice Handicap Index pre- and postoperative measurements.

Results

The Cotton-Myer classification correlated weakly with peak expiratory flow (r = −0.35, P = .012), expiratory disproportion index (r = 0.32, P = .022), peak inspiratory flow (r = −0.32, P = .022), and total peak flow (r = −0.36, P = .01). The DI showed an excellent area under the curve (0.99, P < .001), and among PFTs, the expiratory disproportion index demonstrated the best area under the curve (0.89, P < .001), followed by total peak flow (0.88, P < .001), peak expiratory flow (0.87, P < .001), and peak inspiratory flow (0.84, P < .001). Patients treated endoscopically with balloon dilatation showed a 53% decrease in expiratory disproportion index (95% CI, 41%-66%; P < .001) and a 37% improvement in peak expiratory flow (95% CI, 31%-43%; P < .001).

Conclusion

Expiratory disproportion index or peak expiratory flow combined with DI was a feasible measurement for the monitoring of adult subglottic stenosis. The percentage deterioration of peak expiratory flow and increase in expiratory disproportion index correlated significantly with a proportional percentage increase in DI.

Comparing decannulation failures and successes in pediatric tracheostomy: An 18-year experience

OBJECTIVES

There is a paucity of published literature identifying patients at higher risk of decannulation failure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate patient factors that may predict successful decannulation of pediatric tracheostomy patients and analyze factors contributing to tracheostomy decannulation failures.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of tracheostomy outcomes was conducted at a pediatric referral hospital. Successful and failed decannulations were compared using the following patient variables: age at tracheostomy, sex, ethnicity, gestational age and weight, the primary indication for tracheostomy, comorbidities, age at decannulation attempt, polysomnography data, and status of airway before decannulation as assessed endoscopically by airway team.

RESULTS

Four hundred thirty-nine tracheostomies were performed over the 18-year period with 173 decannulation attempts. The overall rate of successful decannulation on the first attempt was 91.9% (159 of 173), with an eventual decannulation success rate of 97.1% (168 of 173). Compared with failed decannulations, the patients with successful decannulations had a shorter duration of tracheostomy and no medical comorbidities. Gestational age and weight approached, but did not achieve, statistical significance. After 25 months with a tracheostomy, approximately 50% of patients are decannulated with very few decannulations occurring after 75 months. The overall mortality rate in this cohort was 18.6% (78 of 420) with a tracheostomy-related mortality rate of 0.95% (4 of 420).

CONCLUSIONS

The decannulation protocol at this institution is successful nearly 92% of the time. Fewer medical comorbidities, shorter duration of tracheostomy placement, and older gestational age may improve the likelihood of successful decannulation. Future studies are needed to determine the optimal timing and workup to evaluate patients for decannulation.

Consensus development methods: Considerations for national and global frameworks and policy development

BACKGROUND

key decisions have to be made in healthcare systems and policies often under uncertain conditions or without complete objective evidence. Decisions made on the health system and policy levels affect national and global population, which requires transparency and accountability to ensure the best impact to population's health. Consensus development methods assist complex process of the decision making combining existing evidence and expert opinions. Variety of challenges affect the selection, application and use of the consensus development methods, which requires careful consideration to keep rigour, validity and transparency.

OBJECTIVE

To identify and review studies which have used consensus development methods in order to develop national or international policy or framework in health field.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted searching the databases PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO. Studies using a consensus development approach to develop tools or frameworks for health system and policy enhancement were eligible for the review. Key elements of consensus development process were extracted and reported using content analysis and narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

The review included 26 studies in total either in national or international settings. Over 60% of studies extracted did not apply typical consensus development methods; however, stated as consensus meetings instead. Delphi technique was the most used method from the consensus development methods, which often combined with some face-to-face meeting features.

CONCLUSIONS

This review summarised the use of consensus development methods in health system and policy development. The review identified a wide range of variations in the selection, use and application of the methods in studies. For better utilisation and application of the consensus development methods in the field, some standardisation of the methods and reporting would be warranted.

Working as a team in airway surgery: History, present and perspectives

Teamwork is one of the most important trend in modern medicine. Airway team were created in many places to respond in a multidisciplinary and coordinated way to challenging clinical problems which were beyond the possibility of an individual management. In this chapter, we illustrate the historical steps leading to the development of an airway team in a pediatric referral hospital, describe the present teamwork activity defining the key points for the creation of a team and discussing different organization models; finally we delineate possible future directions for the airway teams in the globalized world.

Systemic Bevacizumab for Treatment of Respiratory Papillomatosis: International Consensus Statement

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

The purpose of this study is to develop consensus on key points that would support the use of systemic bevacizumab for the treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), and to provide preliminary guidance surrounding the use of this treatment modality.

STUDY DESIGN

Delphi method-based survey series.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary, multi-institutional panel of physicians with experience using systemic bevacizumab for the treatment of RRP was established. The Delphi method was used to identify and obtain consensus on characteristics associated with systemic bevacizumab use across five domains: 1) patient characteristics; 2) disease characteristics; 3) treating center characteristics; 4) prior treatment characteristics; and 5) prior work-up.

RESULTS

The international panel was composed of 70 experts from 12 countries, representing pediatric and adult otolaryngology, hematology/oncology, infectious diseases, pediatric surgery, family medicine, and epidemiology. A total of 189 items were identified, of which consensus was achieved on Patient Characteristics (9), Disease Characteristics (10), Treatment Center Characteristics (22), and Prior Workup Characteristics (18).

CONCLUSION

This consensus statement provides a useful starting point for clinicians and centers hoping to offer systemic bevacizumab for RRP and may serve as a framework to assess the components of practices and centers currently using this therapy. We hope to provide a strategy to offer the treatment and also to provide a springboard for bevacizumab's use in combination with other RRP treatment protocols. Standardized delivery systems may facilitate research efforts and provide dosing regimens to help shape best-practice applications of systemic bevacizumab for patients with early-onset or less-severe disease phenotypes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5 Laryngoscope, 131:E1941-E1949, 2021.

Impact of Pre-operative Multidisciplinary Evaluation on Laryngotracheal Reconstruction Outcomes

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS

Determine if diagnostic findings from pre-operative multidisciplinary evaluations are associated with single surgery or overall success rates in pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing LTR at a tertiary care children's hospital between January 01, 2008 and December 31, 2017. Success is defined as decannulation rate if tracheostomy present, and resolution of symptoms if tracheostomy not present. Cohorts compared were those who did and did not receive pulmonary and gastrointestinal preoperative testing. Multivariate, logistic regression, and Kaplan Meier analyses performed.

RESULTS

About 165 children were included in the study. Median age was 3 years at the time of surgery; 73% of LTRs were double-stage procedures. Single surgery and overall success rates were 75% and 87%, respectively. After adjusting for severity of stenosis and surgical approach, performing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and normal gross appearance on EGD were associated with increased single surgery (P = .01, .005) and overall success (P = .005, .0003). Performing pH probe and normal EGD biopsy results was associated with increased overall success (P = .03, .007). Asthma and musculoskeletal comorbidities, postoperative complications, and need for postoperative balloon dilation were associated with decreased success. No other comorbidities evaluated impacted success.

CONCLUSIONS

Aerodigestive comorbidities are common in children undergoing LTR, and preoperative multidisciplinary workup often results in changes in management. After adjusting for grade and level of stenosis and staged approach, performing EGD and pH/impedance probe as well as normal gross and microscopic EGD findings was independently associated with increased LTR surgical success.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 (retrospective cohort study) Laryngoscope, 131:E2356-E2362, 2021.

A new dimension of success in the management of airway disease in children with neurological deficit

OBJECTIVES

Anomalies of the larynx and trachea can cause respiratory distress in infants and older children. Depending on its nature, degree and extent of the disease invasive open surgery is indicated. Non-airway-related co-morbidities increase the challenges in its treatment. Neurological deficit poses a great challenge as it is associated with hypotonia and causes diminished laryngeal coordination. The definition of success in treatment of laryngotracheal disease has always focused on the post-operative functional outcomes: breathing, voice swallowing. The aim of this study is to describe a new dimension of success in the management of laryngotracheal disease in children with moderate neurological deficit, where the expected functional gain is less than in otherwise healthy children.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study includes all patients who have undergone open reconstructive airway surgery between 2012 and 2017. Control patients without neurological deficit and cases with moderate neurological deficit were included. Functional outcome data was obtained from clinical records and two questionnaires were filled in by the parents of the children: one the pediatric voice-handicap index (pVHI) and a quality of life questionnaire.

RESULTS

Thirty-two children were included of which ten had moderate neurological deficit. Both groups revealed post-operatively an improvement in the functional outcomes: breathing, voice and swallowing, however, as expected, a trend was observed towards less functional improvement in children with neurological deficit. Both groups reveal a remarkable gain in quality of life (QoL).

CONCLUSION

Indicating the QoL to be an unidentified, dimension of success in the management of laryngotracheal disease in children with moderate neurological deficit.

Systematic review of international Delphi surveys for core outcome set development: representation of international patients

OBJECTIVES

A core outcome set (COS) describes a minimum set of outcomes to be reported by all clinical trials of one healthcare condition. Delphi surveys are frequently used to achieve consensus on core outcomes. International input is important to achieve global COS uptake. We aimed to investigate participant representation in international Delphi surveys, with reference to the inclusion of patients and participants from low and middle income countries as stakeholders (LMICs).

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

EMBASE, Medline, Web of Science, COMET database and hand-searching.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Protocols and studies describing Delphi surveys used to develop an international COS for trial reporting, published between 1 January 2017 and 6 June 2019.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Delphi participants were grouped as patients or healthcare professionals (HCPs). Participants were considered international if their country of origin was different to that of the first or senior author. Data extraction included participant numbers, country of origin, country income group and whether Delphi surveys were translated. We analysed the impact these factors had on outcome prioritisation.

RESULTS

Of 90 included studies, 69% (n=62) were completed and 31% (n=28) were protocols. Studies recruited more HCPs than patients (median 60 (IQR 30-113) vs 30 (IQR 14-66) participants, respectively). A higher percentage of HCPs was international compared with patients (57% (IQR 37-78) vs 20% (IQR 0-68)). Only 31% (n=28) studies recruited participants from LMICs. Regarding recruitment from LMICs, patients were under-represented (16% studies; n=8) compared with HCPs (22%; n=28). Few (7%; n=6) studies translated Delphi surveys. Only 3% studies (n=3) analysed Delphi responses by geographical location; all found differences in outcome prioritisation.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a disproportionately lower inclusion of international patients, compared with HCPs, in COS-development Delphi surveys, particularly within LMICs. Future international Delphi surveys should consider exploring for geographical and income-based differences in outcome prioritisation.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019138519.

MRI of the upper airways in children and young adults: the MUSIC study

RATIONALE

Paediatric laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is often successfully corrected with open airway surgery. However, respiratory and vocal sequelae frequently remain. Clinical care and surgical interventions could be improved with better understanding of these sequelae.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to develop an upper airway MRI protocol to obtain information on anatomical and functional sequelae post-LTS repair.

METHODS

Forty-eight patients (age 14.4 (range 7.5-30.7) years) and 11 healthy volunteers (15.9 (8.2-28.8) years) were included. Spirometry and static and dynamic upper airway MRI (3.0 T, 30 min protocol) were conducted. Analysis included assessment of postoperative anatomy and airway lumen measurements during static and dynamic (inspiration and phonation) acquisitions.

MAIN RESULTS

Good image quality without artefacts was achieved for static and dynamic images in the majority of MRIs. MRI showed vocal cord thickening in 80.9% of patients and compared with volunteers, a significant decrease in vocal cord lumen area (22.0 (IQR 17.7-30.3) mm² vs 35.1 (21.2-54.7) mm², p=0.03) but not cricoid lumen area (62.3±27.0 mm² vs 66.2±34.8 mm², p=0.70). Furthermore, 53.2% of patients had an A-frame deformation at site of previous tracheal cannula, showing lumen collapse during inspiration. Dynamic imaging showed incomplete vocal cord abduction during inspiration in 42.6% and incomplete adduction during phonation in 61.7% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Static and dynamic MRI is an excellent modality to non-invasively image anatomy, tissue characteristics and vocal cord dynamics of the upper airways. MRI-derived knowledge on postsurgical LTS sequelae might be used to improve surgery.

Competency-Based Assessment Tool for Pediatric Esophagoscopy: International Modified Delphi Consensus

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Create a competency-based assessment tool for pediatric esophagoscopy with foreign body removal.

STUDY DESIGN

Blinded modified Delphi consensus process.

SETTING

Tertiary care center.

METHODS

A list of 25 potential items was sent via the Research Electronic Data Capture database to 66 expert surgeons who perform pediatric esophagoscopy. In the first round, items were rated as "keep" or "remove" and comments were incorporated. In the second round, experts rated the importance of each item on a seven-point Likert scale. Consensus was determined with a goal of 7 to 25 final items.

RESULTS

The response rate was 38/64 (59.4%) in the first round and returned questionnaires were 100% complete. Experts wanted to "keep" all items and 172 comments were incorporated. Twenty-four task-specific and 7 previously-validated global rating items were distributed in the second round, and the response rate was 53/64 (82.8%) with questionnaires returned 97.5% complete. Of the task-specific items, 9 reached consensus, 7 were near consensus, and 8 did not achieve consensus. For global rating items that were previously validated, 6 reached consensus and 1 was near consensus.

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible to reach consensus about the important steps involved in rigid esophagoscopy with foreign body removal using a modified Delphi consensus technique. These items can now be considered when evaluating trainees during this procedure. This tool may allow trainees to focus on important steps of the procedure and help training programs standardize how trainees are evaluated.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5. Laryngoscope, 131:1168-1174, 2021.

Competency-Based Assessment Tool for Pediatric Tracheotomy: International Modified Delphi Consensus

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Create a competency-based assessment tool for pediatric tracheotomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Blinded, modified, Delphi consensus process.

METHODS

Using the REDCap database, a list of 31 potential items was circulated to 65 expert surgeons who perform pediatric tracheotomy. In the first round, items were rated as "keep" or "remove," and comments were incorporated. In the second round, experts were asked to rate the importance of each item on a seven-point Likert scale. Consensus criteria were determined a priori with a goal of 7 to 25 final items.

RESULTS

The first round achieved a response rate of 39/65 (60.0%), and returned questionnaires were 99.5% complete. All items were rated as "keep," and 137 comments were incorporated. In the second round, 30 task-specific and seven previously validated global rating items were distributed, and the response rate was 44/65 (67.7%), with returned questionnaires being 99.3% complete. Of the Task-Specific Items, 13 reached consensus, 10 were near consensus, and 7 did not achieve consensus. For the 7 previously validated global rating items, 5 reached consensus and two were near consensus.

CONCLUSIONS

It is feasible to reach consensus on the important steps involved in pediatric tracheotomy using a modified Delphi consensus process. These items can now be considered to create a competency-based assessment tool for pediatric tracheotomy. Such a tool will hopefully allow trainees to focus on the important aspects of this procedure and help teaching programs standardize how they evaluate trainees during this procedure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5 Laryngoscope, 130:2700-2707, 2020.

Surgical and therapeutic advances in the management of voice problems in children and young people

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The current article reviews advances in both the assessment of paediatric voice disorders, as well as surgical, medical and therapeutic treatments.

RECENT FINDINGS

It is important to evaluate the impact of a voice disorder from both the parent and child perspective. Outpatient laryngoscopy with stroboscopy is very possible even in young children; however, high-speed ultrasound is a plausible alternative. High-speed videolaryngoscopy, videokymography and dynamic computed tomography, offer potential for augmenting the assessment of vocal fold vibratory characteristics in children. The evidence to support the efficacy of both indirect and direct voice therapy interventions is growing. The management of vocal fold palsy has advanced to include laryngeal reinnervation. Intubation injury with/without surgical intervention offers challenge and gives rise to voice disorders that may be lifelong.

SUMMARY

Although assessment and management practices of paediatric voice disorders closely follow those applied to adults, there are important differences and a developmental approach is required when considering both surgical and therapeutic management. Children can benefit from both indirect and direct therapy treatments following an ear, nose and throat assessment which utilizes paediatric instrumentation and considers the health of the entire airway. Underlying medical contributory factors should be explored and treated. Voice disorders due to congenital and acquired changes of the vocal tract may be amenable to surgery.