[Acute rhinosinusitis in children requiring hospitalization between 2016 and 2022 - retrospective analysis]

Bevezetés: A rhinosinusitis az orr- és orrmelléküregek nyálkahártyájának váladékképződéssel és ödémás duzzanattal járó gyulladása. Az akut bakteriális rhinosinusitis főként szövődményes eseteiben gyakran szükséges fekvőbeteg-intézménybe való felvétel. Célkitűzés: A Szegedi Tudományegyetem Fül-Orr-Gégészeti és Fej-Nyaksebészeti Klinikájának fekvőbetegosztályára 2016 és 2022 között akut rhinosinusitis miatt felvett gyermekek anyagának retrospektív elemzése, illetve annak megállapítása, hogy a COVID–19-járvány befolyással volt-e a felvételt igénylő esetek arányára. Módszer: Demográfiai és klinikai adatok gyűjtése, az eredmények összehasonlítása hazai és nemzetközi irodalmi adatokkal. Eredmények: 497 gyermekből 471 beteg kezelése kizárólag ambulánsan történt. 26 gyermek, 17 fiú és 9 lány került felvételre (1 fő 2 alkalommal). Az átlagéletkor 7,65 év volt. A felvételek 52%-a a három téli hónapban, az összes felvétel 89%-a a novembertől áprilisig terjedő időszakban történt. 19 esetben akut ethmoiditis, 5 esetben akut sinusitis maxillaris, 2 esetben akut pansinusitis, 1 alkalommal akut sphenoiditis volt a felvételi diagnózis. A felvétel oka 19 gyermeknél a következményes szemhéjödéma, 7 esetben az alkalmazott terápia melletti progresszió volt, 1 betegnél intracranialis szövődmény igazolódott. Az átlagos hospitalizáció 4,2 nap volt. 16 esetben amoxicillin-klavulánsav, 11 esetben cefuroxim parenteralis adása történt. 9 esetben (8 orbitalis, 1 intracranialis szövődmény) elkerülhetetlen volt a műtét. Minden betegnél funkcionális endoszkópos beavatkozás történt. 2 alkalommal, orbitatályog miatt, külső megnyitásra is szükség volt, az intracranialis szövődménynél idegsebészeti műtét is történt. Megbeszélés: A vizsgált paraméterek korrelálnak az irodalmi adatokkal, a COVID–19-járványnak tulajdonítható esetszámváltozást nem tapasztaltunk. Következtetés: Az akut rhinosinusitis konzervatív terápiával általában gyógyítható, de előfordulhatnak súlyos, életet veszélyeztető szövődmények. Bár a kórházi felvételt igénylő esetek száma csökkent, a szövődmények aránya nem változott, ezért nagyon fontos azok gyors felismerése és hatékony kezelés. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(19): 747–753.

[Introduction of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and increase of the range of indications in our department]

Dysphagia is a disease resulting from preparatory or transport disorder of the swallowing process and it is divided into oropharyngeal and esophageal phases according to the site of the lesion. The ear, nose and throat assessment focuses on the oropharyngeal phase, but differential diagnosis, investigation, and treatment of the cause of dysphagia is often a complex task requiring multidisciplinary approach and collaboration. The method of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) has been introduced at the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat and Head-Neck Surgery, University of Szeged, enabling the examination of otorhinolaryngological and neurological disorders of swallowing as well as objective analysis of patients' swallowing quality. The fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing is a minimally invasive procedure that allows visualization of the oropharyngeal phase of swallowing. It can identify anatomical abnormalities or neurological disorders causing dysphagia, thus playing a significant role in later patient rehabilitation. We hereby present our experiences in examinations of patients who underwent partial laryngectomy and/or pharyngectomy due to head and neck tumors as well as of those who underwent airway surgery duo to upper airway stenosis. Thanks to our collaboration with the Neurology Department, we also share our experiences gained during the examinations of patients struggling with oropharyngeal swallowing problems of various neurological origins. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(46): 1817-1823.

Long-term results of slide laryngotracheoplasty for congenital subglottic stenosis in newborns and infants

OBJECTIVES

Slide laryngotracheoplasty is an effective, single-step procedure without tracheostomy and stenting for treating high-grade congenital subglottic stenosis in neonates and infants. Long-term outcomes were evaluated to assess the reliability of the procedure performed in this age of rapid development of the laryngeal structures.

METHODS

We report five children who underwent slide laryngotracheoplasty before the age of 4 months, each with >3 years follow-up. Increases of length and bodyweight were systematically assessed. Breathing, swallowing, voice, and overall satisfaction was assessed by a quality of life questionnaire. Voice quality was objectively evaluated by measuring shimmer, jitter, fundamental frequency, and the harmonics-to-noise ratio.

RESULTS

All patients had a stable and adequate airway during follow-up without any additional open airway surgery. The patients' voices were physiological, and the intervention had no negative impact on speech development. Swallowing function was optimally retained, and the patients' bodyweight gain and length were satisfactory. During at least 3 years of observation, the anastomosis remained stable and grew dynamically with the patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Slide laryngotracheoplasty (as a single-step procedure) provides an adequate airway without tracheostomy, grafting, or stenting with good long-term functional results in selected neonates and infants with congenital subglottic stenosis.

Innovative surgical solutions for laryngeal stenoses in newborns and infants

Összefoglaló. A veleszületett légúti szűkületek gyakran kombináltan jelentkeznek, és más szervrendszert is érintő kísérőbetegségekkel, illetve malformációkkal is társulhatnak. Figyelembe véve ezeket a tényezőket, illetve a csecsemőkori légút speciális anatómiáját és sérülékeny szöveteit, a felső légúti szűkületek sebészi kezelése újszülött- és csecsemőkorban igen nagy kihívást jelentő feladat, melynek célja a mihamarabbi definitív, stabil légút biztosítása a hangképzés és a nyelési funkció megőrzésével. A laryngomalacia, a hangszalagbénulás és a subglotticus stenosis együttesen a gége veleszületett rendellenességeinek megközelítőleg 90%-áért felelős. A szerzők erre a három kórképre fókuszálva egy-egy eset kapcsán bemutatják a Szegedi Tudományegyetem Fül-Orr-Gégészeti és Fej-Nyaksebészeti Klinikáján működő légútsebészeti munkacsoport által rutinszerűen alkalmazott innovatív sebészi módszereket. A bemutatott sebészeti megoldások egy lépésben, tracheostoma, sztentelés és graft beültetése nélkül azonnali stabil légutat biztosítanak jó hangminőséggel és nyelési funkcióval a supraglottis, a glottis és a subglottis dinamikus és statikus szűkületei esetén egyaránt. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(52): 2100-2106. Summary. Congenital airway stenoses occur frequently in combinations or may be associated with comorbidities and malformations affecting other organ systems. Considering these factors as well as the special anatomy and vulnerable tissues of the pediatric airway, surgical treatment in neonates and infants is an extremely challenging task. The ultimate goal of the management is to ensure a definitive and adequate airway as soon as possible with the preservation of voice and swallowing. Laryngomalacia, vocal cord palsy and subglottic stenosis together account for approximately 90% of congenital laryngeal disorders. Focusing on these three diseases, the authors - the airway surgery working group at the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of Szeged, Hungary - present their routinely applied innovative surgical strategies in connection with three cases. The presented 'one-step' surgical solutions provide immediate stable airway with good voice quality and swallowing function without tracheostomy, stenting, or graft implantation for both dynamic and static stenoses of the supraglottis, glottis, and subglottis. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(52): 2100-2106.

Functional results of endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy for bilateral vocal fold palsy

Purpose

Endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy (EAAL) is a reliable surgical solution for the minimally invasive treatment of bilateral vocal fold palsy (BVFP), providing a stable airway by the lateralization of the arytenoid cartilages with a simple suture. The nondestructive manner of the intervention theoretically leads to higher regeneration potential, thus better voice quality. The study aimed to investigate the respiratory and phonatory outcomes of this treatment concept.

Methods

61 BVFP patients with significant dyspnea associated with thyroid/parathyroid surgery were treated by unilateral EAAL. Jitter, Shimmer, Harmonics to Noise Ratio, Maximum Phonation Time, Fundamental frequency, Voice Handicap Index, Dysphonia Severity Index, Friedrich’s Dysphonia Index, Global-Roughness-Breathiness scale, Quality of Life, and Peak Inspiratory Flow were evaluated 18 months after EAAL.

Results

All patients had a stable and adequate airway during the follow-up. Ten patients (16.4%) experienced complete bilateral motion recovery with objective acoustic parameters in the physiological ranges. Most functional results of the 13 patients (21.3%) with unilateral recovery also reached the normal values. Fifteen patients (24.6%) had unilateral adduction recovery only, with slightly impaired voice quality. Eleven patients (18.0%) had false vocal fold phonation with socially acceptable voice. In 12 patients (19.7%) no significant motion recovery was detected on the glottic level.

Conclusion

EAAL does not interfere with the potential regeneration process and meets the most important phoniatric requirements while guaranteeing the reversibility of the procedure—therefore serving patients with transient palsy. Further, a socially acceptable voice quality and an adequate airway are ensured even in cases of permanent bilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Tonsillectomia versus tonsillotomia

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés és célkitűzés: A szerzők a posztoperatív fájdalom és a sebgyógyulás tekintetében prospektív vizsgálattal hasonlították össze gyermekeken (67 fő, 1-12 év) a hagyományos hidegeszközzel történő extracapsularis tonsillectomiát (23 fő) a microdebriderrel (23 fő) és a coblatorral (21 fő) végzett intracapsularis tonsillotomiával. Módszer: A vizsgálatok a betegek által kitöltött kérdőívek, valamint prospektív klinikai adatgyűjtés alapján történtek. Eredmények: Az intracapsularis tonsillotomia gyógyulási idejét 50%-kal rövidebbnek találtuk, és az első 13 napban szignifikánsan kevesebb fájdalommal és fájdalomcsillapító igénnyel járt, mint az extracapsularis tonsillectomia eseteiben. A tonsillotomiás csoporton belül egyedül a posztoperatív első napi fájdalom tekintetében észleltünk szignifikáns különbséget a két különböző módszer között a coblator javára (p<0,05). A vizsgálatokat retrospektív áttekintéssel is kiegészítettük, 4 évi gyermek- (1-15 éves) tonsillaműtéten átesett beteganyagunk (1487 fő) eredményeinek feldolgozásával. Tonsillectomia (1253 fő) után 7,7%-os utóvérzési arányt észleltünk, műtéti vérzéscsillapításra 1,3%-ban volt szükség. Tonsillotomia esetén (234 fő) 0,43%-os utóvérzési arányt regisztráltunk. Ebben a csoportban vérzés miatt nem, de 2 esetben ismételt obstrukciót okozó hypertrophia, 1 esetben góctünetek miatt reoperációt végeztünk (1,28%). Következtetés: Eredményeiket a szerzők a nemzetközi ajánlások tükrében elemezték. Az intracapsularis tonsillotomia kisebb fájdalommal, kisebb vérzéssel és kisebb megterheléssel jár. A közösségbe való aktív visszatérés akár egy hét után lehetséges a tonsillectomiára jellemző 3 héttel szemben, mindez jelentős szocioökonómiai előnyökkel járhat. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(45): 1920-1926.

SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Examining operated children in this prostective study inditerscompared (67 pts, 1-12 yrs) the extracapsular tonsillectomy with conventional cold-knife (23 pts) to extracapsular tonsillotomy with microdebrider (23 pts) and coblator (21 pts) for postoperative pain and wound-healing disorders.

METHOD

The study was based on patient-completed questionnaires as well as prospective clinical data collection.

RESULTS

The recovery time of intracapsular tonsillotomy was found less than 50%, with less pain than in the cases of extracapsular tonsillectomy. Postoperative pain was significantly less in the tonsillototomy group than the tonsillectomy group. Within the tonsillotomy group, a significant difference was observed between the two different methods in favor of the coblator for only the postoperative first-day pain. The studies were supplemented with a retrospective review by processing the 4 yrs results of their pediatric (1-15-yrs) patients who underwent tonsillectomy (1487 pts). After tonsillectomy (1253 pts), a postoperative bleeding rate of 7.7% was observed, and surgical hemostasis was required in 1.3%. In the case of tonsillotomy (234 pts), a postoperative bleeding rate of 0.43% was recorded. In this group, reoperation was not performed due to bleeding, whereas it was neccesary in 2 cases due to hypertrophy causing repeated obstruction, in 1 case due by virtue of focal symptomes (1.28%).

CONCLUSION

Our results were analyzed on the basis of international recommendations. Intracapsular tonsillotomy is associated with less pain, less bleeding, and less strain. Active return to the community is possible after up to a week compared to the 3 weeks typical of tonsillectomy, all of which can have significant socioeconomic benefits. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(45): 1920-1926.

Correction to: An unusual cause of infant's stridor - congenital laryngocele

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

An unusual cause of infant's stridor - congenital laryngocele

Congenital laryngocele is an uncommon cause of neonatal stridor. There are only a few cases reported in the literature. The authors present a successfully treated case of an infant, whose life could only be saved by urgent tracheostomy. On the 5th postoperative day endoscopic excision and marsupialization provided patent airway. The patient could be decannulated. During follow-up no recurrence was observed.

Tracheotomia az új típusú koronavírus okozta járvány idején (A COVID–19-pandémia orvosszakmai kérdései)

A jelenleg is zajló SARS-CoV-2 okozta pandémia miatt a betegek 6%-ában tartós gépi lélegeztetést igénylő légzési elégtelenség alakul ki. A későbbi felső légúti szűkület létrejöttének veszélye miatt „békeidőben” korai tracheotomia jönne szóba. A jelen helyzetben azonban a fokozott aeroszolképződéssel járó beavatkozások kerülendők, ezért a javallatok újragondolására van szükség. A nemzetközi ajánlások alapján alakítottuk ki saját eljárásrendünket. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(19): 767–770.

Slide laryngotracheoplasty for congenital subglottic stenosis in newborns and infants

OBJECTIVES

Subglottic stenosis is the most common laryngeal anomaly necessitating tracheostomy in early childhood. Crico- and laryngotracheal resection and laryngotracheal reconstruction-usually with autologous cartilage graft implantation-are the most effective treatments. These surgical techniques are obviously challenging in neonatal age and infancy. However, a reconstructive surgery performed at early age may prevent the sequel of complications.

METHODS

The authors present their novel surgical method for congenital subglottic stenosis. Seven infants had inspiratory stridor; two of them had to be intubated and one required tracheostomy. Laryngotracheoscopy, CT or MRI revealed subglottic stenosis: Cotton-Myer grade II in one, and grade III in six cases. Slide laryngotracheoplasty was performed before 5 months of age (10-130 days), with a follow-up period of average 36 months (4-80 months). Phoniatry and quality of life questionnaire were used for evaluation of postoperative results.

RESULTS

Slide laryngotracheoplasty in the neonatal age made the temporary tracheostomy unnecessary. All babies remained intubated for 3 to 10 days with an uncuffed tracheal tube. After extubation, no dyspnea or swallowing disorder occurred. A subjective quality of life questionnaire, laryngotracheoscopy, clinical growth charts showed satisfactory functional results.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-stage slide laryngotracheoplasty might be a favorable solution for subglottic stenosis, even in early childhood. In one step, the airway can be maintained without stenting and tracheostomy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 130:E199-E205, 2020.

Endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy for the treatment of neonatal bilateral vocal cord paralysis - Long-term results

OBJECTIVES

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis often causes severe dyspnea requiring an early airway intervention in neonates. Endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy (EAAL) with suture is a quick, reversible, minimally-invasive vocal cord lateralizing technique to enlarge the glottis. The arytenoid cartilage is directly lateralized to a normal abducted position. It can be performed even in early childhood with the recently-introduced pediatric endoscopic thread guide instrument. The long-term results and the stability of the lateralization were evaluated.

METHODS

Three newborns had inspiratory stridor immediately after birth. Laryngo-tracheoscopy revealed bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Unilateral, left-sided endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy was performed with supraglottic jet ventilation. The follow-up period was >3 years.

RESULTS

After extubation on the 4-7th postoperative day no dyspnea or swallowing disorder occurred. Laryngo-tracheoscopy, clinical growth charts and voice analysis showed satisfactory functional results.

CONCLUSIONS

The endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy might be a favorable solution for neonatal bilateral vocal cord paralysis. In one step, airway patency can be achieved without irreversible damage to the glottic structures. Normal swallowing function was preserved. The results are durable, and neither medialization nor dyspnea re-appeared during observation.

Diagnostic Difficulties in Evaluation of Neck Masses - Idiopathic Lymph Node Infarction

Palpable neck masses are often the only signs of patients visiting their ENT specialists. Lymphadenopathy may be a primary or secondary manifestation of numerous benign and malignant disorders. The medical history, physical examination, imaging and pathological examination may help to set the appropriate diagnosis. Lymph node infarction is a very rare entity among the various pathologies involving the lymph nodes. We hereby present three cases, in which infarction was the only symptom, no associated condition occurred.

Isolated Recovery of Adductor Muscle Function Following Bilateral Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to analyze the phoniatric and respiratory outcomes of a subset of bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP) patients who were all treated with unilateral endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy (EAAL). EAAL is a nondestructive, minimally invasive glottis widening operation, which does not damage either the surgically treated or the contralateral vocal cord. Therefore, it does not impair the regeneration potential of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series.

METHODS

Ten out of 21 BVCP patients who were treated with EAAL showed signs of isolated adduction recovery at 1 year and were chosen for this study. Functional results (objective and subjective voice analysis, spirometric measurement) and vocal cord movements were assessed preoperatively, 1 week and 1 year after EAAL. Laryngeal electromyography was performed on the 12th postoperative month.

RESULTS

The volitional adductor movement seen on laryngoscopy was corroborated by laryngeal electromyography evaluation. Peak inspiratory flow increased significantly after EAAL. Quality-of-life scores also showed high patient satisfaction. Shimmer showed consistent improvement along with harmonic-to-noise ratio and average maximal phonation time in parallel with the improving vocal cord movement. Complex voice analysis and subjective self-evaluation tests also demonstrated significant improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

EAAL, as a minimally invasive, nondestructive airway widening technique, does not interfere with the potential regeneration process that can still occur after BVCP, allowing for laryngeal functional recovery. It is a safe and effective treatment for BVCP that allows a simple solution with good phonatory, swallowing, and respiratory benefits by unilateral passive and reversible vocal cord lateralization.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 129:2334-2340, 2019.

[Phoniatric outcomes of endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy in patients with transient bilateral vocal cord paralysis]

INTRODUCTION

Dyspnea caused by bilateral vocal cord paralysis often requires surgical intervention to prevent acute asphyxiation. The regeneration of the laryngeal nerves may last weeks or months and it is difficult to predict the outcome. In the past decades, several open and endoscopic surgical techniques have been introduced for treatment to avoid tracheostomy, however, these procedures with resection of the glottis resulted in irreversible changes in the laryngeal structure, thus the voice quality decreased over a long-term period.

AIM

Endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy is an accepted reversible, minimally invasive technique that provides an immediate patent airway by the lateralisation of the arytenoid cartilage with a suture. The aim of our study was to analyze the phonatory and respiratory outcomes of this treatment concept.

METHOD

Two patients suffering from bilateral vocal cord palsy were treated with endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy. After recovery of the vocal cord movements, the sutures were removed. Spirometric and phoniatric results of the two patients were analysed after suture removal.

RESULTS

Good spirometric parameters and normal voice quality were detected in both cases.

CONCLUSIONS

These results prove the high reversibility of the minimally invasive endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy. Lateralization suture can be removed in the case of vocal cord movement recovery, and phonation may be physiological. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(29): 1188-1192.

A laryngealis electromyographia szerepe a hangszalag-mozgászavarok diagnosztikájában és az alkalmazott kezelés kiválasztásában

Abstract:

The development of the therapeutic possibilities of vocal cord immobility necessitated the parallel renewal of diagnostic methods. In the last years, laryngeal electromyography, which was first introduced more than 70 years ago, has been re-discovered. After reviewing the international literature and their own experience, the authors present the indications, technical requirements, method and, particularly, the evaluation of the results of this procedure. Laryngeal electromyography makes the differentiation between mechanical fixation and immobility with neurological origin of the vocal folds possible. In case of laryngeal paralysis/paresis it also evaluates objectively the severity of neural injury, the prognosis of the disease and the necessity of any glottis-widening procedure. The widespread application of dynamic rehabilitation interventions is not conceivable without the routine application of laryngeal electromyography, so this sensitive diagnostic tool has to be introduced in all laryngological centers. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(8): 303–311.

[Endoscopic ultra dream pulse laser surgery of laryngomalacia. Our experiences gained during the introduction of the method in Hungary]

INTRODUCTION

Congenital stridor and dyspnoe are caused by laryngomalacia in most cases.

AIM

In this article we present a new, surgical method for treating severe laryngomalacia in patients under the age of 1, where ultrapulsated (UDP) laser beam is used for supraglottoplasty. Ultra dream pulse laser creates lesser thermical side damage in the tissue, therefore the risk of postoperative laryngeal oedema and scarring is lower.

METHOD

We present 10 cases and the endoscopic UDP-laser surgery of patients under the age of 1 with severe laryngomalacia.

RESULTS

After the surgery the stridorous symptoms disappeared, and there was no evidence of postoperative laryngeal oedema, there was no need for reoperation or tracheotomy in any of the cases.

CONCLUSION

UDP-laser surgery of laryngomalacia is proven to be a safe and effective surgial modality. During the follow up visits we experienced neither recurrence of stridor nor laryngeal scarring. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(33): 1288-1292.

Biodegradable airway stents in infants - Potential life-threatening pitfalls

OBJECTIVE

The solution of severe tracheobronchial obstructions in early childhood means a great challenge. Biodegradable stents were intended to be a minimally invasive temporary solution which may decrease the number of interventions and limit the possible complications of stenting procedures. However, our first experiences have brought out a new, - especially in childhood - potentially life-threatening complication of this concept.

METHODS

Five SX-ELLA biodegradable polydioxanone stents was applied in three patients because of severe tracheobronchial obstruction: congenital tracheomalacia (7 day-old), acquired tracheomalacia (10 month-old), and congenital trachea-bronchomalacia (10 month-old).

RESULTS

The breathing of all children improved right after the procedure. We observed degradation of the stent from the 5th postoperative week which resulted in large intraluminar fragments causing significant airway obstruction: one patient died of severe pneumonia, the other baby required urgent bronchoscopy to remove the obstructing 'foreign body' from the trachea. In the third case repeated stent placements successfully maintained the tracheal lumen.

CONCLUSIONS

Polydioxanone stents may offer an alternative to metallic or silastic stents for collapse or external compression of the trachea in children; however, large decaying fragments mean a potential risk especially in the small size pediatric airway. The fragmentation of the stent, which generally starts in the 4-6 postoperative weeks, may create large sharp pieces. These may be anchored to the mucosa and covered by crust leading to obstruction. As repeated interventions are required, we do not consider the application of biodegradable stents unambiguously advantageous.

Rotational thyrotracheopexy after cricoidectomy for low-grade laryngeal chrondrosarcoma

OBJECTIVES

The complex laryngeal functions are fundamentally defined by the cricoid cartilage. Thus, lesions requiring subtotal or total resection of the cricoid cartilage commonly warrant total laryngectomy. However, from an oncological perspective, the resection of the cricoid cartilage would be an optimal solution in these cases. The poor functional results of the few reported cases of total and subtotal cricoidectomy with different reconstruction techniques confirm the need for new approaches to reconstruct the infrastructure of the larynx post cricoidectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series review.

METHODS

Four consecutive patients with low-grade chondrosarcoma were treated by cricoidectomy with rotational thyrotracheopexy reconstruction to enable the functional creation of a complete cartilaginous ring that can substitute the functions of the cricoid cartilage. The glottic structures were stabilized with endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy. Patients were evaluated with objective and subjective function tests.

RESULTS

Tumor-free margins were proven; patients were successfully decannulated within 3 weeks. Voice outcomes were adequate for social conversation in all cases. Oral feeding was possible in three patients.

CONCLUSION

Total and subtotal cricoidectomy can be a surgical option to avoid total laryngectomy in cases of large chondrosarcomas destroying the cricoid cartilage. The thyrotracheopexy rotational advancement technique enables the effective reconstruction of the structural deficit of the resected cricoid cartilage in cases of total and subtotal cricoidectomy. An adequate airway for breathing, swallowing, and voice production can be reconstructed with good oncological control. In cases where the pharynx is not involved, good swallowing function can also be achieved.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1109-1115, 2017.

A comparison between transoral glottis-widening techniques for bilateral vocal fold immobility

OBJECTIVE

Comparison of different endoscopic glottis-widening procedures designed for bilateral vocal cord immobility (BVCI) is a challenge. This is because a statistically efficient analysis and comparable clinical series is hard to obtain considering the variable aspects of the results and the evaluation methods. This study of a large number of cadaver larynges provides comparable, objective data for the evaluation of the possible postoperative breathing and voicing function.

STUDY DESIGN

A morphometric study was performed on 50 male and 50 female larynges to compare the different suture lateralization and resection procedures.

METHODS

The postoperative characteristic of glottic configuration was evaluated following vocal cord laterofixation, endolaryngeal arytenoid abduction lateropexy (EAAL), Schobel's external lateralization procedure (SELP), transverse cordotomy (TC), and medial and total arytenoidectomies (AE). The glottic area and the parameters determining the phoniatric outcomes were assessed by a digital image analyzer program.

RESULTS

Improvement of glottic area was observed after all procedures, but arytenoid abduction procedures were significantly the most effective. However, the smallest vocal cord angles were found in TC and AE; the injury of the voicing structures results in a deterioration of vocal mechanics and can be reasonably assumed to negatively influence the voice. Endolaryngeal arytenoid abduction lateropexy and SELP may provide the best phonation closure when residual adduction regeneration can occur.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the complexity of the correct surgical decision making in BVCI. Procedures that utilize physiological abduction of the arytenoid cartilage seem to be more advantageous, especially if recovery of adductor function occurs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A.

The combined endoscopic management of congenital laryngeal web

Laryngeal web in the anterior commissure is a rare congenital anomaly often leading to severe dyspnea. Endoscopic procedures based on a simple transsection in these cases may worsen the condition because vocal folds have a tendency for fibrosis and granulation tissue formation after surgical interventions. Thus the traditional treatment of choice is the demanding, externally performed laryngotracheal reconstruction generally with a rib cartilage graft and longer period of stenting. This report presents the successful endoscopic management of a congenital laryngeal web in a 2-year-old boy, who previously underwent an uneffective scar laser transsection that led to excessive glotto-subglottic refibrosis. After the CO(2)-laser transsection the authors applied Mitomycin-C and inserted a combined silicon stent by extra-endolaryngeal technique. After the removal of the stent the patient could be decannulated and his voice improved. The application of these minimally invasive endoscopic techniques was successful, hence it may be an effective alternative treatment option for laryngeal webs.