Bilateral Vocal Cord Immobility Research Articles

Surgical and Functional Outcomes of Posterior Cordotomy and Partial Arytenoidectomy with CO2 LASER in the Treatment of Bilateral Vocal Cord Immobility: A Single Institution Experience.

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate surgical and functional outcomes of patients affected by bilateral vocal cord immobility (BVCI) and treated with posterior cordotomy and partial arytenoidectomy. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis on pre- and postoperative findings on a series of 27 patients affected by BVCI and treated with posterior cordotomy and partial arytenoidectomy from January 2017 to January 2022. Perceptual voice evaluations were performed using the GRBAS scale. The patients were requested to estimate the level of voice handicap experienced in their life using the Italian version of Voice Handicap Index 10 (VHI 10) questionnaire, while swallowing difficulties were self-evaluated through the Italian version of the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) questionnaire. Results: Respiratory distress was evaluated according to the American Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale (MRC_DS) before and 1 year after the surgery. The mean of the preoperative values was 3.86 (±0.4), while 1 year after the procedure, we witnessed a significant (p ≤ 0.001) improvement, with a mean value of 1.09 (±0.9). After surgery, an overall worsening in voice quality was perceived, with a worsening in the GRBAS score. In contrast, the VHI10 does not show a statistically significant worsening. EAT 10 did not demonstrated worse scores after the surgery; rather, it showed a trend of improvement (preoperative EAT10 5.5 ± 5.8, postoperative 3.3 ± 2.9, p = 0.064). Conclusions: According to our results, posterior cordotomy plus partial arytenoidectomy is an effective procedure that provides stable and rapid respiratory improvement whilst preserving swallowing and the self-perception of voice quality.

Tracheostomy dependence following “organ preservation” (chemo)radiation protocol for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers

Patients receiving primary (chemo)radiotherapy for laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer risk developing severe laryngeal dysfunction and becoming tracheostomy dependent, detracting from the benefits of organ preservation. We aim to describe the airway outcomes for this cohort and identify risk factors for developing tracheostomy dependence. Patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer who were recommended for and underwent primary (chemo)radiotherapy over a 6-year period were identified from a tertiary hospital Head and Neck cancer database. Patient, tumor, and treatment details were collected and analyzed. Of 166 patients, 18.7% (N=31) required tracheostomy insertion. Advanced tumor classification was the only significant predictor (p < 0.00001). Successful decannulation was observed in 12.9% (N=4). Decannulation was observably less successful with advanced tumors, bilateral vocal cord immobility, tracheostomies inserted under emergency conditions. We quantified tracheostomy insertion rates and dependence in patients undergoing "organ-preserving" (chemo)radiotherapy, to assist in the pre-treatment counseling of patients opting for this approach.

Surgical management of laryngeal bilateral abductor palsy: comparative study between carbon dioxide and diode lasers

This study aims to compare the results of both CO2 laser and diode laser combined arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy in managing patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis. A prospective study involved 80 bilateral vocal cord immobility patients in adduction. They are divided into two groups according to the laser used, whether CO2 (with a wavelength of 10.6 µm) or diode (with a wavelength of 980 nm). We used mMRC (Modified Medical Research Council) dyspnea scale to assess dyspnea in our patients, while the voice was evaluated by both maximum phonation time and the voice handicap index. Quantitative variables were described using means and standard deviations, while categorical variables were described using frequencies and were compared using the chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and Monte Carlo test. There was a statistically non-significant difference between the studied groups regarding mMRC dyspnea scale and Voice Handicap Index preoperatively and postoperatively. There is a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding maximum phonation time postoperatively (significantly higher in the CO2 laser group) (p < 0.001). The CO2 laser and diode laser could be used safely for the management of bilateral vocal cord paralysis. The CO2 laser maintains better voice parameters and less postoperative pain, while the diode laser gives less operative time, lower cost, and simplicity of use.

Suture lateralization in congenital bilateral vocal cord immobility in neonates and infants: A hybrid approach

IntroductionBilateral vocal cord immobility (BVCI) is a leading cause of stridor and airway obstruction in neonates which may arise idiopathically, as a result of birth trauma, or in the setting of Central nervous system lesions such as Arnold-Chiari malformation. Although many children with BVCI may be managed conservatively, surgical intervention may be necessary in those patients with ongoing upper airway obstruction. Many interventions have been described including, tracheostomy, cordotomy, cricoid splitting procedures, and arytenoidectomy. Vocal cord suture lateralization has the advantage of being both reversible and less morbid than other surgical interventions for BVCI. This study describes a novel variation of the suture lateralization procedure which aids in correct placement of the suture thus minimizing multiple needle passes and associated laryngeal edema. MethodsA retrospective chart review was undertaken of five patients undergoing suture lateralization of the vocal cord for BVCI at a single institution over a 10 year period. Post-operative voice and swallow outcomes were recorded. ResultsOf five patients undergoing this procedure four returned to normal diet. One was diagnosed with a progressive neurological disorder and was persistently fed via gastrostomy tube. Three of the five patients spontaneously recovered vocal cord function and went on to have normal voice after suture removal. ConclusionSuture lateralization is a safe and effective means of alleviating upper airway obstruction in BVCI. It has the advantages of being reversable and minimally invasive; however, optimal suture placement is both vital and challenging. The novel technique described in this study allows identification of landmarks as and aid to suture placement thus reducing the need for multiple needle passes into the lumen of the larynx.

Airway and Swallowing Outcomes Following Laryngotracheoplasty With Posterior Grafting in Children.

Evaluate swallowing and airway outcomes following laryngotracheoplasty with posterior grafting (LTP PCCG). Retrospective review of pediatric patients undergoing LTP PCCG from 2016 to 2019 at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. We included demographics, indications, approach, and revision status. We evaluated preoperative and postoperative instrumental and functional swallow evaluations, and we also gathered information on airway outcomes. Thirty-one patients were included in the study. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 4.0 (2.0, 7.0) years old. Primary indication for surgery was bilateral vocal cord immobility (BVCI) in 11 (35.5%) and posterior glottic stenosis (PGS) in 20 (64.5%). Mean (standard deviation) length of follow-up was 11.0 (8.3) months. Twelve patients had gastrostomy tubes (GT) before surgery, and no patients required placement of GT after surgery. Of the remaining 19 patients, 6 required nasogastric feeding for >4 weeks (average length 1.8 months, longest 3.5 months). At last follow-up, 25 (80.6%) patients were primarily orally fed. Eighteen patients had tracheotomies prior to surgery. No patients without a tracheostomy required placement of tracheostomy before or after surgery and only 1 patient had a tracheostomy at last follow-up. Average time to decannulation was 3.7 months, with surgery-specific success of 87.1% and overall success of 96.8%. Four (12.9%) patients required a major intervention to achieve decannulation. LTP PCCG is an effective surgical technique to address PGS and BVCI with high decannulation rates. It may cause temporary swallowing dysfunction, but in this series a majority of children were orally fed at last follow-up. 4 Laryngoscope, 131:2798-2804, 2021.

Prognosis of congenital idiopathic abductor laryngeal paralysis with laryngeal electromyography.

To assess if laryngeal electromyography could provide additional information in the prognosis of congenital bilateral idiopathic abductor vocal cord paralysis (abCBILP). We performed a retrospective review over a 23-year period (1995-2018) of all children younger than 13 years old in the Medical University of Innsbruck. We identified five infants with abCBILP. Fiberoptic laryngeal endoscopy revealed bilateral vocal cord immobility in adduction without accompanying laryngeal findings. Tracheostomy rate was 100%. Tracheostomy was performed after minimum 3 weeks of non-improvement with continuous positive airway pressure treatment or intubation. In all patients, repeated laryngeal electromyography revealed volitional activity. All patients showed excellent full late recovery in the second quinquennium of life. Presence of volitional activity in laryngeal electromyography could identify patients with excellent prognosis. Prospective laryngeal electromyography studies are required in more patients with abCBILP in order to document laryngeal electromyography findings also by patients with poor late recovery. Patients with poor prognosis could be selected for early laryngeal intervention to avoid tracheostomy-dependent issues. 4 Laryngoscope, 130:E252-E257, 2020.

Endo-extralaryngeal Laterofixation of the Vocal Folds in Patients with Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility.

Bilateral vocal fold paralysis can result in shortness of breath and severe dyspnea which can be life-threatening. Thirty-five patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis who underwent endo-extralaryngeal laterofixation according to Lichtenberger were retrospectively analyzed regarding etiology, symptoms, treatment and complications. In 27 patients, laterofixation of the vocal cord alone was performed. Eight patients underwent laterofixation and additional posterior chordectomy of the opposite vocal cord according to Dennis and Kashima. The time of intervention ranged from 1 day to 38 years after the onset of bilateral vocal cord immobility. The intraoperative course was uneventful in all patients. None of the patients had postoperative aspiration. Postoperative voice function was acceptable in all patients. Complications of suture laterofixation were laryngeal edema, formation of fibrin, and malposition of the suture. Laterofixation of the vocal cords according to Lichtenberger is a safe and easy method that can be used as a first-stage treatment of vocal cord paralysis.

声門下狭窄を伴う両側声帯運動障害に対する手術法

声門下狭窄を伴う両側声帯運動障害に対する手術法

Bilateral vocal cord immobility caused by a plastic slice: Image and anesthetic management

Bilateral vocal cord immobility caused by a plastic slice: Image and anesthetic management

Recannulation of a stenosed old tracheostomy wound in vocal-cord palsy: Anaesthetic management

Tracheostomy still remains a life-saving procedure to secure a patent airway in emergency situations. Anaesthetic management of tracheostomy in paediatric patients with bilateral vocal cord immobility and acute respiratory distress in emergency has always been a great challenge to the anaesthesiologists. Administering general anaesthesia in a child for recannulation of tracheostomy in emergency is far more challenging. We report a case of a 4-year-old male child in whom tracheostomy tube was accidentally removed 2 months back and the wound got stenosed gradually leading to acute respiratory distress. Emergency dilatation and recannulation of tracheostomy wound was planned under general anaesthesia and the case was managed successfully.

A Case of Bilateral Vocal Cord Immobility as a Initial Manifestation of Relapsing Polychondritis

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare multisystem disorder of unknown etiology characterized by episodic recurrent inflammation and degeneration of cartilage and connective tissue. Au toantibodies against cartilaginous collagen may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Laryngotracheobronchial involvements are rare but the most severe manifestations of the diseases. Although uncommon, this disease should be noted and included in a differential diagnosis in patients who complain of difficulty breathing. Along with a review of the related literatures, we report here on an unusual case of bilateral vocal cord immobility as an initial manifestation of relapsing polychondritis. � Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2011;54:368-71 Key WordsZZRelapsing polychondritis ㆍAuricle ㆍVocal cords.

Bilateral vocal cord immobility caused by a plastic slice: Image and anesthetic management

Abstract This article will describe a rare case of bilateral vocal cord immobility caused by a foreign body and its successful anesthetic management. A 15-year-old adolescent boy presented dysphonia that appeared suddenly while drinking a beverage. According to the flexible laryngoscopy, a one-centimeter circular plastic slice from the cup seal was found stuck in the anterior commissure, making both of his vocal cords unable to move and blocking almost half of his airway. We removed the plastic slice through the rigid laryngoscopy where transtracheal catheter with jet ventilation was used to maintain oxygenation over a critical period. In this kind of case, transtracheal catheter with jet ventilation may be an alternative ventilatory technique to maintain the airway for further laryngomicrosurgery.

A new thread guide instrument for endoscopic arytenoid lateropexy

The varied etiology of bilateral vocal cord immobility (BVCI) requires a wide range of surgical approaches. A new endolaryngeal thread guide instrument (ETGI) is presented here for a minimally invasive endoscopic lateropexy of the arytenoid cartilage, which might serve as a basis for a simple solution for the main types of BVCI. Prospective study of BVCI patients who underwent surgery, including 22 bilateral vocal cord paralyses (BVCP), 12 mechanical fixations (MF), 10 posterior glottic stenoses, and two rheumatoid ankyloses. The ETGI is based on a built-in movable curved blade with a hole at its tip to guide a thread in and out again between the skin and the laryngeal cavity. The loops formed around the arytenoid cartilage cause abduction. In cases of fixations, the cricoarytenoid joints were properly mobilized as a first step with a combination of cold technique and CO(2) laser. As spirometric tests proved, 32 patients achieved improved breathing ability. One temporary tracheostomy was necessary and one patient with ongoing radiotherapy could not be decannulated. Subjectively, twelve patients' voices improved or approximated normal quality due to complete vocal cord recoveries on at least one side after lateropexy was ceased. Incomplete recovery with more or less impaired voice was observed in 16 cases. Three MF patients and two BVCP patients with poor overall health condition had severe dysphonia. Combined with simple and readily available methods, endoscopic arytenoid lateropexy is an effective solution for BVCIs with various etiologies. The ETGI facilitates this procedure with rapid and safe creation of fixating loops at the proper position.

Posterior Glottic Stenosis with a Calcified Interarytenoid Scar Band: CT and Laryngoscopic Correlation

A 52-year-old man with burn injuries and prolonged intubation developed PGS with hoarseness, dyspnea, and bilateral vocal cord immobility. On CT, a calcified interarytenoid scar band was identified, corresponding to an interarytenoid scar on laryngoscopy. Endoscopic laser lysis of the calcified scar band relieved the symptoms. We present laryngoscopic and CT findings of PGS with interarytenoid calcification along with the postlysis findings. The classification, clinical findings, imaging, and management of PGS are reviewed.

Case of three delayed complications of radiotherapy: Bilateral vocal cord immobility, esophageal obstruction and ruptured pseudoaneurysm of carotid artery

We report the first case of three delayed complications following irradiation for laryngeal carcinoma: bilateral vocal cord immobility, obstruction of esophagus and spontaneously ruptured pseudoaneurysm of common carotid artery. Medial fixation of bilateral vocal cords and stenosis of cervical esophagus were noted at 28 years after radiotherapy. Spontaneous rupture of a pseudoaneurysm bulging into the hypopharynx and obstruction of the esophagus occurred at 35 years after irradiation. The life-threatening hemorrhage was successfully treated by microcoil embolization of the common carotid artery. The relationship between these complications and irradiation is also discussed.

P073: Bilateral Vocal Cord Immobility: Treatment Outcomes

P073: Bilateral Vocal Cord Immobility: Treatment Outcomes

Severe Upper Airway Obstruction From Cricoarytenoiditis as the Sole Presenting Manifestation of a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flare

Upper airway obstruction due to laryngeal involvement is a known complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Laryngeal involvement typically accompanies inflammatory activity involving other sites and varies from mild mucosal inflammation to bilateral vocal cord immobility. Cricoarytenoid arthropathy is a rare cause of severe airway obstruction in patients with SLE and almost always occurs in the presence of other associated symptoms. Furthermore, in contrast to patients with rheumatoid arthritis, in whom chronic involvement of cricoarytenoid joints occurs more commonly and often requires surgical intervention, patients with SLE typically present with acute arthritis of cricoarytenoid joints and respond to corticosteroid therapy alone. We describe a patient with known SLE who presented with severe acute upper airway obstruction as the sole manifestation of active SLE after several years of quiescence. The laryngeal involvement progressed from mucosal inflammation to acute cricoarytenoiditis, despite the administration of high-dose corticosteroid therapy, necessitating emergent intubation and tracheostomy. This case illustrates the importance of considering SLE in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with acute upper airway obstruction.

"Early" vocal cord laterofixation for the treatment of bilateral vocal cord immobility.

Vocal cord immobility (VCI) is commonly caused by a nonlaryngeal malignancy, thyroid surgery, or a presumed viral insult etc. The paralysis is often transient or temporary, thus the care of the patient should be optimized to avoid unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic endeavours. This article reports on the result of the concept of early vocal cord laterofixation, which provides a minimally invasive solution to dyspnea in the critical early, potentially reversible, period of bilateral VCI. A prospective study of 25 consecutive patients (ages 33 to 81 years) who were diagnosed with a bilateral VCI. This condition had developed after thyroid surgery in 22 of the patients and after a blunt trauma of the neck in one case. In another case, a cricoarytenoid joint fixation was revealed, and aetiology remained unknown in one further patient. The surgical procedure was performed endoscopically with a modification of Lichtenberger's endo-extralaryngeal suture lateralization technique. The abducted vocal cord position was achieved by inserting a non-resorbable thread around the vocal process and tying on to the prelaryngeal muscles. Regular spirometric measurements and radiological aspiration tests were conducted on the patients. Adequate postoperative airway was achieved in all patients except one. Significant spontaneous vocal cord medialization was observed in two cases within a year and in three patients in the second and the third year. Partial or complete vocal cord recovery was observed in 17 cases. Further voice improvement followed in 9 patients when the threads were removed, due to vocal cord medialization or recovery. The mild postoperative aspirations ceased in the first postoperative days in all cases except one. The concept of "early" laterofixation satisfies the important criteria: it can provide an immediate and long-lasting adequate airway, and it can be considered potentially reversible from the point of view of laryngeal functions. Thus the procedure is a reliable primary treatment for bilateral VCI.

Evaluation and management of bilateral vocal cord immobility

Bilateral vocal cord immobility can be life threatening for some patients. Others, who have an open glottic chink, may have a breathy dysphonia, intermittent dyspnea, and stridor. These signs and symptoms may also be found in a number of other conditions that cause weakness or paradoxical motion of the vocal cords that mimics paralysis. These other conditions include central nervous system diseases, neuromuscular disorders, laryngospasm, and psychogenic disorders. In addition, patients with cricoarytenoid joint immobility or interarytenoid scar can also have similar symptoms at presentation. It is critical to consider the differential diagnosis of an assumed bilateral vocal cord paralysis and understand the management of paradoxical movement, weakness, joint fixation, interarytenoid scar, laryngospasm, and psychogenic disorders. The treatment for bilateral immobility should proceed only after a thorough evaluation, which might include electromyography and/or examination during general anesthesia under dense anesthetic paralysis. Reconstructive procedures are the treatments of choice, and destructive procedures should be chosen only as a last resort. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;121:760-5.)

Type II isshiki thyroplasty in the management of dyspnea in bilateral vocal cord paralysis or immobility

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis remains a serious and sometimes life-threatening problem. Management of the glottic airway is complicated by the necessary trade between voice and adequate breathing. This article outlines specific instances in which airway may be improved with very little harm to the voice. Three adult females presented between January 1993 and September 1995 with dyspnea secondary to thyroidectomy-induced bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Increasing dyspnea on exertion prompted their clinic examinations, and videostroboscopy revealed glottal obstruction secondary to bilateral cord paralysis and vocal fold mucosal laxity, the Bernoulli effect causing increased inspiratory obstruction. All three women opted for a unilateral Type II Isshiki thyroplasty instead of long-term tracheotomy tube placement or other management options. The surgical goal was to tighten the lax mucosa on the most involved side and slightly lateralize the vocal cord, hopefully resulting in both adequate airway and better postoperative voice. Surgery was accomplished under attended local anesthesia with tracheotomy tube placement for airway control. Two patients were successfully decannulated within 6 weeks postoperatively with marked improvement in breathing and a higher-pitched, near-normal voice as gauged by videostroboscopy and voice analysis. The other patient required an emergency tracheotomy preoperatively and has elected to keep her tracheotomy tube in place and corked during the day, unplugging it at night and for strenuous exercise. Long-term follow-up confirms the stability of the initial results, and the Type II thyroplasty is offered as yet another tool in the management of dyspnea in females with bilateral vocal cord paralysis.