Pharyngeal Foreign Body Sensation Research Articles

Outcomes of Elongated Styloid Process Syndrome Treated with Minimally Invasive Cervical Styloidectomy (MICS)-A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Background: Stylohyoid syndrome, also known as classical Eagle syndrome (ES), is a rare condition characterized by elongation of the styloid process (SP) or calcification of the stylohyoid chain, presenting numerous non-specific symptoms. Most papers concerning this rare condition are case reports, case studies, or retrospective studies. This retrospective study delves into the intricacies of Eagle syndrome and evaluates surgical outcomes in patients treated with minimally invasive cervical styloidectomy (MICS). Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients treated due to ES between September 2021 and August 2023. Ninety-seven patients were qualified for MICS. Evaluation before and after surgical treatment was conducted during follow-up visits and by a questionnaire that included various data, such as symptoms, pain intensity, evaluation of healing period, and overall patient satisfaction. The minimum follow-up period was six months. Results: After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, eighty-four patients were qualified for further assessment. The most common symptoms that subsided completely after treatment were pharyngeal foreign body sensation and pain with dysphagia or odynophagia. The MICS procedure proved to be highly effective, with 94.2% of patients experiencing a significant reduction in pain intensity and 97.1% reporting overall success. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome of the scar. The length of SP and time onset from the first symptoms to treatment positively correlated with the number, intensity, and time required for symptoms to subside. Conclusions: Eagle syndrome should be considered in diagnosing patients with orofacial and cervical pain symptoms, as the time from occurrence of the first symptoms to treatment is crucial. MICS is highly effective and has a low rate of complications in treating ES. Potential scar formation should not be a significant factor when deciding between the intraoral and external approaches.

Analysis of the Correlation Between Dynamic Characteristics and Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

To investigate the esophageal motility characteristics of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and their relationship with symptoms. We examined 101 patients diagnosed with GERD by endoscopy and divided them into 3 groups as follows: nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), reflux esophagitis, and Barrett esophagus. Esophageal high-resolution manometry and the GERD Questionnaire were used to investigate the characteristics of esophageal dynamics and symptoms. In addition, the reflux symptom index was completed and the patients were divided into 7 groups according to symptoms. We then determined the correlation between dynamic esophageal characteristics and clinical symptoms. Upper (UES) and lower (LES) esophageal sphincter pressures and the 4-second integrated relaxation pressure in the RE group were lower than those in the NERD group. The 4-second integrated relaxation pressure in the Barrett esophagus group was also lower than that in the NERD group. In the analysis of extraesophageal symptoms, high-resolution manometry showed significant differences in UES pressures among all groups. Further subgroup analysis showed that compared with the group without extraesophageal symptoms, the UES pressure of the groups with pharyngeal foreign body sensation, throat clearing, and multiple extraesophageal symptoms was lower. As GERD severity increases, motor dysfunction of the LES and esophageal body gradually worsens, and the LES plays an important role in GERD development. Decreased UES pressure plays an important role in the occurrence of extraesophageal symptoms, which is more noticeable in patients with pharyngeal foreign body sensation and throat clearing.

Efficacy of botanical lozenges in the treatment of chronic pharyngitis: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: In clinical practice, antibiotics and/or inhaled or oral hormone preparations are the first line of treatment for chronic pharyngitis. However, this therapeutic regimen is not satisfactory enough. At present, medicinal plants as dietary supplements or functional foods are widely recognized for the treatment and prevention of different diseases. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the botanical lozenge made from several medicinal plant extracts in the treatment of chronic pharyngitis and its effects on patients' illness perception and adherence to treatment. Methods: Patients with chronic pharyngitis were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 52) or the control group (n = 51). Patients were given botanical lozenges prepared from the extracts of medicinal plants such as Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) C. Jeffrey ex A.M.Lu and Zhi Y. Zhang [Cucurbitaceae; Siraitiae fructus], Lonicera japonica Thunb [Caprifoliaceae; Lonicerae japonicae flos], Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC [Campanulaceae; Platycodon radix], and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC [Fabaceae; Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma] or placebos made of starch for 15 days. The improvement of pharyngeal symptoms and signs, illness perception, and adherence to treatment were evaluated at the end of the intervention. Results: The total score of pharyngeal symptoms of patients in the experimental group (3.33 ± 2.33) was significantly lower than that in the control group (5.20 ± 2.93) (p < 0.01). In comparison to the control group (3.43 ± 1.43), the total pharyngeal signs score of patients in the experimental group (2.69 ± 1.59) was considerably lower (p < 0.01). The improvement rates of pharyngeal itching, dry throat, pharyngeal foreign body sensation, aggravation due to excessive speaking, and congestion of pharyngeal mucosa in the experimental group were 73.81%, 67.50%, 67.57%, 65.22% and 44%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, patients taking botanical lozenges had better illness perception and adherence to treatment than those taking placebos (p < 0.05). Patients with low adherence to treatment showed less personal control, concerns, and understanding of chronic pharyngitis (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Botanical lozenges not only aided patients in recovering from chronic pharyngitis but also improved their positive perceptions of the disease, which helped them adhere to their treatment regimen. Clinical Trial Registration: [https://www.chictr.org.cn/], identifier [ChiCTR2200062139].

Diagnosis and Open Surgical Management of Laimer's Diverticulum: Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Objectives: Laimer's diverticulum (LD) is a very rare clinical entity originating between the cricopharyngeus muscle (CPM) and circular muscular fibers of the esophagus. Its diagnosis and management remain to be elucidated. This article summarizes our experience in its diagnosis and open surgical management.Methods: A retrospective review of LD cases treated at our tertiary medical institution was conducted between July 2018 and May 2023. The clinical and demographic data were retrieved from case notes.Results: Three cases were included in this review. There were 2 male patients and 1 female patient. The average and median ages were 47.3 and 54 years, respectively. Presenting symptoms included hoarseness, pharyngeal foreign body sensation, and neck mass. All 3 diverticula were on the left side, with the first 2 cases discovered accidentally on gastric endoscopic or cervical MRI examinations. After evaluating esophageal swallowing with barium sulfate or urografin contrast media, all the patients consented to undergo an open surgical procedure. During surgical exploration, the diverticula were found to be on the posterior part of the cervical esophagus, below CPM, and away from the recurrent laryngeal nerve, and only then, could the diagnosis of LD be established. Then, diverticulectomy and manual suturing of the esophagus was performed. Recovery of all 3 patients was uneventful. Nasogastric tube feeding lasted 7 to 12 days until esophageal examinations demonstrated no leak, and then, oral liquid feeding resumed. The median duration of follow-up was 50 months. No recurrence of symptoms or diverticulum was observed, and the swallowing function of all 3 patients was excellent.Conclusions: An open surgical approach is not only important for the diagnosis of LD, but can also be utilized as a safe and effective treatment.

Predictive value of clinical features for anti-reflux therapy response in suspected gastroesophageal reflux-induced chronic cough.

Not all gastroesophageal reflux-induced cough (GERC) patients respond to anti-reflux treatment. It is not certain whether reflux-related symptoms or other clinical characteristics could indicate a successful response to anti-reflux treatment. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between clinical features and anti-reflux response. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of suspected GERC who had reflux-related symptoms or reflux evidence based on abnormal 24-hour esophageal pH value monitoring, or who had no evidence of other common causes of chronic cough in our chronic cough database with a standard case report form. All patients experienced anti-reflux treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) plus prokinetic agents for at least 2 weeks and were divided into responders and non-responders based on the treatment response. Among 241 patients with suspected GERC, 146 (60.6%) showed a successful response. There was no significant difference in regard to the proportion of reflux-related symptoms, and results of 24-hour esophageal pH value monitoring between responders and non-responders. Compared with non-responders, responders had higher proportions of nasal itching (21.2% vs. 8.4%; P=0.014), tickle in the throat (51.4% vs. 35.8%; P=0.025) and lower proportion of pharyngeal foreign body sensation (32.9% vs. 54.7%; P=0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that nasal itching [hazard ratio (HR): 1.593, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.025-2.476, P=0.039], tickle in the throat (HR: 1.605, 95% CI: 1.152-2.238, P=0.005), pharyngeal foreign body sensation (HR: 0.499, 95% CI: 0.346-0.720, P<0.001) and sensitivity to at least one cough trigger (HR: 0.480, 95% CI: 0.237-0.973, P=0.042) were associated with the therapeutic response. Over half of suspected GERC patients benefited from anti-reflux therapy. A few clinical features rather than reflux-related symptoms might indicate a response to anti-reflux treatment. Further study is needed for the predictive value.

Awareness about laryngopharyngeal reflux disease among Chinese otolaryngologists: a nationwide survey

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the status of the current knowledge about laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) among Chinese otolaryngologists.DesignMulti-centre cross-sectional survey.Setting220 medical centres in different regions of China.ParticipantsA total of...

The application of NBI endoscopy in finding concealed primary lesions of misdiagnosis of oropharyngeal cancer

Objective:The aim of this study is to analyze the application value of NBI endoscopy in finding the concealed primary lesions of misdiagnosis of oropharyngeal cancer. Methods:The clinical data of patients with missed oropharyngeal cancer treated in the Department of Otolaryngology Head and neck surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from May 2018 to June 2021, were retrospectively studied, and the missed diagnosis was also analyzed combined with results of NBI endoscopy. Results:In 31 cases of misdiagnosis of oropharyngeal cancer patients, including 25 males and 6 females, there was no significant difference in age, BMI index, course of disease and TNM stage （P> 0.05）, and the pharyngeal or cervical symptoms were the first clinical manifestations of them, containing pharyngeal pain in 17 cases（54.8%） , pharyngeal foreign body sensation in 4 cases（12.9%） and unilateral cervical mass in 10 cases （32.3%）. No laryngoscopy was performed （21 cases） or no primary lesion was found by laryngoscopy （10 cases） at initial diagnosis. Among them, "inflammatory lesions" were given anti-inflammatory treatment with ineffective results or surgical resection was explored for suspicious lesions （17 cases）, or imaging examination （9 cases, including 6 cases with CT and MRI, 3 cases with PET-CT） and cervical lymph node biopsy （5 cases） were carried out for further diagnosis. According to these results, they were given ordinary laryngoscope （2 cases） or NBI endoscopy （29 cases） subsequently, finally they were confirmed as oropharyngeal squamous cellcarcinoma after localized biopsy at the suspicious lesions, indicating that the accuracy of NBI endoscopy in finding the concealed primary lesions of oropharyngeal cancer （93.55%） is significantly higher than that of ordinary electronic laryngoscope （6.45%）（χ²=43.613, P<0.01）. Conclusion:NBI endoscopy has unique advantages in finding oropharyngeal cancer in concealed parts such as tonsil, root of tongue, soft palate and lateral wall of oropharynx, which could reduce misdiagnosis of oropharyngeal cancer.

Clinical features of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in head and neck

Objective:To investigate the clinical features of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma （DLBCL） of head and neck. Methods:A retrospective study was conducted among patients with DLBCL in the Department of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from July 2011 to September 2021. The disease location, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of DLBCL patients in head and neck were analyzed retrospectively. Results:Oropharynx（27 cases, including 25 cases in tonsil）, neck（29 cases）, nasopharynx and nasal cavity （7 cases）were included in 63 cases of DLBCL in head and neck. Pharyngalgia, pharyngeal foreign body sensation and dysphagia were the most common manifestations of oropharyngeal DLBCL, while nasal obstruction, runny nose and hyposmia were the initial manifestations of nasal and nasopharyngeal DLBCL.Under the NBI endoscopy, locally uplifted neoplasm with rough surface mucosa was observed in 34 cases DLBCL patients of oropharynx, nasopharynx and nasal cavity. Among them, 16 cases were covered with yellow-white and patchy pseudomembrane on the surface of the neoplasm, and 5 cases were detected with abnormal new vessels, including 3 cases of tonsils, 1 case of root of tongue, and 1 case of nasopharynx. Painless progressive lymphadenectasis was the common manifestation of DLBCL in head and neck, and the maximum diameter（[21.3±6.7]mm） of neck lymph nodes in the same side of DLBCL was significantly larger than that in the opposite side（[16.0±7.2]mm, P=0.009）. Sixty-three cases of DLBCL in head and neck, including 27 cases of germinal center type（GCB）, 33 cases of nongerminal center type（non-GCB）, and 3 cases of non-specific DLBCL, were confirmed the diagnosis by needle biopsy（33 cases, 52.4%） and surgical resection（30 cases, 47.6%）. The imaging features of DLBCL in head and neck were mostly showed as local soft tissue masses with uniform density and uneven enhancement, and the surrounding structures were often compressed and displaced. All the patients were treated with standard R-CHOP chemotherapy regimens, and overall survival was longer in normal LDH, and overall survival of the patients at low risk of IPI was longer than those at medium-high or high risk of IPI（PLDH=0.011, PIPI=0.022, P<0.05）. Conclusion:DLBCL mainly occurs in oropharynx, especially the unilateral tonsil. When flake yellow-white pseudomembrane adhesion and abnormal neovessels on the surface of the mass are detected under endoscopy, and the ultrasound suggested multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the neck with large iplateral lymph nodes, the possibility of DLBCL should be considered. Surgical resection could be performed for diagnosis if necessary, and early diagnosis would have a better prognosis.

Clinical analysis of 126 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 with pharyngeal symptoms

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with pharyngeal symptoms. Methods: From January 10 to May 15, 2020, clinical data of 1 228 patients with COVID-19 in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University was collected (554 males and 674 females, with the range of age from 10 to 95 years old, the average age was 55.2 years old). The patients were divided into pharyngeal symptoms group (PS, 126 cases) and non-pharyngeal symptoms group (Non-PS, 1 102 cases) according to the presence or absence of pharyngeal symptoms such as pharyngalgia, pharyngeal dryness, pharyngeal itching, and pharyngeal foreign body sensation. The clinical data in terms of age, sex, medical history, duration of symptoms, treatment time, clinical classification, pulmonary imaging findings, whole blood cell count, serum hypersensitivity C-reactive protein, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin were statistically analyzed between the two groups. Chi-square, Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The most common pharyngeal symptoms were pharyngalgia (59.52%, 75/126), followed by foreign body sensation (23.02%, 29/126), pharyngeal dryness (8.73%, 11/126), and itching (8.73%, 11/126). The median age of the patients in the PS group was 51.50 years old, which was less than 57.50 years old in the non-PS group, showing a significant difference (P<0.05). The female cases accounted for 65.08% (82/126), which was higher than 53.72% (592/1 102) of the non-PS group (P<0.05). The incidence of bilateral lung inflammation confirmed by CT images was 73.81% (93/126), which was significantly lower than 83.48% (920/1 102) in the non-PS group (P<0.05). No significant differences were shown in the proportion of patients with clinical types, treatment days, duration of symptoms, white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, lymphocyte percentage, eosinophil count, eosinophil percentage, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, procalcitonin and other indicators (P>0.05). Conclusions: The incidence of pharyngeal symptoms in patients with COVID-19 is 10.26%. Most of these symptoms occur before or at the same time as the common symptoms of the disease. Therefore, patients with such symptoms may bring a greater risk of infection to otolaryngologist. According to the current clinical classification criteria, pharyngeal symptoms have no obvious correlation with the degree of the disease; but the presence of pharyngeal symptoms may suggest a milder clinical presentation and a better prognosis.

Clinical analysis of maxillofacial adipocytic neoplasia in children

Objective: To explore the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of maxillofacial adipocytic neoplasia in children. Methods: The clinical data of 8 children with maxillofacial adipocytic neoplasia admitted to Shanghai Children's Hospital from August 2014 to July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 6 males and 2 females, aged from 8 months to 8 years 11 months, with an average age of 44 months. The clinical characteristics, imaging findings, treatment methods and effects of 8 patients were analyzed. Results: Among the 8 patients, 5 were lipomas and 3 were lipoblastomas; 4 were in the masseter muscle region of the parotid gland, 2 were in the parapharyngeal space and 1 was in the submandibular and nasal areas separately. The clinical manifestations were mainly painless maxillofacial masses, sleep snoring and pharyngeal foreign body sensation. All of 8 patients underwent surgical treatment without complications such as infection, facial paralysis, and salivary fistula. No recurrence was observed during a follow-up of 6 months to 5 years. Conclusions: Lipoma and lipoblastoma are the main tumors of maxillofacial adipocytic neoplasia in children. The appropriate surgical incision and surgical method can be selected according to the characteristics of the area of the tumor combined with preoperative imaging examination. The prognosis of the disease is good and recrudescence is rare.

The prevalence and relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, anxiety and depression in otolaryngology outpatients

Objective: To obtain the prevalence laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD), anxiety and depression in otorhinolaryngology outpatients and to explore the role of mental and psychological factors (anxiety and depression) in their pathogenesis. Methods: A questionnaire survey of reflux symptom index(RSI) scale and hospital anxiety and depression (HAD) scale were used to report 1 111 cases of outpatients in Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, from July 2017 to June 2018 (486 males, 625 females, age of 18-96 years old, median age of 38[30,53] years old) and to obtain the prevalence of LPRD, anxiety and depression. RSI-positive patients were selected in the case group, and RSI-negative patients were selected in the control group. The differences in HAD scores between the two groups were compared, and the risk factors of laryngopharyngeal reflux were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software. Results: There were 151 cases in the case group and 960 cases in the control group. The prevalence of LPRD was 13.59% (151/1 111).There was no significant difference in the prevalence of LPRD between different genders (P>0.05). The prevalence rate was the highest in the 18-40 age group, and the difference in the prevalence of all age groups (18~ 40 years old; 41-65 years old; >65 years old) was statistically significant (P<0.05). The prevalence of LPRD among smokers and non-drinkers was higher than that of non-smokers and non-drinkers and the prevalence of the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The most common symptoms of the RSI scale were pharyngeal foreign body sensation (92.72%,140/151), persistent clearing throat (88.74%,124/151), excessive sputum or nasal reflux (82.12%, 124/151). There were significant statistical differences between the two groups (P<0.05). Ninty-one patients with anxiety, the prevalence was 8.19%(91/1 111); 76 patients with depression, the prevalence was 6.84%(76/1 111).Among the LPRD patients, the hospital anxiety scale scored 29.14% (44/151), and the hospital depression scale scored 17.22% (26/151). The scores of anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms in the LPRD group were higher than those in the non-LPRD group. The above scores were statistically significant (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that smoking, anxiety and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease were independent risk factors for laryngopharyngeal reflux. Conclusions: The prevalences of LPRD, anxiety and depression in the otorhinolaryngology clinic are 13.59%, 8.19% and 6.84%, respectively. Among patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux, the prevalence of anxiety is 29.14%, and the prevalence of depression is 17.22%. Age, smoking, drinking, alcohol consumption, education level, course of disease, symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, pharyngeal foreign body sensation, etc. are related to LPRD. Mental factors (anxiety and depression) may play a role in LPRD. Smoking, anxiety symptoms and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease are closely related to the incidence of LPRD.

Application of endoscopic resection of benign tumor in infratemporal fossa

Objective: To explore the application of endoscopy and clinical effect of endoscopic resection of benign tumor in infratemporal fossa. Methods: The clinical data of 11 patients with benign tumors in infratemporal fossa admitted to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and Skull Base Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2016 to September 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 6 males and 5 females, with the age ranging from 11 to 63 years old. The main clinical manifestations were pharyngeal foreign body sensation, submaxillary pain, maxillofacial numbness and tongue numbness. Imaging examination showed that the tumor was round and had a clear boundary with the surrounding tissue. All the patients underwent endoscopic surgery. Appropriate surgical approach was selected according to the location of the tumor and its relationship with the internal carotid artery. The endoscopic surgical approaches included trans-oropharyngeal approach in 7 cases, trans-lateral pterygomandibular raphe approach in 1 case and trans-medial pterygomandibular raphe approach in 3 cases. The pathological results, prognosis, complications and relapse of patients were summarized through descriptive statistics. Results: The tumors were completely resected under endoscope in all patients, and there was no significant complication occurred after surgery. The average pain VAS score was 3.1 after surgery and average hospital stay was 5.9 d. The postoperative pathological diagnoses consisted of 6 cases of pleomorphic adenoma, 4 cases of neurilemmoma and 1 case of basal cell adenoma. All patients were followed up regularly from 6 to 39 months without recurrence of tumor. Conclusion: Endoscopic resection of benign tumors in infratemporal fossa has the advantages of minimal damage, rapid recovery, few complications, and definite curative effect, which can be used as an important alternative for surgical treatment of benign tumors.

The efficacy of modified Quyuan decoction in treating children upper airway cough symptom complex with syndrome of phlegm and heat accumulated in lung

Objective To investigate the efficacy of modified Quyuan decoction in the treatment of Children upper airway cough symptom complex with syndrome of phlegm and heat accumulated in lung. Methods Eighty-two Children with upper airway cough symptom complex who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into 2 groups with 41 in each group. In the control group, monteluster sodium chewing tablets were taken orally and budesonide suspension was inhaled. The observation group took modified Quyuan decoction on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated continuously for 2 weeks and followed up for 6 months. The levels of interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-13 were detected by double-antibody-sandwich ELISA, and the symptoms and signs were scored before and after treatment, as well as the symptoms of phlegm, heat and stagnation of lung, cough and pharynx. The efficacy was evaluated and recurrence rate was recorded. Results The total effective rate 95.12% (39/41) in the observation group was obviously higher than 75.61% (31/41) in the control group (χ2=4.783, P=0.029). After treatment, the serum level of IL-8 (51.61 ± 5.94 ng/L vs. 71.25 ± 7.99 ng/L, t=12.631) and IL-13 (27.62 ± 3.20 ng/L vs. 34.91 ± 4.01 ng/L, t=9.099) in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, the scores of cough, nasal obstruction, runny nose, nasal itching, expectoration, sneezing, secretion of posterior pharyngeal wall and pharyngeal mucosa in the observation group were all significantly lower than those in the control group (t values were 7.762, 6.831, 6.217, 6.944, 6.408, 6.212, 7.268, 7.109, all Ps<0.01). The scores of cough, expectoration, blood in sputum, chest pain, dry mouth and fever were significantly lower than those of the control group (t values were 9.439, 6.831, 6.982, 10.115, 12.031 and 10.443, all Ps<0.01). Scores of daytime and nighttime cough symptoms were significantly lower than those of the control group (t values were 7.012, 7.241, respectively, all Ps<0.01). The scores of pharyngeal pain, pharyngeal dryness and pharyngeal foreign body sensation were significantly lower than those of the control group (t values were 6.003, 6.106, 6.318, respectively, all Ps<0.01). In the 6 months' follow-up observation, the recurrence rate was 17.7% (3/17) in the observation group and 53.9% (7/13) in the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=4.344, P=0.037). Conclusions The modified Quyuan decoction combined with conventional western medicine can improve the symptoms and signs of upper airway cough symptom complex of children with syndrome of phlegm and heat accumulated in lung. Key words: Cough; Child; Upper airway cough syndrome; Syndrome of phlegm and heat accumulated in lung; Quyuan decoction; Interleukin

Atlantoaxial joint release through anterior retrophayngeal approach and staged posterior reduction fixation and fusion for irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation

To discuss the effectiveness of atlantoaxial joint release through anterior retrophayngeal approach and staged posterior reduction fixation and fusion for irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (IAAD). Fifteen patients with IAAD (9 males, 6 females), aged 14-53 years (mean, 31.4 years) were included in the study. The disease duration was 3 months to 17 years (mean, 5.7 years). IAAD was attributed to trauma in 13 cases, and 2 cases were caused by congenital odontoid disconnection. Preoperative imaging examination showed atlantoaxial dislocation and could not be reset automatically in functional position. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 3-7 (mean, 4.1), and the preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was 10-17 (mean, 13.8). All patients received atlantoaxial joint release through anterior retrophayngeal approach and staged posterior fixation and fusion. Anatomical reduction was achieved in all 15 patients, and the alignment of atlantoaxial joints was restored. After operation, the neck pain and neurological symptom were partially or fully improved in all patients, without deterioration of neurological function. One patient developed pharyngeal discomfort and cough after one-stage operation, 4 patients developed pharyngeal discomfort and foreign body sensation after operation, and 2 patients developed pin-path lipstick swelling during skull traction. All patients were cured by symptomatic treatment. No pulmonary infection, pressure ulcers, venous thrombosis, and incision infection was found during the treatment. All 15 patients were followed up 24-36 months, with an average of 28.6 months. Bony fusion was achieved in all patients, and the fusion time was 3-5 months, with an average of 3.6 months. At last follow-up, the VAS score was 0-2 (mean, 0.5) and the JOA score was 13-17 (mean, 15.9). There was no dislocation, recurrence, or other abnormal sign in the cervical X-ray films and three-dimensional CT. Anatomical reduction can be achieved by atlantoaxial joint release through anterior retrophayngeal approach and staged posterior fixation and fusion for treating IAAD. It is an optional procedure for IAAD.

Platysma myocutaneous flaps in reconstruction of defects caused by hypopharyngeal cancer resection

Objective:To study the method and feasibility in reconstruction of platysma myocutaneous flap of defects caused by hypopharyngeal cancer resection. Method:Twelve cases underwent reconstruction with the platysma myocutaneous flap of hypopharyngeal soft defect were investigated. All cases received 2 times preoperative induction chemotherapy followed by hypopharyngeal cancer resection with laryngeal function preservation and the neck lymph node dissection. Platysma myocutaneous flap was used to repair the hypopharyngeal soft tissue defect. Result:All the flaps survived. Three weeks after surgery, all patients can eat without pharyngeal fistula and dysphagia, but pharyngeal foreign body sensation. Three cases of cough after surgery, improved after training. After postoperative radiotherapy, flap survived without secondary necrosis. Laryngeal function of all cases was retained, and only one case with cannula maintained. Conclusion:Preoperative induction program can effectively reduce the lesion. The placenta myocutaneous flap has rich blood supply, strong anti-infectivity. It is an effective method to repair the hypopharyngeal tissue defect with the placenta myocutaneous flap.

Current status of treatment of laryngeal contact granuloma

Laryngeal contact granuloma, also known as vocal cord granuloma, is the non-neoplastic inflammatory granulation tissue occurring in the vocal cord around. The cause is unclear, morbidity and cure rate is low, the recurrence rate is high, leading to a poor clinical treatment. But some symptoms of the sound disorder, pharyngeal foreign body sensation seriously affect the quality of life of patients, increase the psychological burden of patients. With the increasing awareness of the disease, the deepening of the research, there have been different treatment methods. This paper reviews the previous literatures, and summarizes LCG treatment for the status.

Prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease in Fuzhou region of China

Objective: To assess the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) in the Fuzhou region. Methods: A total of 4100 subjects who aged from 10 to 70 years derived from a random cluster sampling in fourty districts of Fuzhou region and they were asked to complete questionnaires. According to the grade standard of reflux symptom index (RSI), subjects with total score more than 13 were defined as having LPRD. The factors associated with LPRD were evaluated with corrective analysis. Results: Effective questionnaires were obtained from 4 063 of 4 100 subjects. The prevalence of LPRD was 5.00%(203/4 063). The prevalence of LPRD in subjects of 30-39 years old was significantly higher than that in subjects of 10-19 years old (χ2=8.532, P=0.003). The prevalence of LPRD in men was higher than that in women (P<0.001). There were significant difference in the prevalence of LPRD between different occupations (P<0.001). The prevalence of LPRD in industrial workers was 7.89% (24/304), higher than that in students (4/196, 3.14%). RSI was correlated with clearing throat, with a correlation coefficient of 0.687. LPRD was also correlated with dysphagia and pharyngeal foreign body sensation. Conclusions: The prevalence of LPRD in Fuzhou region is 5.00% and LPRD is closely related to age, sex, occupation, clearing throat, dysphagia and pharyngeal foreign body sensation.

Respuesta al tratamiento en pacientes con enfermedad por reflujo Faringo-Laringeo. Puerto Padre, Cuba

Five adult patients diagnosed reflux disease pharyngo-laryngeal treated at the Department of Otolaryngology, ”Guillermo Dominguez Lopez” Hospital of the city of Puerto Padre, Cuba longitudinal intervention study was performed in sixty between April two thousand eight February two thousand XI for evaluating the therapeutic clinical response to treatment thereof. Age, sex, toxic habits, personal medical history, reported symptoms, physical findings and endoscopic examination, and response to treatment to the three and six-month followup: the variables were analyzed. Reflux disease pharyngolaryngeal, was presented with the highest incidence in women and in people over thirty-eight, and was commonly found toxic habits coffee and smoking, and history of obesity and digestive ulcer disease. The most common symptom was pharyngeal foreign body sensation; and most were found signs of erythema and the posterior pharyngeal wall erythema and hyperemia of the posterior commissure. In more than half the cases I prevailed endoscopic stage. It demonstrated that treatment should be extended for six months or more to achieve regression of signs and symptoms in a signi?cant number of patients.

Clinical observation on treating reflux esophagitis of deficiency of spleen Qi syndrome byHezhong-Jianpi decoction

Objective To observe the clinical curative effect of treating reflux esophagitis of spleen qi deficiency syndrome by Hezhong-Jianpi decoction. Methods 90 patients in October 2012 to March 2014 in the standard of traditional Chinese medicine hospital of Shanghai were randomly divided into a western medicine group (omeprazole), a Chinese medicine group (Hezhong-Jianpi decoction), and a Chinese and western medicine group (Hezhong-Jianpi decoction + omeprazole), 30 cases in each group. All groups were treated for successive 8 weeks and the changes of the symptoms of integral and esophageal mucosa under gastroscope change situation were observed, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. Results After the treatment, the esophagus gastroscope integral of the western medicine group, the Chinese medicine group and the Chinese and western medicine group were all significantly improved than those before the treatment group (Z value was respectively -4.351, -4.300, -5.143, P<0.01). Total effective rate was 83.3% (25/30) in the western medicine group, 86.7% (26/30) in the Chinese medicine group, and 90.0% (27/30) in the Chinese and western medicine group, the difference among the three groups was statistically significant (χ2=6.800, P=0.030). The difference of symptoms integral of the western medicine, Chinese medicine, and Chinese and western medicine group was statistically significant (Z values are -5.482, -5.991, -6.120, respectively, P<0.01).Comparison between two groups after treatment showed only Chinese traditional medicine group and the Chinese and western medicine group was statistically significant (Z=-2.113, P=0.040). After the treatment, symptoms as heartburn (Z value -3.390, -3.882, -3.666, respectively), the acid regurgitation (Z value -4.850, -5.004, -5.722, respectively), the food regurgitation (Z value -2.791, -3.422, -2.854, respectively) in the three groups improved significantly than those before the treatment (P<0.01); The retrosternal pain improved significantly in the Chinese and western medicine group after the treatment (Z=-0.873, P=0.380). The pharyngeal foreign body sensation or pain symptoms (Z value were -2.382 and -2.724, respectively), belching symptoms (Z value were -5.074 and -5.061, respectively) in the Chinese traditional medicine group and the Chinese and western medicine group significantly improved after the treatment(P<0.05); The abdominal distension (Z value were 2.772 and -2.032, respectively), the abdominal pain (Z value were 2.26 and 2.02, respectively) in the western medicine group and the Chinese and western medicine group were significantly improved (P<0.05). Conclusion Hezhong-Jianpi decoction can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of reflux esophagitis of spleen qi deficiency, and the curative effect is similar to omeprazole. It has advantage for relieving belch and retrosternal pain. The combined therapy was more effective than either Hezhong-Jianpi or omeprazole, but no difference was showed in the improvement of esophageal gastroscopy. Key words: Esophagitis, peptic; Hezhong-Jianpi decoction; Omeprazole; Treatment outcome

Resection of a laryngeal hemangioma in an adult using an ultrasonic scalpel: A case report.

Adult laryngeal hemangioma is an extremely rare and slowly progressing vascular tumor. The present study describes the first reported case of a male with a large laryngeal hemangioma that was treated by ultrasonic scalpel. A 61-year-old male presented to our hospital with a recurrent pharyngeal foreign body sensation, without hoarseness, hemoptysis, expectoration or dyspnea. A blue-black mass was detected in the right pyriform sinus, with a morular surface and a wide pedicle positioned lateral to the right arytenoid cartilage and aryepiglottic fold under electronic laryngoscopy. Following tracheotomy under local anesthesia, right superior laryngeal artery ligation and laryngeal hemangioma resection via a lateral neck hypopharyngeal approach were performed under general anesthesia using an ultrasonic scalpel. Pathological examination verified that the tumor was a cavernous hemangioma. On day 11, subsequent to post-operative anti-inflammatory and symptomatic treatment, electronic laryngoscopy showed that the arytenoid mucosal edema had decreased and that the movement of the arytenoid was good. There was no recurrence of hemangioma during a 2-year follow-up period. Therefore, it is recommended that complete surgical resection using an ultrasonic scalpel should be considered for similar cases involving large laryngeal hemangiomas.