Posterior Cordectomy Research Articles

Endoscopic posterior ventricular cordectomy with contact diode laser: how I do it

BackgroundThe treatment of bilateral vocal fold paralysis is mainly surgical and several procedures can be used to guarantee adequate breathing. Furthermore, other causes of the narrowing of the natural airways could coexist and the treatment should consider all of them.MethodsA supraglottic extension of posterior cordectomy to the false homolateral chord is described, which provides a further widening of the airway while maintaining acceptable voice quality.ConclusionEndoscopic posterior ventricular cordectomy performed by contact diode laser may be a viable and safe option, especially in those patients who present bilateral vocal fold paralysis associated with various degrees of laryngospasm.

1023 A Case of Stridor in the Sleep Clinic

Abstract Introduction Multisystem atrophy (MSA) is a neurological degenerative progressive disease affecting multiple systems. These patients are frequently seen in the sleep clinic at specialty centers by sleep neurologists for co-management of sleep disordered breathing and nocturnal respiratory issues. Stridor is a life-threatening condition seen in these patients and requires emergent action. We present a case of MSA with worsening stridor that was missed in the era of virtual telemedicine. Report of case(s) A 53-year-old female with a history of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on BiPAP S and multiple system atrophy with parkinsonian subtype presented virtually to sleep clinic for follow up evaluation of her sleep disordered breathing. Six months prior to her visit she was noted to have bilateral vocal fold hypomobility without stridor. At that time, she had a residual apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 1.4 with BiPAP-S 16/13 cm H2O and no nocturnal stridor. She was wheelchair bound. She had routine follow up visits with various providers however these were telemedicine visits with her husband doing most of the talking due to weakness. Over the next 5 months she had worsening fatigue and was using BiPAP S during the day intermittently and was referred to the sleep medicine clinic for consideration of supplemental oxygen at night. A repeat overnight oximetry revealed residual oxygen desaturation index (ODI) of 2.5/hr while on BiPAP S. Repeat pulmonary function testing was ordered and patient was recommended to return for immediate in person follow up. When seen in person, patient was noted to have significant stridor which had been ongoing and worsening over last few months including being appreciated while on PAP therapy. Emergent same-day ENT consultation was arranged by sleep providers. Posterior cordectomy was performed shortly thereafter. The patient was scheduled for an AVAPS titration study. Conclusion In cases with progressive neuromuscular disease, stridor may be missed during virtual appointments for a variety of reasons including technical difficulties, or the virtual medium not being sensitive enough to convey stridor. This case highlights the importance of having a high index of suspicion for stridor and impending respiratory failure requiring emergent intervention in patients with neuromuscular disease. Support (if any)

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Arytenoidectomy and Posterior Cordectomy with the Use of CFD Airflow Measurements in Patients with BVFP: A Retrospective Study.

Bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) is a rare larynx disease manifested by dyspnea, which often requires surgical treatment. The aim of the study is to determine the effectiveness of unilateral arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy in the treatment of BVFP using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. This study included 33 patients with BVFP who underwent unilateral laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy. Glottis area measurements and spirometry, as well as a self-assessment of respiratory efficiency were performed before the surgery and after the recovery period. Using the CFD method, computer models of the glottis were made. Then, changes in air pressure gradient and maximum air velocity at the level of glottis were calculated, and local fields of pressure and air velocities were obtained. The values of glottal surface area (S), spirometry parameters (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory flow (PEF)), inlet air velocity at the glottal level as well as patients self-assessment of respiratory efficiency turned out to be significantly higher after the operation. The values of maximum velocity at the glottal level, pressure gradient at the glottal level turned out to be significantly lower after the surgery. We observed that the greater the increase in glottal surface area, the greater the decrease in self-assessment scales (visual analogue scale (VAS) and Medical Research Council (MRC)). Increased levels of spirometry parameters after the surgery correlated with smaller decrease of PEF-dependent pressure gradient at the glottal level (PEFΔP CFD). Unilateral laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy is an effective method for the treatment of BVFP. CFD is a useful tool to determine and visualize the effectiveness of surgical treatment in BVFP.

Initial Outcomes of Endoscopic CO2 Laser Posterior Cordectomy and Partial Arytenoidectomy Among Patients with Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis: A Case Series


 
 
 
 ABSTRACTObjective: To describe the initial outcomes of endoscopic CO2 laser posterior cordectomy and partial arytenoidectomy among patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis in our institution.
 
 
 
 
 Methods: 
 Design: Case Series
 Setting: Tertiary National University Hospital
 Participants: 17 Patients
 
 
 
 
 
 Results: Seventeen (17) patients who underwent transoral posterior cordectomy and partial arytenoidectomy using carbon dioxide laser were included in the study consisting of 14 females and 3 males. Iatrogenic injury was the most common cause of bilateral vocal cord paralysis in this subset of patients. Five patients who tolerated decannulation and another six who had no preoperative tracheostomy all reported subjective improvement in breathing. All of them were also observed to have resolution of stridor and increased respiratory comfort compared to their preoperative condition. The most common postoperative complication was granuloma formation at the medial arytenoidectomy site occurring only in 4 patients. None of the patients complained of aspiration episodes or dysphagia during the postoperative period.
 
 
 
 
 Conclusion: Our initial experience with transoral endoscopic posterior cordectomy and partial arytenoidectomy using carbon dioxide laser has good postoperative outcomes among patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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.

Laryngotracheal Stenosis: Clinical Aspects and Management Challenges

AbstractLaryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a severe condition with a high morbidity rate, described as the narrowing of the upper airway diameter. The etiology of acquired LTS is dominated by prolonged tracheal intubation. The diagnosis is based on endoscopic examination and computed tomography scan imaging providing an exact analysis of the lesion, with precise measurements.We report a descriptive retrospective review based on the analysis of the medical records of a cohort of 18 patients, treated between January 2015 and January 2018 for an acquired LTS.The results showed predominance in young males. The majority (73%) was hospitalized in a reanimation unit under tracheal intubation while the others (27%) underwent a tracheostomy. The location of the stenosis was tracheal in 69% of the patients, laryngeal in 23%, and laryngotracheal in 8%, and the degree of obstruction exceeded 70% in 11.2%. The endoscopic treatment was based on dilatation and endoluminal calibration by the Montgomery T-tube in 77.7% of our patients, circumferential resection by CO2 laser in 11.1%, and endoscopic posterior cordectomy in 11.1% of the cases. The surgical treatment relied on the resection of the stenosis followed by T-tube calibration in 61.1% of our patients, the resection with a termino-terminal anastomosis in 11%, and supraglottic partial laryngectomy in one patient. The follow-up showed major improvement in the clinical symptomatology, but the biggest challenge in LTS remains the occurrence of restenosis.LTS is a severe condition and needs to be always considered in patients with inspiratory dyspnea and a medical history of tracheal intubation. It requires exhaustive endoscopic and imaging exploration with multidisciplinary management and long-term follow-up to prevent and detect the early signs of an eventual recurrence.

Kashima Operation: An Endoscopic Phonosurgery by LASER for Bilateral Vocal Cord Palsy

Complete or partial restriction of the vocal cords usually occurs due to cancer, neurologic causes or mechanical causes like huge neck mass, trauma to the neck, viral infection, and sometimes iatrogenic during surgery. Bilateral vocal cord palsy is a severe condition that can lead to significant problems in breathing, speaking, and swallowing. If any patient presents with stridor, it requires urgent surgical airway management followed by specific treatment. A case of viral bilateral abductor vocal cord palsy in a 41-year-old female is reported here. The patient presented with stridor, and immediate tracheostomy was done. The stridor developed first 3 months earlier followed by cold and fever for a week. The stridor worsened gradually and leads to a state of commencing immediate tracheostomy. There was no history of trauma to the neck or any neck surgery. All basic laboratory blood test was within the normal limit. The laryngoscopic examination showed both vocal cords were immobile and almost median position with a small gap at the posterior commissure. Chest and neck plain X-ray along with computed tomography scan of neck was normal which ruled out the other causes of bilateral vocal cord palsy. The patient subsequently underwent successful left posterior cordectomy by laser, and decannulation of tracheostomy was done, known as Kashima operation.

Management of bilateral abductor paralysis: posterior cordectomy with partial arytenoidectomy using diode laser.

This study aims to assess the role of diode laser-assisted posterior cordectomy with partial arytenoidectomy in the management of bilateral vocal fold paralysis patients. Posterior cordectomy with partial arytenoidectomy using diode laser was performed to thirty-nine patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis. Voice was evaluated by maximal phonation time and Arabic version of the voice handicap index, while breathing difficulty was assessed by mMRC (Modified Medical Research Council) dyspnea scale. There is a statistically significant decrease in mMRC from 2.8 ± 0.645 preoperatively to 0.84 ± 0.554 postoperatively (p < 0.001). However, maximum phonation time is significantly decreased from 8.04 ± 0.978 preoperatively to 6.92 ± 0.997 postoperatively (p < 0.001); there is a statistically non-significant increase in vocal handicap index from 37.12 ± 6.26 preoperatively to 37.24 ± 6.22) postoperatively (p > 0.05). The diode laser is a viable method that should be considered for the management of bilateral vocal cord paralysis. It seems to be a very promising laser device, so we expect that new diode laser wavelengths (980nm) will continue to emerge, making it a good alternative to the CO2 laser, but with lower cost, accurate manipulation, portability, shorter duration, and simplicity of use. 4.

Methods of surgical treatment of bilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Bilateral vocal fold paralysis presents as their complete or partial immobilisation. The median or paramedian position of vocal folds contributes to the narrowing of the airway at the level of the glottis and manifests as inspiratory dyspnoea. For many years iatrogenic injury of recurrent laryngeal nerves during thyroidectomy has been viewed as the most common underlying reason. It is very often a lifethreatening condition requiring not only corticosteroid administration and intubation, which only constitute a short-term symptomatic therapy, but also surgical intervention, including tracheostomy. The most common surgical methods implemented in bilateral vocal fold paralysis include posterior cordectomy, arytenoidectomy, and, more and more commonly, re-innervation. Other techniques used in restoring airway patency include laterofixation, botulinum toxin injection, and laryngeal stimulation, which is still under research. Stem cell and gene therapy are also being researched. Notably, the main purpose of surgical treatment is the provision of airway patency with the preservation of the phonatory and protective functions of the larynx.

Body plethysmography for measuring airway resistance in patients with bilateral vocal fold immobility

ObjectiveThis study investigated the reliability of body plethysmography in comparison to spirometry in objectively measuring upper airway functions. MethodsThe study population consisted of 53 participants, 23 patients with BVFI after endolaryngeal laser posterior cordectomy and 30 healthy volunteers. All of them had body plethysmography (airway resistance, Raw), spirometry (ratio of forced expiratory flow at 50% to forced inspiratory flow at 50%, FEF50/FIF50 and peak inspiratory flow, PIF), 6 min-walking-test (6MWT) and Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale measurements. The tests were repeated and reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation (ICC) and Spearman correlation. ResultsThe reliability of Raw was high with ICC of 0.92, comparable to the spirometry measurements: FEF50/FIF50(ICC = 0.72) and PIF (ICC = 0.97). The mean of Raw was significantly higher in patient group. A strong significant correlation between Raw and MRC dyspnea scale (r = 0.79; p<0.05) and a moderate negative correlation between Raw and 6MWT (r = 0.4; p<0.05) was demonstrated. ConclusionBody plethysmography (Raw) is a reliable tool in objective measurement of upper airway resistance that reflects the patient's perception of breathlessness. A larger number of participants are necessary to confirm this finding.

Paediatric Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis: Our Experience

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP) is the second most common cause of neonatal stridor. The aim of this study was to describe the demographic features, aetiology, comorbidities, and management of our patients with BVCP. Material and methodsWe conducted a retrospective review of the clinical charts of all patients diagnosed with BVCP seen at the Department of Respiratory Endoscopy between 2011 and 2015. Results47 patients were included. Mean age at diagnosis was 1 month and male sex predominated (63%). The aetiology was congenital in 59% and acquired in 41% of the infants. The cause was most frequently idiopathic in the former group and secondary to postoperative injury in the latter. Overall, 42 patients (89%) required tracheostomy, without statistically significant differences between the causes. Of all the patients, 39% regained vocal-cord mobility; 44% of those with congenital BVCP, 31% of those with acquired BVCP and 62.5% with idiopathic BVCP. In five patients a laryngotracheoplasty was performed with a posterior costal cartilage graft and one underwent posterior cordectomy. All were decannulated. In one patient vocal-cord lateralisation was performed, avoiding tracheostomy. ConclusionBVCP was most commonly of congenital cause and was mainly idiopathic within this group of patients, with a slight male preponderance. A high percentage of patients required tracheostomy. A higher recovery rate of vocal-cord mobility was observed in idiopathic BVCP, which allowed for successful decannulation. In this series, decannulation was possible in all patients that underwent surgery; however, further studies with comparison of techniques and objective assessment of swallowing and phonation are necessary.

Parálisis bilateral de cuerdas vocales en pediatría: nuestra experiencia

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP) is the second most common cause of neonatal stridor. The aim of this study was to describe the demographic features, aetiology, comorbidities, and management of our patients with BVCP. Material and methodsWe conducted a retrospective review of the clinical charts of all patients diagnosed with BVCP seen at the Department of Respiratory Endoscopy between 2011 and 2015. Results47 patients were included. Mean age at diagnosis was 1 month and male sex predominated (63%). The aetiology was congenital in 59% and acquired in 41% of the infants. The cause was most frequently idiopathic in the former group and secondary to postoperative injury in the latter. Overall, 42 patients (89%) required tracheostomy, without statistically significant differences between the causes. Of all the patients, 39% regained vocal-cord mobility; 44% of those with congenital BVCP, 31% of those with acquired BVCP and 62.5% with idiopathic BVCP. In five patients a laryngotracheoplasty was performed with a posterior costal cartilage graft and one underwent posterior cordectomy. All were decannulated. In one patient vocal-cord lateralization was performed, avoiding tracheostomy. ConclusionBVCP was most commonly of congenital cause and was mainly idiopathic within this group of patients, with a slight male preponderance. A high percentage of patients required tracheostomy. A higher recovery rate of vocal-cord mobility was observed in idiopathic BVCP, which allowed for successful decannulation. In this series, decannulation was possible in all patients that underwent surgery; however, further studies with comparison of techniques and objective assessment of swallowing and phonation are necessary.

Outcomes of CO2 laser-assisted posterior cordectomy in bilateral vocal cord paralysis in 132 cases

The purpose of the study was to assess the role of laser-assisted posterior cordectomy in the management of patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis. We aimed an analysis of 132 consecutive patients treated by CO2 laser posterior cordectomy, aged 38–91, 31% tracheotomized on admission. Cordectomy was performed under microlaryngoscopy using CO2 laser (Lumenis AcuPulse 40 CO2 laser, wavelength 10.6 μm, Lumenis Ltd., Yokneam, Israel). We looked at the number of laser glottic procedures necessary to achieve decannulation in tracheotomized patients and to achieve respiratory comfort in non-tracheotomized subjects and we evaluated the two groups for differences in patient characteristics. In tracheotomized patients, we also assessed factors affecting the success of decannulation and we evaluated the impact of tracheotomy on patients’ lives. Decannulation was performed in 63% of tracheotomized patients. In terms of the number of procedures, 54% (14), 19% (5), and 27% (7) tracheotomized vs. 74% (61), 24% (20), and 2% (2) non-tracheotomized subjects underwent one, two, or three procedures, respectively. In the group of tracheotomized patients who were successfully decannulated, the number of multiple laser-assisted procedures was significantly higher than in the group of non-tracheotomized subjects with respiratory comfort after treatment (p = 0.04). Advanced age (> 66 years), comorbidities (diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)), multiple thyroid surgeries, and tracheotomy below the cricoid cartilage were found to decrease the likelihood of successful decannulation. Posterior cordectomy is a simple method allowing for airway improvement and decannulation in patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis. It is less effective in tracheotomized subjects with diabetes or GERD, older than 66 years old, after two or more thyroidectomies.

The quality of voice and speech before and after surgical treatment of bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis

Introduction. Bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis usually occurs after thyroid surgery. In bilateral vocal cord paralysis, the voice is clear or slightly hoarse. The aim of this study was to determine whether the quality of voice and speech significantly deteriorates after the surgical treatment of bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. Material and Methods. The study included 16 patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis and 16 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The patients underwent partial arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy at the Clinical Center of Vojvodina in the period from January to April 2014. The quality of voice and speech was determined before and after surgical treatment by subjective, objective, aerodynamic voice analysis, and analysis of spontaneous speech, and then compared to the control group. Results. The results of this study showed that in patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis the voice and speech quality was significantly worse compared to the healthy subjects. The results of subjective and aerodynamic analysis showed that there was a statistically significant deterioration in voice quality after the surgical treatment (p&lt;0.05; p=0.001). The values of objective analysis and analysis of spontaneous speech parameters did not significantly change after the surgery (p&gt;0.05; p=0.401). Conclusion. The patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis have a poorer voice and speech quality compared to the healthy subjects. After the surgical treatment, patients presented with a lower voice quality, but there were no significant changes regarding the ability of spontaneous speech.

Cordectomía posterior en el tratamiento de la parálisis bilateral de cuerdas vocales. ¿Debe ser la edad una limitación en su indicación?

Introduction and objective: Bilateral vocal cord paralysis is a rare but potentially lethal condition. The objective of this retrospective study is to evaluate the results obtained with the technique of endoscopic CO2 laser posterior cordectomy and comparatively assess whether there is a higher risk of complications in patients older than 70 years. Methods: 18 consecutive patients classified in group A (under 70 years, 10 patients) and group B (over 70 years, 8 patients). Results: Good respiratory outcome in 94% of patients with a revision rate of 6% was obtained. The incidence of dysphonia and rehabilitation swallowing maneuvers was higher in the group B. Conclusions: Posterior cordectomy is a good treatment in bilateral laryngeal paralysis patients. We have to keep in mind those patients over 70 years must be evaluated in a specific way because they have a greater risk of aspiration.

Coblation-assisted management of pediatric airway stenosis

ObjectivesThe treatment of pediatric airway stenosis represents a major challenge for the otolaryngologist. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of bipolar radiofrequency plasma ablation (Coblation) in the treatment of pediatric airway stenosis. Study designRetrospective case series. Tertiary care pediatric academic medical center. MethodsThe medical records of 6 pediatric patients at Cohen Children's Medical Center from July 2009 to December 2015 were reviewed. All cases involved the use of radiofrequency plasma ablation to address airway stenosis. Patient presentation, surgical intervention(s), post-operative course and complications were analyzed. ResultsAll 6 cases involved pediatric airway stenosis, including glottic stenosis (2), bilateral vocal fold immobility (2), and intratracheal lesions (2). Coblation was used to perform a range of different procedures, including removal of scar/granulation tissue, partial arytenoidectomy, and posterior cordectomy. All patients experienced good results without major complications, perioperative, or post-operative sequellae. ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that radiofrequency plasma ablation may be an effective endoscopic tool for the treatment of pediatric airway stenosis. Further study and more patients are required as this technique becomes increasingly applied.

A Ten-Year Kuala Lumpur Review on Laser Posterior Cordectomy for Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility.

Bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) is commonly caused by injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and leads to stridor and dyspnea of varying onsets. A retrospective study was done at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre on laser microsurgical posterior cordectomy for BVFI. The objectives were to identify the average duration of onset of stridor from the time of insult and to evaluate the outcome of laser posterior cordectomy as a surgical option. From 1997 to 2007, a total of 31 patients with BVFI were referred for surgery. Twelve patients had tracheostomy done prior to the procedure, whereas 19 patients were without tracheostomy. Ten patients were successfully decannulated, and only 4 patients had complications related to the procedure. The minimum onset of stridor was 7 months, maximum onset of stridor was 28 years, and the mean onset of stridor was 8.7 years. The commonest complication observed was posterior glottic adhesion following bilateral posterior cordectomy. Laser endolaryngeal posterior cordectomy is an excellent surgical option as it enables successful decannulation or avoidance of tracheostomy in patients with BVFI. The onset of stridor took years after the insult to the recurrent laryngeal nerves.

Surgical management of bilateral abductor vocal cord paralysis using Coblation technology

Objective: Management of bilateral abductor paralysis of vocal folds often poses a surgical challenge. Among various surgical modalities, surgical transaction/excision of posterior aspect of the vocal folds is an established modality. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the technique using Coblation technology. Study Design: This was a retrospective review. Setting: This study was conducted in a tertiary health care center. Materials and Methods: Fourteen consecutive patients meeting inclusion criterion undergoing posterior cordectomy using Coblator were included in this study. Preoperative subjective voice analysis was done and compared with measurements at 6 months postprocedure. Parameters studied included voice handicap index (VHI), the need for repeat procedures, effect of decannulation, and subjective improvement in respiratory distress. Results: There was a significant improvement in the airway as adjudged by the postoperative subjective improvement in respiratory distress (in 2 nontracheostomized patients) and uneventful decannulation (in 12 tracheostomized patients). However, the postoperative VHI scores showed no statistically significant difference with the preoperative assessment. One of the patients required the procedure to be repeated owing to recurrence of respiratory distress. No untoward incident was reported in any of the surgical procedures. Conclusion: Posterior cordectomy using a Coblator offers a safe and efficacious option for the management of compromised airway secondary to bilateral abductor paralysis of vocal folds. It offers a significant airway improvement without any significant effect on voice.

Diagnosis and management with botulinum toxin in 11 cases of laryngeal synkinesis.

Laryngeal synkinesis is a vocal fold movement disorder produced by a misdirected reinnervation after a recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Its symptoms differ greatly between patients, requiring diverse therapeutical approaches. We aim to describe our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of different laryngeal synkinesis presentations. 11 patients diagnosed between 2011 and 2014 in a tertiary referral center with laryngeal synkinesis confirmed by laryngeal electromyography were included in our study. All medical records and laryngoscopic and electromyographic data were reviewed retrospectively. Four patients had previous unilateral vocal fold palsy and seven had a bilateral palsy with different degrees of clinical involvement. All of them showed paradoxical movements during inhalation in videofibrolaryngoscopic examination. Laryngeal electromyography confirmed the diagnosis of laryngeal synkinesis. Dyspnea was the main presentation symptom. Three patients with mild symptoms were not treated. Patients with unilateral vocal fold immobility were successfully treated with periodic botulinum toxin injections. Patients with bilateral immobility had a good initial response to botulinum toxin, although in some of them, a posterior cordectomy had to be finally performed. In conclusion, laryngeal synkinesis is a heterogeneous clinic entity that appears in patients with unilateral or bilateral vocal fold paralysis. Videofibrolaryngoscopy and laryngeal electromyography are essential to a correct diagnosis. Botulinum toxin injections are the main treatment for symptomatic cases, even if in bilateral palsy cases more aggressive treatments are often required.

Potential Advantages of a Single-Port, Operator-Controlled Flexible Endoscope System for Transoral Surgery of the Larynx.

Transoral surgery of the larynx is commonly performed with a rigid laryngoscope, a microscope, and a laser. We investigated the potential utility of a flexible, single-port, robot-assisted and physician-controlled endoscopic system to enable easy, transoral surgical access to the larynx. Transoral laryngeal surgery was performed in human cadavers (n = 4) using the Flex System and compatible flexible instruments. Anatomical landmarks were identified, and mock surgical procedures were performed. Standard laryngeal surgical procedures were completed successfully in a human cadaver model. The built-in HD digital camera enabled high-quality visualization of the larynx. Epiglottectomy, as well as posterior cordectomy, were performed by laser and radio-frequency resection. The flexible design of the compatible tools enabled a nontraumatic approach. The Flex System has the potential to improve surgical access to the larynx, especially in patients with challenging anatomy. The associated flexible instruments enabled completion of surgical procedures in the larynx in a human cadaveric model. Further clinical studies, as well as the development of supplemental technology and tools, are recommended for future clinical applications.