Posterior Cordectomy Research Articles

Applications for transoral robotic surgery in the pediatric airway.

To report preliminary experience in the utilization of transoral robotic surgical (TORS) techniques in pediatric airway surgery. Retrospective case series. A retrospective chart review was performed on all pediatric patients undergoing robotic airway surgery at a university-based children's hospital between August 2010 and December 2012. Three pediatric patients underwent robotic repair of various airway anomalies between August 2010 and December 2012. Case 1 is a 15-year-old boy with posterior glottic stenosis for which a robotic-assisted posterior cricoid split with cartilage graft placement was attempted but ultimately required conversion to an open technique. Case 2 is a 6-year-old male with Trisomy 21 who had robotic-assisted endoscopic repair of a type II laryngeal cleft, with subsequent resolution of his chronic aspiration and successful initiation of oral feeding. Case 3 is a 3-year-old female who underwent robotic-assisted left posterior cordectomy and subtotal arytenoidectomy for idiopathic bilateral vocal cord paralysis, resulting in improved Passy-Muir valve tolerance. TORS is being increasingly utilized in the field of head and neck surgery as it is frequently less invasive and often demonstrates improved outcomes compared with traditional approaches. This study details our experience utilizing TORS in the management of pediatric airway anomalies and represents one of the earliest such series in the literature. Although TORS has the potential to improve the management of pediatric airway disorders, larger, prospective studies are needed to better elucidate its feasibility and efficacy. 4.

Types and Timing of Therapy for Vocal Fold Paresis/Paralysis After Thyroidectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To perform a systematic literature review to evaluate the type and timing of therapy for vocal fold paresis/paralysis after thyroidectomy and develop a primary decision-making pathway. Meta-analysis. Four databases and one journal were searched using the key words of "thyroidectomy," "vocal cord paresis/paralysis," and "therapy." Study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tools. Data regarding type and timing of therapy were extracted from 39 articles. Odds ratios (ORs), relative risk (RR), 95% confidence interval, and heterogeneity were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationships between timing and OR/RR. Among the 13 studies investigating unilateral paresis/paralysis, five focused on early therapy (0-6 months). In these studies, the OR for clinical heterogeneity was significantly higher after neurolysis than after injection laryngoplasty and voice training (Q=17.002, I(2)=78%, P=0.000), and the RR for heterogeneity was significantly higher after injection laryngoplasty at ≥12 months than <12months (Q=9.984, I(2)=89.9%, P=0.002). In the 26 studies that investigated bilateral paresis/paralysis, the OR for heterogeneity was significantly higher for bilateral posterior cordectomy than for endolaryngeal laterofixation (Q=3.510, I(2)=71.5%, P=0.061) and laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy (Q=2.90, I(2)=65.6%, P=0.088). For unilateral vocal fold paresis/paralysis after thyroidectomy, we recommend absorbable mass injection laryngoplasty, voice training, and neurolysis during the first 12 months but laryngeal reinnervation after 12 months. For bilateral vocal fold paresis/paralysis, we recommend early laterofixation and combined laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy after 12 months.

Management of iatrogenic bilateral vocal cord paralysis by endoscopic transoral CO2 laser surgery – Report of two cases

Bilateral vocal fold paralysis is a rare condition. The commonest cause identified is mostly iatrogenic. It can be extremely debilitating for the patient who usually suffers from severe breathlessness on slightest exertion. Many of them requires a tracheostomy to maintain airway. The treatment of bilateral vocal cord palsy is a balance between phonation, airway and swallowing. Several surgical modalities have been described for cases which doesn't improve with conservative management. However transoral CO2 laser endoscopic arytenoidectomy has become the standard of management today for this condition. CO2 laser is arguably the most appropriate tool for cordectomy with the advantage of increased precision, better hemostasis and minimal tissue handling. We describe the procedure of posterior cordectomy with partial arytenoidectomy using transoral CO2 laser in two patients who were successfully managed for this condition in our centre.

Treatments for complications of tracheal sleeve resection for papillary thyroid carcinoma with tracheal invasion

To evaluate the treatment, prognosis, and complications of differentiated thyroid carcinoma with tracheal invasion. We report our outcomes from a single center using a tracheal sleeve resection. Retrospective analysis of clinicopathological data on tracheal sleeve resection in patients with thyroid cancer and accompanying tracheal invasion from January 2009 to July 2012. The postoperative complications were analyzed and the literature was reviewed. Nineteen patients with thyroid carcinoma and accompanying tracheal invasion underwent tracheal sleeve resection followed by end-to-end anastomosis. The median survival time was 22 months. Five patients (5/19) developed postoperative complications. The major complications included bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (2 cases), tracheal anastomotic stenosis (1 case), esophageal fistula (2 cases), and anastomotic dehiscence (2 cases). The treatment for these complications included partial posterior cordectomy by CO₂ laser for bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis; CO₂ laser treatment followed by postoperative external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) (20 Gy/10 times) for tracheal anastomotic stenosis, femoral anterior dissociative flap to repair esophageal fistula, and a T-tube positioned in the wound in cases of anastomotic dehiscence. Tracheal sleeve resection remain a safe option with less morbidity and perioperative complications for the management of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma accompanied by intratracheal invasion.

Chronic vocal cord palsy in Thuringia, Germany: a population-based study on epidemiology and outcome

Although surgical treatment of patients with chronic vocal cord palsy (VCP) is an integral part of clinical routine of otorhinolaryngologists, there is nearly no population-based data published on incidence and efficiency of this surgery country-wide or nation-wide. 1430 patients with chronic VCP were treated in a department of otorhinolaryngology between 2005 and 2010 in Thuringia, Germany. VCP was unilateral and bilateral in 63 and 18%, respectively. The affected side was not documented in 20%. Iatrogenic lesions of the recurrent nerve (42%) and neoplastic infiltration (27%) were the leading etiologies. 192 patients (13%) received surgical treatment. 31% of patient needed more than one surgery. The rate of surgeries was higher for bilateral VCP (p < 0.0001). Vocal cord augmentation was the most frequent surgery for unilateral VCP and posterior cordectomy for bilateral VCP. The complication rate was high (16%), but not different between unilateral and bilateral VCP (p = 0.108). The risk for tracheostomy was higher in the bilateral VCP group (p < 0.0001). Voice improvement was better after treatment of unilateral VCP (p < 0.0001). Breathing improvement was more frequent after bilateral VCP (p = 0.028). Dysphagia did not improve significantly. The rate of better voice, breathing, and swallowing function was higher in patients treated surgically than without surgery (all p < 0.0001). The rate of patients admitted for treatment of vocal fold palsy was 9.9/100,000 habitants. The surgical rate of VCP was 1.38/100,000 habitants. This population-based analysis shows that surgery for VCP is performed with higher incidence than expected effectively, but with relevant risks in daily routine of otorhinolaryngologists.

Posterior Cordectomy: How Much is Enough?

Posterior Cordectomy: How Much is Enough?

Przydatność arytenoidektomii laserowej i laterofiksacji w leczeniu obustronnego porażenia fałdów głosowych

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis is caused by the damage of both recurrent laryngeal nerves. Such a pathology is not commonplace in the ordinary medical practice. It most often occurs as a complication after the thyroid gland surgery or thyroid re-surgery. In the case of bilateral vocal cord paralysis the treatment of the patient includes performing immediate tracheotomy or one of the surgeries aiming at widening the glottis because of dyspnea caused by the upper respiratory tract obstruction on the glottis level.The comparison of efficacy and usefulness of two surgical techniques performed to widen the glottis – laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy and laterofixation.The research was carried out on the group of 57 patients suffering from bilateral vocal cord paralysis who, in the period of 1997–2009, underwent treatment in ENT Department in Zabrze Medical University of Silesia in Katowice. The first group included 36 patients who underwent laser arytenoidectomy with posterior chordectomy. The second group included 21 patients who underwent laterofixation. All of the patients treated with the laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy and laterofixation were subjected to respiratory system ventilation examinations before the procedure of widening the glottis and after the healing, at least 4 months after the surgery. Making self-evaluation, each of the patients answered a question concerning the improvement of their breathing comfort after the surgery. The patients from both groups underwent the vocal apparatus examination which included: subjective perceptive voice analysis according to GRBAS scale, videolaryngostroboscopy, evaluation of the maximum phonation time, self-evaluation survey of the post-surgical voice quality.Among 57 patients suffering from bilateral vocal cord paralysis and operated by arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy (group I) and laterofixation (group II), a subjective improvement of the comfort of living was achieved which resulted in the possibility of making more physical activities. From the first group, 35 out of 36 patients were decannulated. In the second group, both patients who had previously undergone tracheotomy were successfully decannulated. There were no statistically significant differences in the increase of selected ventilation markers between the patients who underwent laser arytenoidectomy and those who underwent laterofixation. There were no substantial discrepancies in the perceptive voice analysis in GRBAS scale between the patients after laser arytenoidectomy and those treated with the technique of laterofixation. When asked about their post-surgical voice quality, the patients of the first and the second group rated their voice as worse than before the surgery.Both surgical techniques, laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy and laterofixation, are efficient and useful in widening the glottis in the case of bilateral vocal cord paralysis. The improvement of the ventilation markers allows the growth in the comfort of living, restoration of the physiological respiratory tract and decannulation of the patients who had undergone tracheotomy. The deterioration of the voice quality is characteristic of both surgical techniques.

Posterior Cordectomy. Our Experience

ObjectiveSeveral surgical procedures have been proposed for the treatment of respiratory distress secondary to bilateral cord palsy. We performed a retrospective study of our experience in posterior cordectomy with a laser CO2, analysing the improvement of dyspnoea and voice quality after surgery. MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 13 cases (9 female, 4 male). The age range was 25–79 years. Iatrogenic post-thyroidectomy (4 cases) was the most common aetiology of bilateral laryngeal palsy in our study.We assessed the subjective improvement of respiratory function and voice quality after laser surgery using the Spanish adaptation of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). ResultsDyspnoea improved in all patients. Two cases had a worsening of dyspnoea in the immediate postoperative period and one case was successfully solved with a new surgical intervention.After surgery, most of patients suffered from mild or middle dysphonia. ConclusionsThe posterior cordectomy is an easy, safe, and effective treatment for dyspnoea secondary to bilateral laryngeal palsy, maintaining acceptable voice quality.

Transection of the Aerodigestive Tract After Blunt Neck Trauma

Survival after blunt neck trauma resulting in combined tracheal and esophageal injury is uncommon. We present the case of a young boy who sustained complete transection of the trachea and subtotal transection of the esophagus after a clothes line type injury.

Treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis following permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis is a serious illness requiring emergency intervention to resolve the potentially life-threatening respiratory distress. Several surgical procedures were proposed to help improve the airway and to eliminate the tracheostoma in those patients with permanent paralysis. All the procedures have their own advantages and disadvantages. We conducted a retrospective study of 30 patients affected by bilateral vocal cord paralysis following total thyroidectomy. All the patients underwent total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid pathology. In 26 patients (86.6%), cord paralysis occurred during the perioperative stage; and in the remaining 4 cases (13.3%), it occurred within the following 6 months. We treated all these bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis patients with arytenoidectomy alone in 5 patients and arytenoidectomy with concomitant true and false posterior cordectomy in the remaining 25 patients. Twenty-four of the 25 patients who underwent the combined procedures (96%) reported subjective respiratory improvement and were decannulated within 60 days, being able to return to their normal daily activities. This study demonstrates that arytenoidectomy associated with posterior cordectomy is a satisfactory surgical treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis because it leads to a considerable and stable enlargement of the breathing space.

Cordectomía posterior. Nuestra experiencia

ObjectiveSeveral surgical procedures have been proposed for the treatment of respiratory distress secondary to bilateral cord palsy. We performed a retrospective study of our experience in posterior cordectomy with a laser CO2, analysing the improvement of dyspnoea and voice quality after surgery. MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 13 cases (9 female, 4 male). The age range was 25-79 years. Iatrogenic post-thyroidectomy (4 cases) was the most common aetiology of bilateral laryngeal palsy in our study.We assessed the subjective improvement of respiratory function and voice quality after laser surgery using the Spanish adaptation of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). ResultsDyspnoea improved in all patients. Two cases had a worsening of dyspnoea in the immediate postoperative period and one case was successfully solved with a new surgical intervention.After surgery, most of patients suffered from mild or middle dysphonia. ConclusionsThe posterior cordectomy is an easy, safe and effective treatment for dyspnoea secondary to bilateral laryngeal palsy, maintaining acceptable voice quality.

Management of bilateral abductor palsy: Posterior cordectomy with partial arytenoidectomy, endoscopic approach using CO 2 laser

The treatment of bilateral immobile vocal cords (BAP) is a balance between phonation, airway and swallowing. Various techniques of endoscopic approach for the treatment of bilateral vocal fold immobility have been proposed and have been modified by various surgeons. Trans oral CO 2 laser endoscopic arytenoidectomy has become the most common method for its management. CO 2 laser is arguably the most appropriate tool for cordectomy with the advantage of increased precision, better hemostasis and minimal tissue handling. We describe the procedure of posterior cordectomy with partial arytenoidectomy using trans oral CO 2 laser for management of BAP. The present modality of preservation of part of shelf of arytenoid and use of laser in super pulse mode contribute to good results with minimum complication

Changes in ventilatory function following surgery for bilateral abductor paralysis

Management of bilateral vocal fold immobility continues to remain a challenge for the Otolaryngologist who attempts to create a balance between creation of an adequate airway and preservation of voice. The flow volume loop obtained by spirometry provides an ideal objective assessment tool to evaluate the results of surgery for this condition. Our experience in using peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) and forced inspiratory flow with 50% of vital capacity (FIF(50)) in the lung in assessing the results of surgery is described. Seventeen patients were included in the study. The surgical procedures performed included laser posterior cordectomy with partial arytenoidectomy, endoscopic arytenoidectomy and posterior cordectomy-Kashima's technique. Twelve out of 17 patients were successfully decannulated, a success rate of 70.6%. All patients except one showed an increase in mid-inspiratory flow rates and peak inspiratory flow rates. The mean increase in FIF(50) was 0.44 l/sec (52.6%) and the mean increase in PIFR was 0.41l/sec (39.77%). No statistically significant difference in improvement of inspiratory flow rates was observed between the three surgical procedures used in the study.

Endoscopic laser management of bilateral abductor palsy

To assess the results of endoscopic laser surgery in cases of bilateral abductor palsy on basis of respiration, preservation of voice (phonation) and swallowing. This retrospective study includes 48 patients (34 males and 14 females) from 5 years to 68 years of age at the time of intervention. 41 cases were operated with subtotal arytenoidectomy and 7 with unilateral posterior cordectomy. 32 patients were operated with tracheostomy and 16 with combination of intuabtion and jet ventilation. 29 out of 32 tracheostomised patients were decannulated (91%). Respiration was adequate for daily routine activities in most of the operated patients. Phonation was normal to near normal in 32 cases out of the operated 34 adult patients (95%). Most of the patients had normal swallowing following surgery. Subtotal arytenoidectomy with endoscopic laser surgery in cases of bilateral abductor paralysis has established its place as a preferred surgical method to obtain good respiration, phonation and swallowing. It minimizes the surgical time, hospital stay and morbidity.

Long-term results in patients after combined laser total arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy for bilateral vocal cord paralysis

The problem of ventilation efficiency after total laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy due to bilateral vocal cord paralysis is discussed. There are a number of views on the usefulness and efficacy of different surgical procedures aimed at widening the glottis, but the studies concerning the long-term functional results are still lacking. The objective of the study is to evaluate the durability of ventilation results in patients after laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy based on the comparison between the early postoperative results and those assessed after a period of 5 years. Thirty patients (24 females, 6 males) aged between 30 and 80 (mean 58.5) with bilateral vocal cord paralysis after thyroid surgery, who underwent laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy, were analyzed. Ventilation tests were performed immediately after the operation and 5 years later with Body-Master Laab (Jaeger). The actual and predicted values of FVC, FEF(25), FEF(50), FEF(75), PEF, MMEF(75/25), AREA(Ex), sR(T0T), R(T0T) were compared and analyzed. Also, the values of the inspiratory parameters FIV(1), FIF(50), PIF and the coefficients FEF(50)/FIF(50) and FIV(1)/FEV(1) were assessed. Moreover, subjective evaluation was performed based on a questionnaire. The statistical analysis reveals a significant decrease in FIV(1), FIF(50), PIF and FIV(1)/FEV(1). FEF(50)/FIF(50) and sR(T0T) (actual and predicted values) increased significantly after 5 years from the operation. However, the patients did not complain nor was this tendency reflected in their answers to the questionnaire. The probable reasons for such ventilation results are discussed. The role of phoniatric rehabilitation and the time elapsed is emphasized. In general, it can be concluded that laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy is a durable and effective procedure, although the objective assessment does not fully match the patient's subjective impression.

Tratamiento quirúrgico endoscópico con láser diodo de la parálisis laríngea en addución

AbstractSeveral surgical procedures have been proposed for the treatment of respiratory distress secondary to bilateral vocal cord paralysis. The aim of all surgical techniques used is to restore a glottic lumen sufficient to guarantee adequate breathing through the natural airway, without tracheotomy and preserving an acceptable phonatory quality. In this study we present our experience from 1998 to 2004 concerning the use of the diode contact laser for a modified Dennis-Kashima posterior endoscopic cordectomy (extended to the false homolateral chord in 3 cases and to the homolateral arytenoid vocal process in 6 cases). 18 patients (15 male, 3 female) were treated; the age range was 35-84 years. The etiology of paralysis varied: iatrogenic post-thyroidectomy and post-thoracic surgery in 5 cases (28%), post-traumatic in 2 cases (11%), secondary to a central lesion in 11 (61%). The operation was carried out with a diode contact laser (60W; 810 nm). Follow-up was 20 months. Dyspnea improved in all patients; the 9 tracheostomized patients were decannulated within 2 months after surgery. Final voice quality was subjectively good in 16 patients (88%). None of patients had any complications after surgery. In conclusion, the endoscopic posterior cordectomy performed by contact diode laser is an effective and reliable method for the treatment of dyspnea secondary to bilateral laryngeal paralysis, guaranteing a sufficient airway without impairing swallowing and maintaining acceptable voice quality.

Laser Microsurgical Bilateral Posterior Cordectomy for the Treatment of Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

We performed a prospective study to assess respiratory function and voice quality before and after laser microsurgical bilateral posterior cordectomy performed for chronic airway obstruction in patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis. In 17 patients a laser microsurgical posterior cordectomy was performed as an immediate bilateral approach. Roughness, breathiness, hoarseness, and dyspnea were evaluated both subjectively (on a scale from 0 to 3) and objectively (body plethysmography, computerized voice analysis: Göttingen Hoarseness Diagram). After laser surgery, the patients' respiratory function was significantly increased and was sufficient for all activities of daily living. The body plethysmographic measure of airway resistance had superior descriptive power and correlated significantly with the clinical degree of dyspnea (scale 0 to 3). Pretreatment and posttreatment impairment of voice quality was objectively documented with the Göttingen Hoarseness Diagram; the phonatory results measured with it correlated significantly with the subjective clinical evaluation of hoarseness. Aphonia did not occur. A bilateral approach for laser microsurgical posterior cordectomy combines excellent airway improvement and satisfactory voice preservation. In bilateral vocal fold paralysis, pretreatment and posttreatment clinical data should be evaluated by objective measures.

Simultaneous bilateral posterior cordectomy in bilateral vocal fold paralysis

The operation of simultaneous bilateral posterior cordectomy by CO2 laser was performed in 22 cases of bilateral vocal fold paralysis. The success rate was up to 92% with good airway and voice quality. The procedure is simple, cost-effective with virtually no complications. Problems related to deglutition, aspiration, or granuloma formation were not reported.

The combined endoscopic CO(2) laser posterior cordectomy and total arytenoidectomy for treatment of bilateral vocal cord paralysis.

Upper airway obstruction, because of bilateral vocal cord paralysis, presents a serious challenge to the Otolaryngologist. Various surgical techniques have been advocated for the management of patients with vocal cord paralysis. Among these techniques, the individual use of laser CO(2) arytenoidectomy and posterior cordotomy has gained wide acceptance. In this report, we describe our experience in the management of bilateral vocal cord paralysis by combining posterior partial cordotomy as described by Dennis and Kashima, with total arytenoidectomy as described by Ossoff et al. We report the long-term results in the management of 18 patients treated in our department during the last 8 years.

Local Complications after Laser Arytenoidectomy due to Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis

Summary The total laser arytenoidectomy is currently one of the most frequent endoscopic procedures in bilateral vocal cord paralysis. The laser introduction in such cases in the early eighties resulted in great advancement. However, the best method – free of complications – does not exist yet. The aim of the study was to analyse the rate, character and reasons of local complications. 40 patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis were treated in II ENT Department Silesian Medical University. All of them underwent total laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy due to persistent bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Vocal cord paralysis occurred in 38 patients after thyroidectomy and 2 cases were classified as idiopathic. Among 40 operated patients the local complications appeared in 3 of them (7,5%). After the complications were totally excised in re-operation, a histopathological analysis was done. The significant degree of inflammation responsible for prolonged healing and the appearance of granulation was shown. The presence of the tracheostomy during the healing process is suspected to be a potential reason of this complication. Also, the other factors influencing on healing process were analysed. The necessity of anti-inflammatory prevention during and after the surgery was emphasized. The only complication of laser surgery observed was granulation tissue appearence.